Obesity: Everything You Need to Know About This Disease

Obesity has become a significant public health concern in the UK, impacting millions of adults and children. It’s not just about appearance; it’s a complex, chronic disease with a range of health implications. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive overview of obesity, exploring its causes, health risks, and potential solutions.

WHO Global Key facts

In 2022, 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity.   Worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled. In 2022, 2.5 billion adults (18 years and older) were overweight. Of these, 890 million were living with obesity. In 2022, 43% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight and 16% were living with obesity. In 2022, 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight. Over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight in 2022, including 160 million who were living with obesity.

What is Obesity?

According to the World Health Organization, obesity is a condition that is defined as an abnormally high amount of fat accumulated on the body that results in a series of health complications and risks. 

Clinically, obesity is diagnosed by an elevated body fat percentage, often determined using the Body Mass Index (BMI). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK defines individuals with a BMI between 25 – 29.9 kg/m² are classified as overweight, while those with a BMI exceeding 30 kg/m² are considered obese. It is important to acknowledge that BMI is a limited tool, and a comprehensive evaluation that incorporates body fat distribution and other health indicators is recommended for a more precise diagnosis.

Obesity in UK

Statistics paint a concerning picture:

• Overall prevalence: In England (latest data available), around 64% of adults (aged 18+) are classified as overweight or obese, with 26% falling specifically into the obese category.

• Age: Obesity rates are higher among adults aged 45-74, with over 70% classified as overweight or obese.

• Gender: Men are slightly more likely to be overweight or obese compared to women in England (68.6% vs. 59.0%).

• Trends: Obesity rates have been steadily increasing since the 1990s. In England, the proportion of obese adults rose from 14.9% in 1993 to 28.0% in 2019.

• Socioeconomic disparity: There’s a significant link between socioeconomic status and obesity. People living in more deprived areas have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity compared to those in wealthier areas.

• Children: Childhood obesity is also a concern. In England, around one in ten children are obese by age 5, rising to 23% by age 11.

A survey compiled by the OECD Health Statistics database revealed the United States to have the greatest proportion of obese individuals (43%) amongst the examined nations. The United Kingdom ranked tenth with a prevalence of 28%, while Japan exhibited the lowest obesity rate at 5%.

Causes of Obesity

The causes of obesity are multifaceted and involve a complex interplay of factors, including:

• Diet: Consuming a diet high in calories, unhealthy fats, sugary drinks, and processed foods can contribute to weight gain.

• Physical inactivity: Lack of regular exercise reduces the body’s ability to burn calories, leading to weight gain.

• Genetics: Certain genes can predispose individuals to obesity, making them more susceptible to weight gain in response to environmental factors.

• Socioeconomic factors: Lower income, limited access to healthy foods, and living in deprived neighbourhoods can all be risk factors for obesity.

• Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to emotional eating or unhealthy coping mechanisms. Sleep deprivation can also disrupt hormones that regulate appetite.

Obesity and its Health risks

Obesity significantly raises the risk of various health conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD): Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

• Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity can impair the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels and diabetes.

• Certain cancers: Research suggests a link between obesity and an increased risk of developing specific cancers like bowel, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer.

• Musculoskeletal Disorders: Obesity puts extra stress on joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis, pain and other musculoskeletal problems.

• Sleep Apnea: Obesity can contribute to sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

• Mental Health: Obesity can negatively impact mental health, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety.

Treatment and Management of Obesity

There’s no single “cure” for obesity, but effective management strategies exist. These often involve a multi-pronged approach, including:

• Dietary changes: Focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting unhealthy fats, sugary drinks, and processed foods.

• Increased physical activity: Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

• Behavioural therapy: Learning strategies to manage stress, improve portion control, and develop healthy eating habits.

• Weight loss medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed by a healthcare professional as part of a comprehensive weight management plan. These UK licensed prescription medications come in both tablet and injectable forms.
  • Tablets: Mysimba, Alli, Xenical, and Orlistat.
  • Injections: Wegovy (Semaglutide), Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), and Saxenda (Liraglutide).

• Bariatric surgery: For individuals with severe obesity (BMI over 40) or those with significant health complications, bariatric surgery may be an option. This is a major surgery and should be carefully considered with a healthcare professional.

Seeking Support

If you’re concerned about your weight or have been diagnosed with obesity, it’s crucial to seek help from a healthcare professional like your GP. They can develop a personalised treatment plan based on your specific needs and circumstances.

The UK healthcare system both the NHS and private clinics, plays a vital role in addressing obesity. This includes:

• Early intervention and prevention programs: These programs can help children and adults develop healthy habits and prevent weight gain.

• Support for weight management: Providing access to weight management programs, including dietary counselling and exercise guidance.

• Promoting healthy lifestyles: Public health initiatives can encourage healthy food choices, physical activity, and healthy sleep habits across the population.

Key Takeaway

Obesity is a complex disease and a treatable condition but with the right support and lifestyle changes, it can be managed effectively. By understanding the causes and health risks associated with obesity, you can take steps to improve your overall health and well-being.

References

• Baker, C. (2023) Obesity statistics, Parliament.uk. Available at: https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN03336/SN03336.pdf

• Obesity (2024) Who.int. Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/obesity.

• Obesity: identification, assessment and management (2023) Org.uk. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg189/resources/obesity-identification-assessment-and-management-pdf-35109821097925

• Obesity Profile: short statistical commentary May 2023 (no date) Gov.uk. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/obesity-profile-update-may-2023/obesity-profile-short-statistical-commentary-may-2023

• Overweight and obesity in adults (no date) NHS England Digital. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2021/overweight-and-obesity-in-adults

• Obesity (no date) British Heart Foundation. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/obesity.