We have all heard at least one person being described as obese, sometimes in a derogatory way.  However, many of us know next to nothing about the reality of obesity. Today, on World Obesity Day, Impact Nutrition Africa is here to fix that by answering your questions.

What is Obesity?

The World Health Organisation defines Obesity as the accumulation of body fat to the extent that it presents a risk to health. A quick and frequently used measure of obesity is Body Mass Index (BMI) however it is important to note that this is not an exact measure of obesity – body fat. BMI is calculated as the weight of the individual (kg) divided by the square of the individual’s height (m). A BMI of 30 or above usually indicates obesity.

Men lie, women lie, but numbers never lie. What do the numbers say about obesity?

• In 2016, about 650 million adults (18 and above) worldwide were obese.
• 40 million children under the age of 5 were obese or overweight in 2018.
• Over 340 million children and adolescents (aged 5-19 years) were obese or overweight in 2018.
• About 11% of men and 15% of women worldwide were obese in 2016.
• The rate of obesity worldwide has nearly tripled since 1975.
• The number of overweight and obese children in Africa has risen by 50% since 2000.

(WHO Overweight and Obesity Factsheet, 2018)

What causes obesity?

Several players are responsible for the development of obesity ranging from genetics to environmental factors and lifestyle or behavioural factors. However, the basic mechanism is that obesity occurs when there is an imbalance between the energy/calories consumed and energy/calories expended. Physical activity contributes to energy expenditure and food intake contributes to the energy consumed hence physical inactivity and intake of energy-dense, high-fat foods all play important roles in the development of excess weight and consequently obesity.

Why should we be worried about obesity?

Obesity is a major risk factor of many non – communicable diseases such as:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases (the major cause of death worldwide in 2012)
• Some kinds of cancers (including breast, prostate, ovarian, liver, and colon)
• Musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis.

Childhood obesity leads to increased risk of obesity and premature death in adulthood. Obese children also suffer breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, insulin resistance and psychological effects.

The risk of these diseases increases as BMI increases.

What can we do about obesity?

Individually, we can:

• Limit energy intake from fats and sugars and instead increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts
• Increase physical activity: at least 60 minutes daily for children and 150 minutes spread throughout the week for adults. An easy way to achieve this is to incorporate it into our daily activities e.g. taking the stairs instead of elevators, letting children play games outside in their leisure time instead of watching TV or spending all their time on extra school lessons, walking/cycling to school/work instead of driving, or even to your favourite restaurant instead of ordering a food delivery.

However, our individual efforts can be frustrated by an unsupportive environment. We should aim to have a society that makes healthy eating and physical activity accessible to all. Food industries have a role to play on this, as healthy alternatives to empty-calorie-laden foods are way more expensive.

What should we NOT do about obesity?

Read attentively: this is important.

1. Do NOT shame people for being obese. Obesity is a disease like any other. When last did someone make mean comments about you for having malaria?
2. Judge obese people for eating, especially eating in public. All human beings, regardless of size, need food to function.
3. Offer unsolicited opinions or advice, especially if you are not a medical professional. Don’t go commenting on people’s IG photos telling them to go to the gym or whatever.
4. Accuse the Body Positivity movement of glorifying obesity. Loving the body you’re in does not prevent you from trying to make it better or healthier.
5. Assume every big person is obese and unhealthy. Body composition differs.
6. Fall into the trap of fad diets and unconfirmed weight loss tips and tricks that abound on the internet. If you’re obese, please contact a nutritionist/dietician or ask your doctor to refer you to one.