Obesity: A New Pandemic
Obesity & Weight
management
“Obesity” as defined by a measured Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, is a medical condition of such prevalence that it is now described as a new pandemic.
“Overweight” as defined by a measured BMI in the 25 to 29.9 range, is a significant risk factor and precursor condition to obesity.
The accepted healthy range of the BMI (which is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared = kg/m2) for adults 20 years and older is 18.5 to 24.9.
Being overweight or obese is a growing global health issue, often referred to as a modern pandemic, with significant impacts on individuals and healthcare systems worldwide.
5.6
%
Of obese Australians suffer from diabetes as a co-morbidity
The Prevalence of Obesity
Obesity rates are rising across the globe, contributing to a growing public health burden. Factors such as diet, physical inactivity, and metabolic imbalances play a critical role in its emergence.
KEY STATISTICS ON OBESITY
Estimates of prevalence of obesity in adults
Obesity BMI ≥ 30kg/m2. All adults
In North America, more than 1 in 3 adults meet the minimum recommended physical activity each week. In Australia, this is 1 in 4.
Countries with high obesity rates correlate with high sugar consumption, exceeding 50 kg per person per annum.
5.6% of obese Australians and 10.8% of obese US adults suffer from diabetes as a co-morbidity.
HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY
Cardiovascular Risks: Hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke.
Metabolic Risks: Insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes.
Respiratory Conditions: Sleep apnea and asthma.
Musculoskeletal Issues: Osteoarthritis and chronic back pain.
Mental Health Impacts: Anxiety, depression, and emotional stress.
Limitations of current treatments
Despite advancements in weight loss treatments, challenges remain. Injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists demonstrate efficacy in reducing weight, however, the high cost and invasive administration are deterrents to ready use. Importantly, rebound weight gain following discontinuation presents significant management challenges and inherent risks, and possible long term side-effects from systemic GLP-1 treatments are still being fully assessed.
Rebound weight gain has been shown to exacerbate existing health risks, including adverse cardiovascular events, metabolic instability, and emotional distress.
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