According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has more than doubled worldwide from 1980 to 2014. Obesity and overweight affects around 1.9 billion adults (18 years and older), and health experts are regarding it as a global public health epidemic in both the developed and developing worlds. Joining the US and China in the top-10 of obese nations are Mexico, Indonesia, Pakistan and Egypt.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, obesity in South Africa is reaching what some medical experts term pandemic proportions. South Africa tips the scales with 50% of adults being considered overweight including obese (42% of women and 13% of men); and in children and adolescents under the age of 20, 26% of girls and 19% of boys are overweight, including obese.
What is obesity?
“Obesity is commonly measured using an individual’s weight-to-height proportion or body mass index (BMI),” explains registered dietitian Gabriel Eksteen from the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA).
According to the WHO, a BMI of 25 and above is an indication of overweight, and 30 and above of obesity, although this may not always be accurate in those with a below or above average muscle mass. More advanced body-fat percentage tests may be used, but measuring waist circumference is reliable and easy. “A circumference around the belly button of above 88cm in women and above 102cm in men is an indication of abdominal obesity,” Eksteen explains.
Why is obesity a problem?
Obesity is associated with a number of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure, joint conditions, kidney disease and certain cancers.
A study published in The Lancet in May 2014* includes the startling findings that obesity and overweight were estimated to have caused 3.4 million deaths in 2010, most of which were from cardiovascular (heart) causes. Research indicates that if left unchecked, the rise of obesity could lead to the future decline of life expectancy.
We live in an 'obesogenic environment'
Wider food choices, larger portions, less physical activity, less active leisure time and mindless eating while engaged in sedentary activities have thrown out the energy intake-output ratio and hence lead to obesity. We eat out more, we’re eating more prepared, ‘on-the-go’ and processed foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat, we’re not watching portion sizes, and not eating enough of a variety of foods. In addition, more complex social issues (including malnutrition and poverty) play a role as being overweight is seen as a sign of prosperity and, ironically, of health.
“The WHO reports the fastest growth of obesity occurring in the African region, with childhood overweight and obesity more than doubling from 1990 to 2013,” explains Eksteen. In its 2016 report for World Obesity Day, the HSFSA cautions that if child obesity in South Africa continues to increase at it current rate, 3.91 million school children will be overweight or obese by 2025.
“We’re living in what is known as an obesogenic environment,” Eksteen says. “Our surroundings make obesity the easiest consequence, and children are the most vulnerable. A mother’s weight pre-pregnancy, pregnancy weight gain, the type of milk feeding and weaning foods all play a role in their child’s weight. Thereafter, a child’s eating preferences are shaped by their parents’ behaviour as well as their environment.”
In addition, obese children are more likely to become obese adults, will be inclined to develop chronic lifestyle diseases earlier in life, and are more vulnerable to stigmatisation by society.
How to tackle obesity
The Department of Health has set out a strategy for reducing the percentage of people who are obese or overweight by 10%, to increase physical activity by 10%, and reduce alcohol consumption by 20% by the year 2020. “A multi-pronged approach is needed to achieve this,” says Eksteen, “and includes appropriate legislation, making physical activity more accessible, cooperation from food manufacturers, and education and awareness campaigns regarding the health risks of obesity.”
Ultimately though, healthy food choices for you and your family begin at home. Parents are the gatekeepers, Eksteen says. “Start by introducing a variety of healthy foods and different textures to your child as early as possible. Teach your children to discriminate between everyday nutritional foods and those that are eaten occasionally, such as treats and takeaways. Once a decision has been made to lose weight, develop a strategy to achieve this goal, ensuring the changes you make to your diet and physical activity choices are sustainable in the long term.”
If you’re concerned about obesity, visit your GP or dietician for advice or to discuss a weight-loss programme. Always consult with your GP before embarking on an exercise plan.
For more information, visit www.heartfoundation.co.za or call the Heart and Stroke Health Line on 0860 1 HEART (43278).
*’Global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults during 1980–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013’, conducted by researchers led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington.
How Clicks Clinics can help you manage your weight
Clicks Clinics will help you manage your weight loss and identify and manage your risk of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes with their wide range of screening tests and health assessments.
These include:
- Clicks Full Basic Screening (BP, Body Mass Index or BMI, meal guide and exercise plan)
- Clicks Screening Measurements only (BP and BMI)
- Clicks Comprehensive Screening (BP, BMI, Glucose and Cholesterol screening, plus meal and exercise plan).
- Total Lean Lifestyle Programme
To make an appointment at a Clicks Clinic, call 0860 254 257 or book online at Clicks Clinics.
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