A new report by a leading UK health charity has indicated that many people could be putting their lives at risk by failing to recognise that they have a serious weight problem.
According to the research, nearly half (44 per cent) of all obese people are unconcerned about the risk of serious illness due to their weight. Also, 17% of the 3,100 respondents were found to be clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index score of 30+), but only 6% actually believed that they fell into this category.
The charity which carried out the research commented: “The figures show a clear misconception between what is considered overweight and what is obesity – a medical condition with potentially life-threatening health risks.”
Margaret Laurie, Head of Clinical Governance at Santia’s Occupational Health Division spoke of the dangers that this may lead to:
“If people are unaware that they are clinically obese, they are unlikely to rectify the situation and take action to prevent the illnesses which they are more likely to suffer. Obesity increases the risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes, as well as making some cancers such as bowel cancer, more likely.
“People cannot afford to underestimate the seriousness of potential weight problems and must recognise the link between obesity and the increased risk of developing life-changing illnesses.”
To help raise awareness of this problem, Santia have made Healthy Eating the topic of the month in our Choices for Wellbeing calendar. Choices for Wellbeing is an eleven month campaign of health and wellbeing advice for your employees.
