Obesity Facts

When looking at global obesity facts, one trend is clear: people are consuming more energy-dense foods that are high in fat and sugar. At the same time, physical activity has decreased. This is largely due to more sedentary jobs, changes in transport, and growing urbanisation. As a result, global obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975.

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. The fundamental cause of obesity is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned. Obesity is recognised as a serious, chronic disease. Understanding key obesity facts helps highlight how complex this condition is. Several factors can contribute to its development:

• The genes you inherit from your parents
• How well your body turns food into energy
• Eating and exercising habits
• Surroundings
• Psychological factors

Once your body reaches a certain weight, the hypothalamus in your brain registers it as your new normal. If you stop dieting or exercising, your brain may work to return your body to that highest weight. This makes lasting weight loss extremely challenging, something that millions of people struggle with every day.

Obesity Facts in Australia

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 66% of Australians over the age of 18 (approximately 13 million) are overweight or obese. As of 2022, 71% of men and 61% of women were living with overweight or obesity.

The burden of disease measures how much healthy life is lost due to illness, injury, or early death. A significant part of this burden comes from preventable risk factors – the things we can change to improve our health.

Being overweight or obese is now the second leading preventable risk factor for poor health and early death in Australia, just behind tobacco use. In 2018, it accounted for 8.4% of the total disease burden nationwide (AIHW, 2021).

Carrying excess weight is linked to serious long-term health issues. It’s associated with over 30 different diseases, including 17 types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, asthma, and even dementia.

At Brisbane Weight Loss Surgery, we recognise that obesity is not just about weight – it’s about health. These obesity facts highlight the importance of seeking effective, long-term solutions.

What qualifies you as obese?

Body Mass Index, or BMI, is calculated by dividing your weight by the square of your height. It’s a widely used tool to measure overweight and obesity at the population level as it’s the same for both men and women, and for all adults. But on its own, it isn’t always accurate for individuals. Differences in body shape, muscle mass, and bone density can affect how weight is reflected in your BMI.

Once your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, you are considered overweight. Whilst a BMI of 30 and above is considered obese.

If you are diagnosed with obesity, you will likely have an increased chance of suffering from other conditions – physically, mentally, and socially, including:

• Shorter life expectancy – 50% to 100% increased risk of dying prematurely
• Diabetes (type 2)
• Sleep apnoea
• Arthritis – joint problems
• High blood pressure – hypertension
• Heart disease
• Gallbladder problems
• Certain cancers (breast, uterine, colon, cervix, oesophagus, pancreas, kidney, prostate)
• Digestive disorders (gastroesophageal reflux disease, GORD)
• Breathing difficulties – asthma
• Fertility and pregnancy issues
• Incontinence
• Skin and varicose veins
• Depression
• Poor self esteem
• Social isolation
• Mobility and day to day tasks more difficult
• No longer fit in seats on public transport, venues, etc
• Shortness of breath
• Potential reduction in employment prospects

For more information about Obesity treatment options, visit our procedures page or contact our clinic to speak with one of our helpful staff.

If you are overweight, concerned about your BMI, or suffer from any of the above symptoms, make an appointment to discuss your options for a healthier, happier future.

Contact us today.