Obesity: A Heavy Burden

Obesity is a major health problem. The World Health Organisation has called the increase in overweight and obesity a "global epidemic". The 2007-08 the National Health Survey found that 68% of adult men and 55% of adult women are overweight or obese in Australia. Australia is now one of the fattest developed nations. Although overweight and obesity are a problem in all population groups, people living in rural and remote areas, the socio-economically disadvantaged, Indigenous Australians and some ethnic minorities are more vulnerable.

Studies show a clear relationship between excessive body weight and increased mortality and morbidity. Some of the health problems associated with obesity include musculoskeletal problems, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Obesity is responsible for more than half of the burden of disease caused by type 2 diabetes. Being obese can affect people's quality of life, their sense of wellbeing and their ability to earn a living.

Obesity is the consequence of a wide variety of inter-related factors that include individual biology, eating patterns and physical activity, set within a social, cultural and environmental context. We also live in what has been termed an "obesogenic" environment which encourages sedentary behaviour and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Obesity is complex and hard to treat. Health practitioners need knowledge and skills to assist people to prevent weight gain, to lose weight, and to maintain their weight loss. This program discusses the latest research on overweight and obesity; highlights some healthy lifestyle community based prevention and intervention strategies; and outlines evidence based interventions in weight management and maintenance.

Produced by the Rural Health Education Foundation
http://www.rhef.com.au/