Weight Loss

Obesity

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Obesity is a major problem in the developed world and if you are one of the 1 in 4 people who are clinically obese in the UK, you will probably be familiar with the challenges involved in reaching a healthy weight. A report on tackling obesity published in 2007, stated that if no action is taken, by 2050 a staggering 60% of men and 50% of women will be obese. This will have a significant impact on the health of the nation and on the length and quality of life.

Obesity is measured by looking at an individual’s Body Mass Index (BMI). This is a calculation which takes a person’s weight in kilograms and divides it by the square of their height in meters. A normal BMI is between 18 and 25. Between 25 and 29.9 a person is overweight and over 30 obese. Being obese can increase the risk of type-2 diabetes, heart and liver disease and some cancers.

Check your BMI on the chart below or download our BMI Chart.

Causes of Obesity

The main cause of obesity is remarkably straightforward – if we consume more calories than we use up in a day, the excess is stored as fat. In many cases, hereditary, environmental and social factors also contribute but the end result is still the same – it’s far easier to put weight on than it is to take it off again. A reduction in the calories consumed and an increase in the amount of activity a person does will help the weight to come off but there are also a number of treatment options which can help this process, from over-the-counter and herbal products to prescribed medication and even weight-loss surgery in the more extreme cases.

Treatment of Obesity

Lifestyle

Eat less and do more – it’s not rocket science, but with the demands and pressures of modern living it’s a lot easier said than done. If you have decided to do something about your weight and reduce your BMI, you’ve taken the first step to a slimmer, healthier you. Your excess weight has probably crept on over a number of months or even years and it’s going to take time to lose it. Taking your time and losing weight steadily is the best way of keeping it off for good. Make small changes at first such as eating more fruit and vegetables and less saturated fats and processed foods and walking instead of using the car – and you’ll soon see results.

For more information on healthy eating and a healthier lifestyle ask your doctor or visit:

www.nhs.uk/livewell/loseweight

Medication

There is a bewildering range of products and treatments available which claim to aid weight loss if combined with a lower calorie diet and more active lifestyle. However for many of these products, the claims are unsubstantiated and are not backed up by scientific evidence. Many of the products do not add any additional benefit over diet and exercise alone. Some products available over the internet may not be genuine and may also have dangerous side-effects and you should always consult your GP before taking any additional medication.

In the UK, the prescription medicine Xenical, is available to help support weight loss for people whose BMI is over 30 or for people with a BMI over 27 where other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes are present.