Obesity is a medical condition described as excess body weight in the form of fat. When accumulated, this fat can lead to severe health impairments. The prevalence of obesity across the world continues to rise, and this is now recognised as one of the most important public health problems facing the world today.
Obesity is a Disease
We support the definition of obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease. Please see below for our statement on why our scientific committee and policy experts hold this position.
During the past few decades, the prevalence rates of obesity [defined as body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2] have been increasing at a rapid pace in both Western societies and the developing world (1), reaching 641 million adults being obese in 2014 [266 million men and 375 million women], compared to 105 million adults in 1975 [34 million men and 71 million women] (2). Notably, if this trend persists, the global obesity prevalence is predicted to rise to 18% in men and surpass 21% in women by 2025 (2). Overall, obesity can be considered a chronic relapsing and progressive disease (3) and a leading risk factor for global deaths. Furthermore, alarming trends of weight gain have also been documented for children and adolescents, undermining the present and future health status of the population (4-7). To highlight the related threat to public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared obesity a global epidemic, also stressing that in many cases it remains an under-recognized problem of the public health agenda
Depending on the degree and duration of weight gain, obesity can progressively cause and/or exacerbate a wide spectrum of co-morbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), liver dysfunction, respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders, sub-fertility, psychosocial problems, and certain types of cancer
Though genetics and cultural and environmental factors can lead to obesity, the main cause is eating too much and/or not getting enough exercise.Accordion Sample Description
Being obese puts you at risk for a number of preventable diseases and conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, gallbladder disease, breathing problems, certain types of cancer, chronic back pain, and osteoarthritis. Obesity may also take a toll on self-esteem and contribute to depression.Accordion Sample Description
When it comes to healthy weight loss, slow and steady wins the race. Aim for losing 1 to 2 pounds per week by increasing physical activity, making healthy diet changes, and getting support from your doctor or from a weight loss program. To stick to a weight loss plan, choose moderate weight loss goals and adapt your diet and fitness routine in ways that are sustainable and not too restrictive.
Obesity is spreading in many countries because of changes in the way we live, work, and play. Many of our jobs have become less physically demanding, but we seem to have less and less time available to devote to physical activity and exercise. We drive more and walk less. We spend many more hours than we ever have sitting in front of screens – watching television, playing video games, browsing the internet, or engaging with our mobile devices. Our habits around food have changed, too, as we eat bigger and bigger portions of less healthful foods.
If you are concerned about your child's weight for any reason, it is always advised that you talk to your doctor first. There could be any number of reasons why a child gains too much weight, and you want to rule out any underlying causes. You can also take steps to improve your child's lifestyle habits, encouraging more physical activity (at least one hour every day) and limiting screen time with TV, computers, mobile devices, and video games. Be a good role model by buying, preparing, and eating nutritious foods. Limit fast food meals, and eat together as a family. Plan fun, active family outings and adventures.
When it comes to healthy weight loss, slow and steady wins the race. Aim for losing 1 to 2 pounds per week by increasing physical activity, making healthy diet changes, and getting support from your doctor or from a weight loss program. To stick to a weight loss plan, choose moderate weight loss goals and adapt your diet and fitness routine in ways that are sustainable and not too restrictive.
If you are concerned about your child's weight for any reason, it is always advised that you talk to your doctor first. There could be any number of reasons why a child gains too much weight, and you want to rule out any underlying causes. You can also take steps to improve your child's lifestyle habits, encouraging more physical activity (at least one hour every day) and limiting screen time with TV, computers, mobile devices, and video games. Be a good role model by buying, preparing, and eating nutritious foods. Limit fast food meals, and eat together as a family. Plan fun, active family outings and adventures.
Liposuction, sometimes called body contouring, is a cosmetic procedure that re-shapes and smoothes the body. Though liposuction removes unwanted deposits of excess fat, it is not a substitute for diet and physical activity and is not a treatment for obesity.
Always speak to your doctor before taking any type of medication, including over-the-counter weight loss medications or supplements, since they can be harmful if used incorrectly and may interact with other medications and medical conditions. The only prescription weight loss medication available in Canada is orlistat (Xenical®), which is generally prescribed to those whose BMI is 30 or higher and who have not lost weight through other means, and to those with certain risk factors whose BMI is 27 or higher.
