In its work, the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate comes across people who say: “My mum was really big and still lived until 83 with no problems!”
Director Charmaine Gauci admits this can happen, but people also have to realise that of a whole crowd standing in the middle of a busy street, only one may be hit by a car!
Apart from the aesthetic problems that affect people to a varying degree, depending on age, gender and overall attitude towards life, scientific evidence shows that adult obesity is associated with a wide range of health problems. Obesity affects many of our body systems:
Cardiovascular system
Overweight and obesity increase the risk of hypertension. Neuroendocrine mechanisms and factors derived from fat tissue are thought to play a major role, while a hypertensive patient is more at risk of adding on more weight. Hypertension is a disease in itself and a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Risks of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are also increased.
Renal system
Obesity may also increase the risk of chronic kidney disease, especially when additional factors, such as diabetes, or lipid abnormalities, are superimposed. Structural damage of the kidneys may further increase blood pressure and predispose to heart disease and stroke. In patients with established renal disease, obesity accelerates progression.
Metabolic and endocrine system
The risk of type 2 diabetes is substantially increased in obese people. There is a greater risk of having high levels of cholesterol and/or triglycerides. Metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of hypertension, high cholesterol and triglyderide levels, is also more common, leading to more cardiovascular disease risk.
Cancers
The risk of several types of cancers, including those of the lining of the uterus, breast and colon, is higher in obese people.
Musculoskeletal system
An increased body weight would put strain on the body’s joints, especially the knees, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
Reproductive and urological system
Obese women are at greater risk of menstrual abnormalities, polycystic ovarian syndrome and infertility. It is also associated with greater risk of stress incontinence in women. Obese men are at higher risk of erectile dysfunction. Maternal obesity is associated with health risks for both the mother and the child during and after pregnancy.
Respiratory system
Overweight and obese people are at increased risk of sleep apnoea (interruptions to breathing while asleep) and other respiratory problems such as asthma.
Gastrointestinal system
Obese people are at increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux and development of gall stones.
Psychological problems
Overweight and obese people may suffer from stress, low self-esteem, social disadvantage, depression and reduced libido.
The directorate encourages obese and overweight people to take action now and call for free advice on 2326 6000. They may also join one of its free weight-management classes, which are held in health centres.