UNDERSTANDING OBESITY

What causes obesity?

Obesity is a serious disease with symptoms that build slowly over an extended period of time. The causes of morbid obesity are multiple and complex. It is not simply a result of overeating. Research has shown that, significant underlying causes of morbid obesity are genetic, environmental, and social. Studies have demonstrated that efforts such as dieting and exercise programs have a limited ability to provide effective long-term relief.

 

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

BMI calculates the relationship between a person’s height and weight. Obesity is defined as having a BMI greater than 30. Calculate your BMI.

 

Why is obesity serious?

Obesity interferes with basic physical functions such as breathing or walking. In addition, obesity can lead to serious long-term implications including shorter life expectancy and serious health consequences in the form of weight-related conditions leading to the potential of a lower quality of life.

 

There are many health conditions related to morbid obesity, but some of the most common are:

- Type 2 diabetes, which can lead to heart disease, kidney failure and blindness

- Heart disease and high cholesterol leading to heart attack  and angina

- High blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and blindness

- Obstructive sleep apnoea, leading to lethargy and tiredness during the day and  has been associated with high blood pressure

- Acid reflux/Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease, which can lead to irritation of the oesophagus (oesophagitis) and potentially a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus or oesophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma)

- Cancers

- Depression

- Osteoarthritis and joint pain, which can lead to difficulty walking

- Stress urinary incontinence

- Female reproductive health disorders, which can lead to infertility and sexual dysfunction

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