the problem of overweight
24% of all adults are battling obesity. If the trend continues it is estimated that by 2050 this figure will have risen to 50%. At St Anthony’s we are aware that obesity is a pressing problem affecting many, but we believe it to be a far more complex and distressing illness than such statistics allow scope for. The care you receive with us will reflect this.
a) Why are you overweight?
- The human body requires energy for bodily functions and day-to-day activity, and we take this energy from the food we eat, measured in kilocalories – “calories” or “kcal”.
- This amount can be accurately estimated for any given age, weight, gender and body make-up.
- When the amount we eat contains more energy than we are using, our body stores the excess as fat and as these stores build up, overweight can lead to obesity.
- Weight loss occurs when your body’s energy needs are greater than the energy provided by the food we eat i.e. when you eat less than you need.
- At St Anthony’s we understand that obesity is a more complex problem than simply over-eating. Rather it involves appetite regulation and energy metabolism. There are other psychological and environmental factors to be considered, such as emotional attachment to food and the lifestyle choices made.
b) How overweight are you?
- Obesity is determined according to Body Mass Index or BMI. This is a simple index of weight for height (kg/m2).
- The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has determined guidelines so that you can determine which weight category your BMI places you in.
| Healthy Weight | 18.5 - 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0 – 29.9 |
| Obesity (Obesity I) | 30.0 – 34.9 |
| Severe Obesity (Obesity II) | 35.0 – 39.9 |
| Morbid Obesity (Obesity III) | 40.0 or more |
- This measure of overweight is used according to NICE guidelines to assess eligibility for weight loss surgery as a means of preventing the risks associated with overweight. These risks are known as co-morbidities (LINK). The severely and morbidly obese are the most at risk.
- LINK to NICE guidelines (National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence site: CG43 Obesity “Understanding NICE guidance – treatment for people who are overweight or obese (amended July 2008)).
- Use our BMI calculator to determine your BMI and which weight category you fall into.
Body Mass Index is an even more accurate measure of overweight when used in conjunction with waist measurement. Using waist measurement and BMI together has been shown to be the best predictor of obesity and associated health risks
| Girth in men | > | 94 cm (37 inches) | = | increased risk |
| Girth in women | > | 80 cm (32 inches) | = | increased risk |
| Girth in men | > | 102 cm (40 inches) | = | substantially increased risk |
| Girth in women | > | 88cm (35 inches) | = | substantially increased risk |
c) BMI
- Obesity is determined according to Body Mass Index or BMI. This is a simple index of weight for height (kg/m2).
- Below is a calculator for Body Mass Index to help you determine which weight category you fall into.
