obesity

obesity

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An obese patient is 20% or more heavier than their ideal weight.

Excess body weight is an important public health problem because it is associated with:

type II diabetes mellitus
hypertension and stroke
hyperlipidaemia
some cancers

Obesity is graded according to the Body Mass Index (BMI):

Healthy weight 18.5-24.9
Overweight 25-29.9
Obesity I 30-34.9
Obesity II 35-39.9
Obesity III 40 or more

The proportion of obese adults in England has been stated as (2):

The health benefits of modest (10%) weight loss was previously summarised by SIGN- although the precise benefits will vary in individuals depending on initial body weight, current health and degree of weight loss)

mortality
- 20-25% reduction in premature death
- 30% reduction in the risk of dying from diabetes-related complications
- 40% reduction in the risk of dying from cancer
Blood pressure
- 10mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure
- 20mmHg decrease in diastolic blood pressure
Diabetes 50% fall in fasting blood glucose levels
Lipids
- 10% fall in total cholesterol 15% fall in LDL cholesterol
- 8% increase in HDL cholesterol

Reference:

NICE (November 2014). Obesity guidance
PHE (January 2021). Patterns and Trends in Adult Excess Weight.
SIGN. Obesity in Scotland. Integrating prevention with weight management. Edinburgh: Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, 1996.

Last edited 01/2021 and last reviewed 01/2021

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