Health Matters! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Health problems associated with obesity

• People who are obese are more likely to suffer from:
• • coronary heart disease;
• • type 2 diabetes;
• • gall stones;
• • arthritis;
• • high blood pressure;
• • some types of cancers, i.e. colon,
• breast, kidney and stomach.

• www.foodafactoflife.org.uk

Health issues and weight loss

• Most of the health problems associated with obesity decrease through weight loss.
• People who are very overweight find it more difficult to be physically active and this may add to their health problems.

• www.foodafactoflife.org.uk

The role of physical activity

• Many people in the UK have very inactive lifestyles – few people have physically active jobs or participate in significant amounts of physical activity out of work.
• Lack of activity is an important factor in the increasing incidence of obesity. Walking or cycling instead of using a car, going to exercise classes and taking part in team sports such as football can all help a person maintain a healthy body weight by increasing energy output.

• www.foodafactoflife.org.uk