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Causes :: Consequences :: BMI :: Treatment
Obesity: A Disease
- Obesity is the excess accumulation of body fat
- Over 60% of Australian are overweight or obese
Click here to find out more about Body Mass Index BMI.
Obesity could be a combination of the following:
- The genes you inherited from your parents
- How well your body turns food into energy
- Your eating and exercising habits
- Your surroundings
- Psychological factors
Major health risks
Compared to people of normal weight, obese people have a 50% to 100% increased risk of dying prematurely
- Diabetes Diabetes
- Joint problems (e.g., arthritis)
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Gallbladder problems
- Certain types of cancer (breast, uterine, colon)
- Digestive disorders (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GORD)
- Breathing difficulties (e.g., sleep apnoea, asthma)
- Psychological problems such as depression
- Problems with fertility and pregnancy
- Urinary Incontinence
- Shorter Life Expectancy
Risks to psychological and social well-being
- Negative self-image
- Social isolation
- Discrimination
Difficulties with day-to-day living
- Normal tasks become harder when you are obese, as movement is more difficult
- You tend to tire more quickly and you find yourself short of breath
- Public transport seats, telephone booths, and cars may be too small for you
- You may find it difficult to maintain personal hygiene
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