Consumer Studies - Obesity

What is obesity?

When a person has an excessive amount of body fat in comparison to their height

What is the cause of obesity?

Energy intake is greater than what is used over a long period of time.
Some other causes are:

• Inactive lifestule

• Unhealthy diet or eating habits

• Genetic conditions

• Medication

• Hormones

What does obesity increase the risk of?

• Coronary heart disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• High cholesterol levels

• Strokes

• Heart attacks

• Some types of cancers

What is BMI (body mass index)?

Used to determine adult’s body fat using their weight and height → weight (kg)/height x height (m²)

What are the physical consequences of obesity?

Additional body weight puts pressure on the person’s lungs, heart, blood circulation and skeleton

Others include:

• Heart disease

• Back problems

• Poor wound healing

What are the social consequences of obesity?

Some individuals may experience discrimination or bullying → lower self-esteem

How to prevent and manage obesity?

• Dietary changes

  • Burn more kJ than you take in

  • Follow a healthy eating plan

  • Eat smaller portions more frequently

  • Limit the intake of alcohol

• Lifestyle changes

  • Do moderate exercises for 2 to 5 hours a week

  • Compile healthy shopping lists and stick to them

How can you treat obesity?

• Get support from dietitian, therapists, psychologists and fitness instructors

• Be willing to stick to a weight loss programme