The Problem
In Australia 60% of adults are obese or overweight.
Many health problems are associated with increased body weight including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, reflux oesophagitis, fatty liver, gout, osteoarthritis of weight bearing joints, polycystic ovary syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction and increased risk of malignancies.
Goals
The initial goals of weight loss are to
►reduce body weight by approximately 10% from baseline,
►over a 6 month timeline, and
►maintain that weight loss for at least 2 years.
Gains
Although the weight loss may seem insignificant 10% weight loss has been shown to
►reduce blood pressure by 10-15mm Hg
►reduce cholesterol by 10% and triglycerides by 30%
►improve sugar control and reduce diabetic mortality rates
►improve ovarian function.