Tackling obesity
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The simplest and most widely recognised definition of obesity is in terms of BMI. Obesity is when a person is carrying too much body fat for their height and sex. A person is considered obese if they have a body mass index (click on link to be forwarded to BMI calculator) of 30 or greater.
Underweight |
Healthy Weight |
Overweight |
Very Overweight (Obese) |
|---|---|---|---|
18.5 and below |
18.5-24.9 |
25.0-29.9 |
30 and above |
In its simplest form, obesity is caused by an imbalance of energy. In order to maintain a healthy weight, energy consumed through food and drink needs to balance with the amount of energy expended by the body in daily activities, physical activity and sport and exercise. The disease can develop when the more energy is repeatedly consumed than the total amount of energy burnt off or used. In reality, obesity is a much more complex and heterogonous disease, arising through the interaction of metabolic, genetic, behavioural and environmental factors.
The social and environmental changes that have occurred over the last few decades are thought to explain the increase in the prevalence of obesity. Advances in technology also play a major part in the rise in obesity prevalence, with the average person far less active less active than in the past.
Key facts
- In 2008, (the latest year with available figures) nearly a quarter of adults (over 16 years of age) in England were obese (had a BMI over 30). Just under a third of women, 32%, were overweight (a BMI of 25-30), and 42% of men were overweight.
- Amongst children (2-15 years of age), one in six boys and one in seven girls in England were obese in 2008. The number of overweight children was also around one in seven.
- The number of overweight and obese people is likely to increase. The Foresight report, a scientific report used to guide government policy, has predicted that by 2025, nearly half of men and over a third of women will be obese.
- Obesity can cause a number of health problems, such as type 2 diabetes (a condition caused by too much glucose in the blood), and heart disease (when the heart’s blood supply is blocked).
- Being overweight or obese can also shorten life expectancy (how long a person should live). In obese adults over 40 years of age, obesity can shorten life expectancy by 6-7 years.
Obesity is treated by losing weight, which we recommend is achieved through a healthy, calorie-controlled diet and increased exercise. The lifestyle changes necessary for long-term weight loss can be challenging to achieve, but there is a wide range of support available.
Useful websites
www.nhs.uk
www.nhs.uk/change4life
www.noo.org.uk
www.nationalobesityforum.org.uk
www.obesitylearningcentre-nhf.org.uk
Tackling obesity in Bedfordshire: Our strategy
Levels of overweight and obesity have been rising across the western world. While obesity levels in Bedfordshire are slightly better than the England average, it is essential that we reduce current levels to improve the health and wellbeing of our population.
The consequences of overweight and obesity presently cost NHS Bedfordshire more than £100m every year and so our strategy, Healthy Weight in Bedfordshire, identifies how we will work with our partners to prevent and manage overweight and obesity.
What support/ service is available?
You’re GP or practice nurse can offer advice and support for patients wanting to change their diet. This can be to improve their general health, lose weight or improve a health condition (i.e. diabetes).
The Nutrition and Dietetics Department’s at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital and Bedford Hospital offer a number of services to help people at higher risk. Referrals to this service should be made through your GP practice.
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