A vital screening regime, whatever shape you're in

We all know that maintaining a healthy weight and good health go hand-in-hand. But with the stresses of life and the temporary comfort that those readily available, fast-food meals tend to bring, eating healthily and making time to keep fit can sometimes be the last thing on your mind.

The reality is that being overweight or obese often leads to a range of other health problems, which can have serious consequences further down the line. So, if you fall into the above categories or if you feel you're headed in that direction, going for a quick and simple Health Check can be the greatest investment you make in your future health and just the motivation you need to get back on track.

Health Checks are fully covered annually for all Discovery Health Medical Scheme members through the existing Screening and Prevention Benefit. When you and the family members on your plan go for your Health Check, you automatically unlock additional screening cover through the WELLTH Fund.

Learn more about what the WELLTH Fund can be used for here.

How serious a problem is obesity in South Africa today

A study conducted last year by senior researcher Micheal Boachie, from Wits University's School of Public Health, states that overweight and obesity challenges are costing South Africa's health system R33 billion a year (representing 15.38% of government health expenditure).

South Africa has been ranked among those countries with the highest obesity prevalence, with a projected increase in obesity of 47.7% in females and 23.3% in males by 2025 in a qualitative study. The study findings reveal a far greater issue that obesity can increase the chances of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Discovery Health's Chief Clinical Officer shares more concerning figures with us, "Carrying excess weight is a growing problem in South Africa and the world at large. The World Obesity Atlas tells us that half of all adults in South Africa are overweight (23%) or obese (27%), and in the African region, almost a quarter of preventable NCDs (23%) and deaths (22%) are linked to having a high Body Mass Index (BMI). All the more reason for you to keep up with your essential physical health screening and improve your physical health."

What are some of the driving factors of obesity?

Poor diet and physical inactivity are surface-level drivers of obesity. Dr Nematswerani provides a deeper insight into what can limit a person's poor choices:

"It is important to consider why South Africans consistently make these unhealthy eating choices. The perceived high cost, less tasty and added preparation time of nutritious food, often poses a challenge when compared to the instant gratification that is associated with tastier, easily accessible high-sugar, high-fat alternatives."

"There is also a great need for more knowledge about what constitutes a healthy weight and lifestyle - which can sometimes conflict with deep-routed cultural beliefs. Health Checks help identify changes in your body mass index and the related potential complications sooner which is why we recommend you go for yours routinely every year," she adds.

How is obesity measured?

Body mass index (BMI) is the most common method for measuring obesity. A person's BMI is derived by dividing their weight in kilograms, by the square of their height in metres (kg/m2). However, a significant limitation of BMI is that it cannot distinguish between fat and lean mass, which means that certain people, like those with increased muscle mass, may be incorrectly classified as overweight.

A more accurate way to assess a person's weight class, is to measure their BMI in relation to their waist circumference. An increased waist circumference measures the fat stored around the abdominal organs (visceral fat) and is associated with an increased disease risk.

Dr Nematswerani elaborates: "The easiest and most accurate way to assess your weight status is to keep up with your Health Checks.. A BMI between 18 and 24.9kg/m2 is considered in range. But for BMIs between 25 and 30kg/m2 (classified as overweight) members are only considered as having an in-range weight status, if their waist circumference is less than 80cm for women and less than 94cm for men. If you are 65 years or over, your waist circumference should be less than 88cm if you are a woman and less than 102cm if you are a man. Those with a BMI greater than 30kg/m2 are classified as obese."

Why is it important to reduce your risk with routine health screenings?

Everyone, regardless of their BMI range, should keep up with regular physical health screening to detect underlying health problems that often don't present with symptoms before they reach complicated stages. These screenings are however extremely important if you are overweight or obese. Here's why:

• Obese people are more likely to have a chronic condition compared to those with a healthy weight
  There is a direct link between obesity and chronic health conditions and there are a wide range of other health concerns that have been evidently linked to obesity. Many of these do not present any signs or symptoms and include:
  • High blood pressure and high cholesterol which are risk factors for heart disease
  • Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke)
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Certain cancers (such as breast and colon)
  • Respiratory problems (sleep apnoea and asthma)
  • Gallstones and gallbladder disease
  • Reproductive health issues (infertility and higher risk of miscarriage)
  • Increased strain on bones, muscles and joints (osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal discomfort)
  • Emotional distress and depression

• As a person's weight increases, so does their risk of death
  A study led by School of Public Health researchers found that an obese classification based on body mass index (BMI) at any point in adulthood was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, with a 21.9% increased risk of death for each 5-unit increase in a person's lifetime maximum BMI.

"The impact of obesity on an individual's health, is significant. Good nutrition and regular physical activity are simple yet immensely effective lifestyle changes that will set you on the path towards better health. And although it is harder to lose weight than it is to gain it, a few simple adaptations accompanied by regular health check-ins can be a life-saving practice that improves your physical and emotional health, while also saving a fortune in related health care costs," concludes Dr Nematswerani.

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