Obesity and overweight are conditions in which weight gain (predominantly fat) has reached the point of endangering health. The number of people who are overweight and obese has increased rapidly over the past two decades in the developed world and it has been described by the World Health Organization as ‘a global epidemic’ (WHO, 1998). Since 1980 the prevalence of obesity has nearly trebled in the UK and is continuing to increase.
Overweight and obesity ranges are commonly assessed by using Body Mass Index (BMI) as shown in the chart below. A person’s weight in kgs is divided by the square of their height in metres (kg/m2). Overweight is classified as BMI 25 – 29.9 and obese as BMI 30+.
Health Implications
The concerns about overweight & obesity are directly related to the known associations they have with chronic ill health and premature death. There is a greatly increased risk of:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Gallbladder disease
- High cholesterol
- Breathlessness and sleep apnoea
A moderately increased risk of:
- Coronary heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
And a slightly increased risk of;
- Cancer (colon, breast in postmenopausal women & womb)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Impaired fertility
- Low back pain
- Anaesthetic risk
- Foetal defects associated with maternal obesity
(Lightening the Load - National Heart Forum & Faculty of Public Health, 2007)
Facts and Figures
The latest figures show that 58% of adults now classified as overweight or obese, and Merthyr Tydfil is now equal 19th worst Unitary Authority in Wales.
There is presently no local data on childhood overweight and obesity; however in both the 13 and 15 year old age groups Wales has a higher proportion of pre-obese children than England and Scotland.
Action
An integrated approach to promoting physical activity and healthy eating is proposed in the national strategy ‘Food & Fitness: Promoting healthy eating and physical activity for children and young people in Wales’ and locally in the local Nutrition & Active Living action plans [add link to local documents].