What is Obesity?
 At Streamline Surgical we know there is no ‘one size fits all’ formula regarding obesity and factors such as gender, height and metabolism all play a part. We also understand how it can affect people in many different ways which is why we have an in-depth consultation with every patient to work out the best possible solution for them individually and why our team including dieticians, psychotherapists and doctors are always on-hand to help.
At its simplest level, obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30. BMI is the most common measure of obesity and provides a comparison of an individual’s weight in relation to their height and is strongly associated with body fat percentage. Current population data for the United Kingdom suggests 22.1% of men are obese and 22.8% of women.
A recent Government report, the Foresight Report 1997, highlighted the continuing problems the UK is facing if we do not tackle obesity. If demographic trends continue, these figures are predicted to rise to 60% and 50% respectively by 2050.
Obesity is now a global epidemic affecting developed and developing countries. In the next few years, it will actually surpass infectious diseases and malnutrition as the principal causes of ill health globally.
The severe complications associated with obesity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and arthritis are often disabling and lead to premature mortality.
There are many risk factors associated with the development of obesity including; overeating, sedentary lifestyles, depression and physical disability.
Often people that struggle with their body mass go through a process of Yo-Yo dieting with prolonged periods of weight loss and gain. The vast majority of diets fail (up to 95%) as people gain weight again shortly after losing it (Mann T et al 2007) therefore one of the most challenging aspects of obesity management is the ability to sustain weight loss. Surgery has been proven as a highly successful solution and Streamline Surgical has the resources to offer this option with excellent aftercare packages.
“We’ve made sure that we have a team who completely understand and empathise with our patients’ obesity issues. Obesity is a worldwide problem and to tackle it in the long-term is key to people’s health and happiness” Mr. Guy Slater, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon
Sources:
| 1) |
Government Foresight Report 2007 (www.foresight.gov.uk) |
| 2) |
Mann T, Tomiyama A, Westling E et al. Medicare’s search for effective obesity treatments: diets are not the answer. Am Psychol 2007;62(3)220-233 |
|
