WHY IS OBESITY DANGEROUS?

Having a serious weight problem is associated with a huge number of other medical problems. It adversely affects every body system, and has become the second highest cause of preventable death in Australia after tobacco smoking.

Data from Western Australia has revealed that obesity shortens average life expectancy by 4 years, whilst an American study has found that people aged 25–35 years who are severely obese are 12 times more likely to die earlier than those of a healthy weight.

The following are just some of the medical problems that are strongly associated with obesity:

  • Type-2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep apnoea
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Heartburn and reflux
  • Infertility and polycystic ovaries
  • Raised cholesterol
  • Breast cancer
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Gallstones
  • Recurrent leg cellulitis
  • Osteoarthritis and joint pain
  • Bowel cancer
  • Bladder incontinence
  • Adult onset Asthma

At least 80% of people with obesity will develop at least one of these conditions, and 60% will develop at least three. These and many other reasons explain why being overweight is such a risk to your health.

For us, the other major issue with obesity is reduced quality of life. Do you constantly feel tired, with simple tasks or does climbing up the steps leave you feeling exhausted? Does even light exertion make you sweaty and uncomfortable? Does thinking about your weight get you down and depressed? Obesity takes away a person’s right to a happy and fulfilled life.

Fortunately obesity can now be treated. We specialise in appetite and portion control procedures combined with our renowned in-house dietary, psychological and medical support to help you get the best results possible.