Many South Africans do not fully grasp the numerous health risks associated with being overweight and do not take this important aspect of their health and well-being as seriously as they should.
“Many people have the misconception that obesity is not a significant health issue, and one often hears statements such as ‘I may be overweight but I am healthy’. However, the health risks associated with being overweight are very real and should not be underestimated,” said endocrinologist Professor Tess van der Merwe, chair of the South African Society for Surgery, Obesity and metabolism (Sasso) and who also practises at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital and is considered to be one of South Africa’s foremost experts on obesity.
On World Obesity Day on 11 October Van der Merwe said, “Those who have problems with their weight for one reason or another, should give it the urgent attention it warrants.”
She emphasised that this is particularly important as early intervention in addressing obesity and overweight in patients produces the best medical outcomes in the prevention of conditions such as type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
“We see so many patients who do not recognise the health risks that are inherent to their condition and yet, upon reflection, admit that they have joint pain, their mobility is suffering severely, and they note that this is having a marked impact on their quality of life and even their mental health,” said Van der Merwe.
“In addition, further investigation into the health of such patients frequently reveals that they suffer from one or more of the numerous medical disorders that are associated with obesity, a number of which are extremely debilitating and can potentially cripple one’s health.”
She says that in addition to Type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome, conditions like coronary heart disease and an increased risk of certain cancers are associated with obesity.
“Many overweight patients are also surprised to learn after a medical investigation that they suffer from potentially serious, underlying medical conditions such as sleep apnoea, which is a sleep disorder, or osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that is sometimes called the ‘wear and tear arthritis’.”
Van der Merwe runs the only internationally accredited metabolic surgery centre in the country at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital in Midrand. She explained that she does not want to alarm members of the public who suffer from obesity with this message but rather that it is an individual and collective call for them to take action to protect their health.
“There are many physiological and medical causes in every case of obesity and each person has a completely different constitution and metabolic makeup. Those who pass judgment on obese and overweight people are therefore displaying a complete lack of understanding of the complexities of this condition.
“At the same time, however, it must be emphasised that obesity represents a serious health issue, both in South Africa and globally, and overweight South Africans should be encouraged to do everything in their power to get their health back on track.”
Details: www.obesityday.worldobesity.org; www.sasomonline.co.za
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