Obesity or being over weight is a disease that affects at least one third of the western civilisation. This number increases year on year, causing unnecessary deaths that could have been prevented; if people only exercise regularly and are stricter on their eating habits. Despite all the deaths obesity causes, it doesn't receive the attention it should by companies, organizations, government or health care professions. It is too bad that obesity is widespread and often considered socially acceptable especially amongst men and to a lesser extent amongst woman. Some people without any worry perceive obesity as part of life or just blame it on genetics without understanding the seriousness and the effect it can have on their health. When suffering from obesity, the risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease and cancer of the breast, prostate and colon problems is increased. Most doctors would agree that obesity, or being overweight, is fostered by a lack of physical activity combined with high-calorie, low-cost foods. Any weight loss, even as small as 10%, can dramatically improve one's health, when suffering from obesity. Even though a 10% weight loss is such a small percentage, it has an incredible impact on the overall well-being of the human body. Just imagine the effect it will have if you lose all your unnecessary weight and keep it off.

How do I know if I'm obese?

Being obese and being overweight are not the same condition. A BMI of 30 or more is considered obese and a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. The BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a mathematical calculation used to determine whether a person is overweight or obese. You can calculate your BMI by dividing your body weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared (weight [kg] height [m]²). This number can be misleading, for very muscular people, or for pregnant or lactating women.

Obesity, or being over weight, plays a significant role in poor health amongst women. This condition negatively affects quality of life and shortens life span. Prevention and early treatment of obesity, or being over weight, are crucial to ensure that woman of all ages are in good physical shape.

The effects Obesity, or being over weight, has on woman:

• When your body mass index exceeds 30, the relative risk of death related to obesity increases
• Women with obesity have a bigger risk of osteoarthritis than non-obese women
• After menopause, women with obesity have a higher risk of developing breast cancer
• Women with obesity have four times the risk of EC (Endometrial Cancer) than women with a lower body mass index
• Obesity in older aged woman is associated with Cardio Vascular Diseases
• Gall bladder disease is common amongst women who are obese
• Women who are obese tend to suffer from infertility as it effects ovulation and pregnancy outcomes
• When suffering from obesity, it is documented that woman lose the urgency to urinate
• Women with obesity appear to have much more discrimination focussed against them than men, as obese women face major barriers in establishing and maintaining social interaction in a civilization which emphasizes slimness as sexy, sexually appealing and physically attractive to men
• Women with obesity often complain of daytime sleepiness and fatigue
• Ladies who are overweight tend to get type 2 diabetes
• Bodily pain is a prevalent problem among persons with obesity

To conclude, women with obesity are at risk of developing one or more serious life-threatening conditions, which can cause health problems and even premature death. Weight loss of about 10% of body weight, for overweight persons suffering from obesity, can improve some obesity-related conditions including diabetes, infertility and hypertension.

If you are obese or over weight and would like to seriously consider losing the weight, contact us at ShapeLife to tell you about our ShapeWorks Quick start package that can change your life forever. Email us info@shapelife.co.za