Obesity Clinic for Natural Weight Loss

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Australia

The rates of overweight and Obesity amongst adults have doubled over the past two decades with Australia now being ranked as one of the fattest developed nations.

1 in 2 Australian adults is overweight. [1] And, irrespective of your height or build, if your waistline is getting bigger it could mean you are at increased risk of chronic diseases like some cancers, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. How do you measure up?

[1]  Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
National Health Survey 2004-05: Summary of results.
ABS cat.no. 4364.0. Canberra: ABS

 

Children and Adolescents

Around 20-25% of Australian children in 1995, aged 7-15 years were considered to be overweight or obese. This is double the prevalence recorded in 1986 [1].

 

Adults

In 2004-05, some 41% of males and 25% of females were classified as overweight (Body Mass Index of between 25.0 and 30.0). 18% of males and 17% of females were classified as obese (Body Mass Index over 30.0)2. When compared to results from 1995, using the same measure, the proportion of adults classified as overweight or obese has increased substantially. In 1995, 38% of males and 21% of females were classified as overweight and 11% of males and 11% of females were classified as obese2. For both males and females, increases have been recorded in both the overweight and obese groups across all age groups [1] .

Older Australians

In 2004-05, 46% of males between the ages of 55-64, 41% of males between the ages of 65-74 and 37% of males aged 75 years and over, were classified obese2. For females, 31% between the ages of 55-64, 31% between the ages of 65-74 and 25% aged 75 years and over, were classified as overweight, while 23%, 17% and 10% respectively, were classified as obese2. These figures suggest that since 1995, the rates of overweight within each age category have remained relatively consistent, however the rates of obesity have increased. For example, in 1995, 45% of males between the ages of 55-64, 40% of males between the ages of 65-74 and 31% of males aged 75 years and over, were classified as overweight, while 15%, 11% and 5% respectively were classified as obese. For females, 30% between the ages of 55-64, 26% between the ages of 65-74 and 21% aged 75 years and over, were classified as overweight, while 16%, 14% and 7% respectively, were classified as obese [1].

Defining Overweight and Obese

Overweight and obese are labels for weight ranges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, weights in these ranges are higher than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. Having a weight in one of these categories may increase your risk for certain diseases and health problems. The definitions of overweight and obese are different for adults than children.

Definitions for Adults

Weight ranges for adults are defined using body mass index. BMI is a  number, usually between 15 and 40, calculated from a person’s height and  weight. The easiest way to determine your BMI is to use the ADA online calculator. A calculator will give you  both your BMI and the weight category your BMI falls within.

Weight ranges for adults are:

Definitions for Children and Teens

For people ages 2 to 19, BMI is referred to as BMI-for-age and is  determined using height, weight, age and gender. Body fat varies at  different ages; boys and girls tend to have different amounts of body  fat.

BMI-for-age is given as a percentile that shows where a child’s or  teen’s BMI falls in comparison to others of the same age and gender.  (See CDC’s BMI Calculator  for Child and Teen.)

Weight ranges for children and teens are:

As with adults, BMI-for-age should be used as a screening tool, not as a diagnostic test. A health-care provider needs more information to determine if excess fat is a health problem. In addition to calculating BMI-for-age, a health-care provider may ask about your family health history, eating habits and the amount of physical activity your child gets. He or she may do other assessments including skin fold thickness measurements and lab tests for cholesterol and blood sugar.

Overweight and Obese as Stereotypes

While the terms overweight and obese have precise definitions as noted above, these labels take on other meanings in our weight-obsessed society. Often, overweight and obese people are stereotyped. They may endure unfair treatment because of their weight. Larger children are often the target of weight-related teasing and bullying by other children and adults.

Overweight and obese are terms that refer only to an estimate of a person’s fatness. They do not in any way reflect on a person’s competence, self-discipline, drive or ability to lead a healthy lifestyle.

What causes overweight and obesity?

Aside from genetic factors, overweight and obesity is caused by an energy imbalance, where energy intake exceeds energy expenditure over a considerable period of time. Hence good nutrition and adequate levels of physical activity play an important role in the prevention of further weight gain throughout the life cycle. It is generally agreed that this energy imbalance is due to large scale changes in the modern environment .

Children

Health consequences of overweight and obesity

The health problems and consequences of obesity are many and varied, including musculo-skeletal problems, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension to name a few. Many of these are often preventable though a healthy and active lifestyle. In particular, obesity is strongly linked to type 2 diabetes, identified as one of the six National Health Priority Areas. There are several new large well conducted studies that have shown a clear relationship between excessive body weight and increased mortality and morbidity. Mortality and morbidity are also associated with the amount of weight gained in adult life. For example, a weight gain of 10kg or more since young adulthood is associated with increased mortality, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Diseases associated with obesity

Children

Obesity Clinic for Natural Weight Loss

http://int-a1.com/obesity

P.O. Box 789, Fremantle
W.A. 6959, Australia
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tel.: +614 0402-0242
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