Obesity is one of the major public health concerns facing South Africa, and its impact and cost extend to individuals, families, communities, the health service and society as a whole. Obesity is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as having abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Almost 70% of South African women are either overweight or obese. Among South African men, 31 % are overweight or obese.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE NATIONAL OBESITY WEEK IS TO:
• Emphasise the health benefits of making healthy whole food choices from a variety of mostly
plant-based foods such as vegetables and fruit, legumes and preferably minimally processed starchy foods
• Encourage individuals to plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks instead of eating out frequently and/or buying snacks or ready-to-prepare meals
Good nutrition, in other words eating healthy, is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. Healthy eating and physical activity can help an individual to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Obesity can cause a number of further problems, including difficulties with daily activities and serious health conditions. Day to day problems related to obesity can include breathlessness, tiredness and increased sweating.
THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) ALSO SITES CHRONIC ILLNESS THAT CAN ALSO DEVELOP AS A RESULT OF BEING OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE:
- cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke), which were the leading cause of death in 2012;
- diabetes;
- musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis – a highly disabling degenerative disease of the joints);
- some cancers (including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon).
Being overweight may also cause psychological problems, affecting self-esteem, relationships with others and more.
The best way to avoid gaining excessive weight is to eat a healthy diet and to exercise regularly through a variety of physical activity not exclusive to the gym such as walking, gardening or dancing.
Smile for the Day & Advice on Healthy Eating, Driver Fitness and Safer Driving https://t.co/bAiUuTzrwW #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/GtWAPtakym
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 22, 2017