Waist management

It seems that in recent years we have come to place an unusual and unnecessary value on thinness. It is an attitude encouraged to a large degree by the fashion and fitness industries and the media’s coverage of weight-related issues. It’s also an attitude that has led to a host of emotional and physical problems.

Despite this apparent unhealthy desire by so many of us to lose weight in large amounts, recent studies have shown that overweight and obesity are in epidemic proportions throughout Australia. More than two thirds of adult males and more than 50% of adult females are overweight.

Obesity is really a medical term used to describe being excessively and dangerously overweight. It carries an enormous cost to both the individual and the general community.

In financial terms the cost of obesity to Australian society is estimated to be about $900 million per year. Perhaps more significant for the overweight individual are the health risks.

Obesity is associated with high blood pressure, increased risk of heart disease and stroke, diabetes, several forms of cancer, rheumatic and arthritic symptoms, and breathing problems such as sleep apnoea. As well, being overweight can cause social problems and lead to low self-esteem.

Nevertheless, there is some good news. It is possible to reach and maintain a healthy weight. The first step in the right direction is to be well informed; and there is no better way than to get a copy of the newly revised fact card called Weight and Health. It’s one of the series of cards from the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care health information program. These cards are all available from our pharmacy.

Obesity is generally defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. The BMI is a person’s weight in relation to their height (a pharmacist can help people calculate the formula). But, it is not just how much a person weighs; it is also where the extra weight is ‘carried’ that is important – so-called abdominal obesity leads to greater risk.

This means that pot-bellies are neither pretty nor safe. Men should have a waist measurement of no more than 100cm and less than 95cm for women. Someone who is embarrassed by these numbers could do with some serious waist management. Even so, it is important to know that health benefits can be achieved with a relatively small, maintained weight loss.

Lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of a successful weight management program. That means increasing physical activity and a change in eating habits.

Commonly, a simple reduction of fat in the diet can mean a weight loss of between 1-1.5 kg in a month. A 10-15 kg weight reduction in a year is a great result.

There are some medications to help with weight loss, but these need to be selected carefully. The non-prescription, herbal or “natural” remedies have, thus far, shown no evidence of long-term benefit. However, some prescription medicines are effective, so people should ask their doctors about the products which would be most suitable for them.
Meanwhile, call in for a copy of the Weight and Health Fact Card. It offers a few hints on how to shed those unwanted kilos safely.