Obesity is a medical condition where people experience excessive weight gain. Obesity is the result of energy intake exceeding energy expenditure over an extended period of time. Many different factors may contribute to this imbalance including dietary and physical activity patterns, environmental and cultural factors.
Obesity increases the risk of many chronic and potentially fatal diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, particular cancers and musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis and back pain.
Symptoms and characteristics
Overweight and obesity are defined by the World Health Organization using the body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared. For example, a person who is 1.65m tall and weighs 64kg would have a BMI of 24. People with a BMI of 25 or more are classified as overweight, while those with a BMI of 30 or greater are classified as obese.
Symptoms of obesity include:
- being overweight
- fatigue
- joint pain (especially in lower limbs)
- possible shortness of breath
Statistics
Around seven million Australians are overweight or obese and it is estimated that about 75 per cent of the Australian population will be overweight or obese by 2020 (Better Health Channel 2007).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2007, Obesity, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 9 March 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Obesity?open>.
Dieticians Association of Australia 2007, Body Mass Index, Dieticians Association of Australia, Deakin, viewed 25 February 2007, <http://www.daa.asn.au/index.asp?pageID=2145834394>.
MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 20 March 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.