Obesity: The silent killer

National Obesity Week - 15 October to 19 October 2010

With 29% of men and 56% of women classified as being overweight, obesity and its associated health problems are becoming an increasingly important health challenge to South Africa. Obesity is associated with diseases such as diabetes and heart disease and is often known as the silent killer. For an overweight individual losing weight has many health benefits and can even be life saving.

National Obesity Week is held 15 October - 19 October and aims to improve awareness of obesity. As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with some information on obesity and how to overcome it.

It is important to recognise that obesity and being overweight can be very dangerous to one's health. Many South Africans are unaware of the dangers of being overweight and are eating themselves into ill health. Even our children are becoming obese, which can expose them to a number of health risks when they get older. It has been estimated that 1 in 5 South African children is either overweight or obese.

Being overweight is, as the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa points out, usually the result of an energy imbalance where one's energy intake has been greater than the energy use over a period of a number of years. This is generally caused by eating too much of the wrong types of food and a lack of exercise. The Foundation points out that there can be a number of factors associated with obesity:

• Eating too much of the wrong types of food (take-aways, animal fats etc);
• A lack of exercise and physical activity;
• A family history (if parents are overweight children often follow their lead);
• Pregnancy (the more pregnancies a woman has the more likely she will put on weight); and
• Negative emotions can cause some individuals to eat in order to comfort themselves.

If you thought that it was safe to be overweight, think again. The Heart and Stroke Foundation says that being overweight can increase an individual's risk of developing the following health problems:

• Heart disease (extra weight puts strain on the heart);
• High cholesterol levels, which can increase the danger of heart attack and stroke
• Diabetes;
• Certain cancers;
• Arthritis;
• Gallstones;
• Sleep apnoea,
• Slower healing and increased susceptibility to infections; and
• Psychological problems (the obese person may feel very insecure about their weight).

Excessive weight increases one's blood pressure and puts strain on the heart increasing the risk of heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks. It also increases the probability of angina-related chest pains and sudden fatal heart attacks. Overweight individuals also often have diets that are high in unhealthy animal fats, which can cause an increase in cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Type II diabetes is becoming ever more prevalent in South Africa as the numbers of overweight individuals increases. This is because diabetes is often associated with obesity; individuals with a wide stomach girth are particularly at risk of developing the illness. 

All is not doom and gloom for overweight individuals, however. Even small losses in weight can have great health benefits. With 150 minutes of exercise a week and a reduction of between 5 % and 7% of your body fat, you can lower your risk of developing diabetes by 58% - or more than half. Losing between 5% and 10% of your weight and getting some exercise can also substantially lower your risk of heart disease and cancer.

There are a number of diets advertised, but avoid anything that promises a quick-fix solution. Rather see a dietician who can give you sound advice on how you can most effectively lose weight. What is required is changes to your lifestyle rather than a fad diet that is unlikely to offer a long-term solution. The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends the following lifestyle changes for those who want to lose weight:

• Exercise regularly;
• Increase your intake of fibre, which makes your stomach feel fuller for longer than many other foods. Eat whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats etc;
• Eat at least five portions of vegetables and fruit daily;
• Use healthier cooking methods such as steaming, boiling and grilling. Try to limit the amount of frying you do.
• Limit the amounts of extra fats such as butter, cream, mayonnaise, dressings and oil
• Limit your salt intake because salt makes your body retain water; and 
• Drink between six and eight glass of water every day.

For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send an SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

References
1. ‘Obesity - the silent killer', The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA, www.heartfoundation.co.za.
2. ‘Search your way to a healthy heart', The Hear and Stroke Foundation SA, www.heartfoundation.co.za/health/weightloss.htm.
3. ‘The dangers of being overweight', Ananzi.co.za, www.ananzimen.co.za
4. ‘The dangers of childhood obesity', Die Kwêvoël, www.kwevoel.co.za.