Almost 70% of South African (SA) women, 31% of SA men and 13% of SA children are overweight or obese. This is according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and is based on the body mass index (BMI) score.

How to calculate your BMI

BMI is calculated as a person’s weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of their height (in metres).

For adults, WHO defines being overweight and obesity as follows:

• Overweight is a BMI greater than or equal to 25; and
• Obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30.

For children, age needs to be considered when defining being overweight and obesity.

What causes obesity?

Being overweight and obese is a result of an imbalance of energy intake (diet) and energy outflow (physical activity). In simple terms, eating more calories than you burn every day. Over time, these extra calories add up and will cause you to gain weight.

Other causes of obesity:

• Some people have genes that make it difficult for them to lose weight.
• Your environment at home, at school and in your community can influence how and what you eat, and how active you are.
• Depression can sometimes lead to weight gain, as some people may turn to food for emotional comfort.
• Quitting smoking is always a good thing, but quitting may lead to weight gain too.

Obesity has been linked to health complications, some of which can be life-threatening if not treated:

• Type 2 diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• Certain cancers (breast, colon and endometrial).
• Stroke.
• Gallbladder disease.
• Fatty liver disease.
• High cholesterol.
• Sleep apnea and other breathing problems.
• Arthritis.

How is obesity treated?

If you are obese and have been unable to lose weight on your own, medical help is available!

Our benefit schedule gives you some supportive and pharmaceutical care through the PHMS Weight Loss Management Programme. The Weight Loss Management Programme is the patient and PHMS Clinical Team working together to optimise health and wellbeing.

Talk to your primary healthcare provider who will work with you on making needed lifestyle changes.