Obesity and overweight study

Description

Overweight and obesity are defined by the World Health Organisation using the body mass

index (BMI). BMI is a measure of body size. It is used to indicate the level of risk for disease

(morbidity) and death (mortality) at the population level.

People with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or more are classified as overweight. People with a BMI of

30 kg/m2 or greater is classified as obese.

Data on overweight and obesity

AIHW, 25% of adolescents and children were considered overweight or obese in 2017-18

41% of energy intake for teenagers 14-18 comes from discretionary food.

Description

Overweight and obesity are defined by the World Health Organisation using the body mass

index (BMI). BMI is a measure of body size. It is used to indicate the level of risk for disease

(morbidity) and death (mortality) at the population level.

People with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or more are classified as overweight. People with a BMI of

30 kg/m2 or greater is classified as obese.

Data on overweight and obesity

AIHW, 25% of adolescents and children were considered overweight or obese in 2017-18

41% of energy intake for teenagers 14-18 comes from discretionary food.

protective factors

Regular physical activity

Supportive family

Education

risk factors

Lack of physical activity

Poor health literacy

Family conflict and poor family relationships

health care services

General practitioner , psychologist, dietitian

Dietitian

A dietitian is a qualified health professional with specialised training in nutrition and dietetics. They provide evidence-based nutrition advice.

Can provide a personalised nutrition plan, assess current dietary habits and activity levels and offer guidance to youth

General practitioner (GP)

A doctor who provides comprehensive medical care, often serving as the first point of contact.

Can focus on personalised lifestyle interventions while addressing any underlying health conditions.

psychologist

a health professional trained in human behaviour who helps people understand and address a range of life issues and mental problems

Can help address the psychological factors that contribute to unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and stress.

get healthy program

funded by the NSW government

-shows information about how to measure your body weight and if it's healthy

Aims to educate people by providing information and a BMI calculator.

Life! program

Community program funded by the Victorian government.

-cost-free. Accessible statewide

Aims to give overweight and obese youth ongoing and personal support by providing free advice from dietitians and exercise psychologists.

personal strategies

Eat well, exercise regularly

Get help from a health professional

Talk to family or friends

direct individual costs

payment of fees associated with seeing a health professional not covered by Medicare

direct community costs

costs associated with government-funded health promotion programs

indirect individual costs

costs associated with loss of income due to obesity and not being able to move freely

indirect community costs

loss of government tax revenue if people are not working due to obesity

individual intangible costs

The stress and concern that may result from someone who has obesity or is overweight, about their future

community intangible costs

the grief and suffering that family and friends may experience as they observe a loved one struggling with the consequences of obesity.

youth advocacy

Writing a personal blog for a change in obesity rates

Raises awareness on the issue

Doing a public presentation on the negative effects of being overweight

Increased health literacy in youth

how obesity and overweight affects phsyical HWB

An unhealthy body weight may lead to adipose tissue developing around vital organs such as the heart and liver, leading to a non well functioning body system

how obesity and overweight affects mental HWB

Youth who are overweight may be scared of their future due to having an increased risk of developing health conditions, creating high levels of stress and anxiety

how obesity and overweight affects social HWB

Youth who are obese may get teased at school, this can lead to not being able to form a network os supportive friends

how obesity and overweight affects emotional HWB

Youth who are overweight may experience feeling run down and continuously tired due to not exercising and releasing endorphins. This can lead to not wanting to go to school where they teach you how to effectively manage and express your emotions.

how obesity and overweight affects spiritual HWB

Youth who are obese may be unable to participate in a sport, which can lead to feeling lonely and having a reduced sense of belonging