This March is Obesity Awareness Month

This March is Obesity awareness month, it is very much in relation to National Colorectal Cancer and National Nutrition Month which are also celebrated this March.

What is Obesity

• The World Health Organization defines obesity as ‘abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health’.

• It can be measured in a number of ways, but the most common is ‘BMI’ (Body Mass Index), using your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. ⁠

• Additional measurements, such as your waist to height ratio can also be used.⁠

Obesity is disease

• Obesity is a disease and must be treated as one.

• There are many factors that can put people at higher risk of developing obesity, including:

• biology⁠

• genes⁠

• mental health⁠

• access to healthcare

• exposure to ultra-processed, unhealthy foods⁠

• Obesity is not due to a lack of willpower.⁠

• Obesity is a risk factor Living with obesity puts people at a higher risk from other diseases including

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Certain cancers.

• People living with obesity also have a greater risk of severe illness and even death if they contract COVID-19.⁠

Obesity is not just about weight

• Treating obesity is about improving overall health, not just about losing weight.

• It is possible for a person with a higher BMI to be managing their disease and living at a ‘healthy weight’.⁠

Be more aware about obesity. Let's work toward building happier, healthier and longer lives for everybody

Spread care and awareness this Obesity Awareness Month with Nerdbugs Stomach Organ Plushie