10 facts about obesity
In this article we will describe 10 facts about obesity.
The term ‘obese’ describes a person who is very overweight, with a lot of body fat.
1. Prevalence
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally and in the UK. In the UK, it is estimated that around 1 in every 4 adults, and around 1 in every 5 children aged 10 to 11, are living with obesity.
Childhood obesity
The rate of childhood obesity has been rising. In 2020, 39 million children under 5 years were overweight or obese. Childhood obesity often leads to obesity in adulthood, and is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic diseases at a younger age.
2. Health risks
Obesity significantly increases the risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
- Infertility
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, or NASH)
- Certain cancers (e.g. breast, bowel)
- Mental health issues (e.g. depression, low self-esteem)
- Musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis – leading to hip and knee replacements.
3. Definition
- Body mass index (BMI) – is commonly used to assess weight. For adults:
- Overweight: BMI ≥ 25
- Obese: BMI ≥ 30
- Severely obese: BMI ≥ 40
Note: different thresholds apply to certain ethnic backgrounds.
- Waist-to-height ratio. Another measure of excess fat, especially for those with a BMI under 35. A ratio of 0.5 or higher indicates increased health risks.
4. Causes
Obesity is generally caused by consuming more calories – particularly those in fatty and sugary foods – than you need (and can burn off through physical activity). The excess energy is stored by the body as fat.
Obesity is an increasingly common problem because for many people, modern living involves eating excessive amounts of cheap, high-calorie food; and spending a lot of time sitting down, at desks, on sofas or in cars.
There are also some underlying health conditions that can occasionally contribute to weight gain, such as an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism); although these type of conditions do not usually cause weight problems if they are effectively controlled with medication.
5. Genetic factors
While lifestyle choices play a significant role, genetics can also influence a person’s susceptibility to obesity. Certain genes can affect how fat is stored and distributed in the body, and how efficiently food is converted into energy.
6. Environmental factors
Environment factors significantly influences obesity rates. Factors such as urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, lack of sleep, medication (e.g. steroids), availability of high-calorie foods, and limited access to healthy foods contribute to the obesity epidemic.
7. Psychological impact
Obesity can have a profound effect on mental health. It is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Stigma and discrimination against obese individuals can exacerbate these conditions.
8. Preventive measures
Preventing obesity involves a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavioural changes. Public health initiatives aim to promote healthier lifestyles and create an environment that support healthy choices.
9. Treatment options
Obesity treatment can include lifestyle changes, medications; and in severe cases, bariatric surgery. Multidisciplinary approaches, involving dietitians, psychologists, and medical professionals, often yield the best outcomes.
10. Global disparities
Obesity rates vary significantly across different regions and populations.
Prevalence varies by region, from 31% in the WHO South-East Asia Region to 67% in the Region of the Americas.
While high-income countries tend to have higher obesity rates, low- and middle-income countries are experiencing rapid increases in obesity due to changes in diet and physical activity patterns.
Economic impact
The economic impact of obesity is substantial, contributing to higher healthcare costs and loss of productivity. In the U.S. alone, obesity-related healthcare costs are estimated to be over $190 billion annually.
Summary
We have described 10 facts about obesity. We hope it has been helpful.
Other resources
Obesity (NHS England)
Obesity (NHS Scotland)
