Obesity
Obesity
Obesity is a common problem in the UK, and it is estimated to affect around 1 in 4 adults.1 Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 can be considered obese; however, BMI is not always the best indicator as those who are of very muscular build can also have a high BMI.1
Waist measurements can be a better indicator of excess body fat. Men with a waist size of 94cm or above (90cm if of African Caribbean, South Asian, Chinese or Japanese origin) and women with a waist size of 80cm or above are more likely to develop obesity-related health problems.2
Why is obesity an issue?
Obesity can lead to an increased risk of a number of serious health conditions.1 It can affect quality of life and contribute to the development of mental health issues, such as depression, low self-esteem and poor body image.
Which of these conditions can be linked to obesity?
Click on the options below to answer
- Type 2 diabetes
- Some types of cancer, such as breast cancer and bowel cancer
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Reduced fertility
All of these conditions and more are linked to obesity. Obesity costs the NHS £6 billion annually.3
Weight loss
Losing weight is often simplified to reducing calorie intake and increasing activity (calorie usage) to put the body in calorie deficit. However, for some individuals other factors may also come into play. Some people may have a genetic disposition or hormone imbalance that affects their ability to lose weight. Factors such as day-to-day stress and quality of sleep can also affect weight.4
If diet, exercise and behavioural changes have not been sufficient to reduce a person’s weight, there are medicines that can be considered for use alongside these measures. Prescribing of some medicines for weight loss can be restricted within the NHS and there can be waiting lists to access treatment, so some customers may choose to pay for a private service to receive a medicine to help with their weight loss.