Managing obesityManaging obesity
Aim of session:
To highlight the main principles of weight management.
To demonstrate the importance of portion control.
Areas to be coveredAreas to be covered
Definition of overweight and obesity in N.I How big is the problem in N.I? What is causing the problem? What can we do about it? The effect of portion sizes on calorie intake
What’s the problem?What’s the problem?
Obesity =where weight has reached a level where it is detrimental to health.
Obesity increases risk of chronic diseases especially type 2 diabetes, CHD, stroke, some cancers and arthritis.
In children, obesity can lead toIn children, obesity can lead to
risk of CHD as adults Risk of bullying and teasing Negative self image Lack of confidence and low self esteem -
especially adolescents. Lower educational attainment
Measuring obesityMeasuring obesity
Usually measured as Body Mass Index (BMI) BMI= weight (Kg)
height in m2 AdultsReady reckoner or chart helpful for this Healthy weight range 18.5-24.9 Overweight > =25- 29.9 Obese >=30-39.9 Very obese 40 and above
Working out BMIWorking out BMI
Example:
person weighing 80Kg who is 1.65m tall
= BMI =29 kg/m2
=overweight
80kg / 2.72 (1.65m x1.65m)
Adult weight in N.IrelandAdult weight in N.IrelandHSWB survey 2005/6HSWB survey 2005/6
Rates of overweight in children in Rates of overweight in children in N.I.N.I.
Almost 1 in 10 (8%) children aged 2-15 years is obese
(NI Health and Social Wellbeing, 2006/07)
Overweight and obesity in children was projected to rise but appears to have levelled off.
22% of children entering P1 were either overweight or obese (5% of these obese)
(Child Health System, 2004/05)
What’s causing the obesity What’s causing the obesity problem?problem?
Human biology combined with modern living
Societal influencesIndividual psychology
Biology
Activity environment
Individual activityFood
ConsumptionFood Production
Obesogenic EnvironmentObesogenic Environment Modern lifestyle-labour saving devices, TV viewing
and computer games Lack of opportunities to be physically active Increased promotion and availability of snack foods
and fast food. Increasing portion sizes
to name but a few!
What protects against obesity?What protects against obesity?
Breastfeeding until at least 4 months
Good weaning practices
Maintaining healthy weight in pregnancy
What if you are already overweight What if you are already overweight or obese?or obese?
Evidence is for
multi-component interventions
dietary change Physical activity Behaviour change
In children family based interventions are recommended-entire family involved.
SIGN (2010) and NICE guidelines.
Achieving a healthy weightAchieving a healthy weight
Balancing energy in (food eaten)
with Energy out
Safe weight loss targets for Safe weight loss targets for overweight adults overweight adults Aim for 1-2 lbs weight loss per week-
energy intake by approx 500 Kcals per day to achieve weight loss of 0.5kg/ week (1lb)
5% weight loss Aim for weight maintenance as a minimum
i.e. avoid weight gain.
physical activity
Eating well for weight lossEating well for weight loss
Eat regular meals Eat a balanced diet Reduce portion
sizes
Reduce calorie intakeReduce calorie intake
Reduce fat – richest source of calories
1g fat=9Kcals
1g Carbohydrate=4 Kcals
1g Alcohol=7Kcals
Reduce portion sizes
Reduce proportion of foods from high fat and or sugar food group.
Practical advicePractical advice
Choose healthy snacks Watch alcohol Read food labels Choose low calorie drinks Reduce sedentary time Focus on your food! Mindful
eating. At least 5 fruit and veg a day
Portions sizesPortions sizes
Some product portion sizes have increased e.g. Passively eating more! Some products available in smaller portions but
usually as multi packs Share packs available
SignpostingSignpostingLeaflets and resources
Small changes big benefits (public health agency)
Eat well feel well and lose weight (Eastern area health promotion)
Fit families (BCC)
PROGRAMMES in Eastern area
Weigh to health (for adults)
FRESH (for 11-14 year olds)
Useful web sitesUseful web sites
www.bdaweightwise.com www.change4life.org
www.enjoyhealthyeating.org
www.nhs.uk/Livewell/healthy-eating/Pages/Healthyeating.aspx
www.weightconcern.org www.littlesteps.eu
Preventing obesity is a societal challenge, similar to climate change. It requires partnership between government, science , business and civil society.
Foresight report