What are the obesity related problems?
The definition of obesity is generally accepted as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. There are many serious health issues related to obesity and it is estimated that being obese can shorten your life by an average of 9 years. Furthermore, someone dies from an obesity-related illness in England every 17 minutes. (Tackling Obesity in England, 2001). The following is a list of potential risks: • Gallstones, hiatus hernia, fatty liver, colon cancer; • Arthritis, back pain; • Depression, low self-esteem, binge eating disorder. (National Obesity Forum 2008); • High blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins; • Type 2 diabetes; • Insulin resistance; • Polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertility, breast cancer; • Breathlessness, obstructive sleep apnea; • Stress incontinence; • Obesity will soon surpass smoking as the biggest cause of premature loss of life. (House of Commons 2004).
