Health Risks of Obesity: What You Need to Know
Understanding Obesity
Obesity is a major health concern in the UK, affecting millions of adults and children nationwide. And did you know that just over a quarter of adults and just under a quarter of children aged 10-11 years in England are currently living with obesity? These numbers make for shocking reading, and are not expected to improve any time soon.
Obesity is a complex issue with a number of causes and whilst the excess weight is almost always the result of consuming more calories, particularly from high-fat and high-sugar foods, than your body uses, other factors including underlying health conditions, genetic traits, environmental triggers and social factors can also play a role in its development.
The Health Risks and Burden of Obesity
Defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher, obesity significantly increases the risk of developing various health conditions, as well as reducing both quality of life and overall life expectancy.
Currently the NHS spends around £6.5 billion a year treating obesity and its related issues and with this figure only set to grow, the huge pressure on the health and care system will grow alongside it. Obesity is widely recognised as the second biggest preventable cause of cancer, however there are some other major health conditions to which it’s also linked including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and others (NHS).
So how exactly is obesity linked to some of these common health conditions:
Type 2 Diabetes
Excess body weight is known major risk factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. Obesity increases insulin resistance, which over the longer term makes it harder for the body to regulate its blood sugar levels. For those who eventually move on from being insulin resistant to having type two diabetes, the risk of developing other long term complications including nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems increases dramatically (Diabetes UK).
Heart Disease and Stroke
Carrying extra weight puts added strain on the heart, which leads to increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These factors all contribute to heart disease and increase the likelihood of strokes too. The British Heart Foundation warns that obesity is one of the leading preventable causes of cardiovascular disease (British Heart Foundation).
Joint Problems
Excess weight puts additional pressure on joints, particularly the knees and hips, which after many years can lead to osteoarthritis. This condition can cause chronic pain and reduced mobility, making it harder to maintain an active lifestyle (Versus Arthritis).
Sleep Apnoea and Breathing Issues
Obesity is a contributory factor to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA); a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Sufferers of OSA can experience increased daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, and are at an increased risk of developing heart disease (Sleep Apnoea Trust).
Increased Cancer Risk
Many studies show that obesity is linked to the development of several types of cancer, including breast, bowel, and pancreatic. Whilst the mechanisms behind the link between excess fat and cancer risk are still being studied, losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight is widely recommended as a preventative measure (Cancer Research UK).
Is a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) a Viable Option for Obese Individuals?
A VLCD like LighterLife’s TotalFast can help individuals lose weight safely and comfortably and is scientifically proven to help with successful weight management. In line with advice given by the health websites above, weight loss is a key component in reducing the risk of developing, or indeed reversing some of these obesity-related health conditions. A nutritionally complete, structured weight loss programme which supports you during the weight loss period and also provides clear guidance regarding the gradual reintroduction of conventional food, as well as additionally offering behavioural support to help facilitate necessary lifestyle changes both during weight loss and in the longer term is key to longer term weight management success.
Managing Obesity Effectively with LighterLife
Losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is best achieved using a tailored approach, routed in evidence. Here are our key strategies to support successful weight loss:
- Very low calorie diet: eating substantially fewer calories alongside all the nutrition that your body needs using our Foodpacks as part of your TotalFast plan is essential for successful weight loss and a key component to embarking on your successful, longer-term weight management journey.
- Behavioural Support: Our trained mentors help you recognise the reasons for the ‘why’ behind your overeating and facilitate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based mindfulness sessions to help you manage your emotional triggers around food.
- Community and Support Networks: The support of like-minded people on the same journey as you in your LighterLife mentor groups can enhance motivation and accountability.
- Physical Activity: Even moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, can help burn calories and improve overall health.
Conclusion
Obesity poses serious long-term health risks, but effective strategies are available to help individuals to work towards achieving a healthy weight. If you’re looking for a scientifically formulated, nutritionally complete weight loss programme which provides structured support and expert guidance along the way, LighterLife can help you on your journey to better health.
