Open AccessMore than scales and tape measures needed to address obesity in South Africa
Author(s) -
Rudiger Ramlal,
Romona Devi Govender
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
south african family practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2078-6204
pISSN - 2078-6190
DOI - 10.4102/safp.v58i4.5444
Subject(s) - medicine , overweight , obesity , body mass index , public health , excess weight , gerontology , demography , environmental health , nursing , sociology
Obesity is an emerging public health problem worldwide increasing from 857 million in 1980 to 2.1 billion by 2013. A study was done on a sample of 100 obese and overweight patients with a body mass index (BMI) above 25 kg/m2. The patients were asked to complete a questionnaire, which included socio-demographic data and perceptions regarding their weight.The patients were between the ages of 18 and 76 years old with 82% being female patients. The mean BMI for males was 41.7 kg/m2 (SD = 7.38112) and females 39.9 kg/m2 (SD = 7.90504). The results of this study confirm that 17% of overweight and obese patients saw themselves as having a normal weight and 97% felt that they were not unattractive. Of the sample, 96% affirmed that being obese was a health risk. The commonest reason cited for their obesity is by choice (70%).Although obese patients knew that obesity is a health risk, they have a positive image of obesity. The dramatic trend towards increasing obesity suggest that healthcare providers need to understand how people from different cultures view obesity. This will help them to promote key messages about the health risks associated with excess weight in a culturally sensitive way.