www.toast-uk.org.uk

TOAST
Obesity…..be part of the solution

The Obesity Awareness & Solutions Trust (TOAST) is a national advocacy charity (Reg. No. 1088049) committed to ensuring that people whose lives are directly affected by obesity have a voice which enables them to have an impact on policy, treatments and services. TOAST also aims to expand and develop frontline action to prevent and solve the problem of obesity.

TOAST is dedicated to encouraging a better understanding of obesity, its causes and practical solutions through stimulating informed debate, developing and delivering training packages about and researching into obesity. TOAST runs a help and information email and telephone helpline for the obese, overweight, post obese, compulsive overeaters and for those who work with obesity or the obese. They are running a number of proactive programmes such as training packages “Obesity-awareness and diversity” aimed at professionals in all areas including health and education and are piloting Lifestyle Management programmes that are designed to arm the overweight and obese with the skills to challenge their attitudes to food and themselves. Their website offers information about a variety of things ranging from being a food labelling detective and issues around nutrition, exercise and physical health to challenging the way you think, building self esteem, assertiveness ,counselling and the psychological and provides tools to educate, inform and support people. The adult site has forums and chat rooms available to members. From September there will be a dedicated section for children and young people which will be interactive and aims to give them support and information, there will be a forum facility which will be monitored by skilled professionals.

Being obese or overweight carries serious health risks including coronary heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure, osteoarthritis and high blood pressure. The problems of obesity are not limited to purely physical complaints either. Associated psychological consequences can range from low self esteem and anxiety to clinical depression and a higher risk of suicide, augmented by bullying and prejudice.

Ensuring that you are well informed of the multifaceted nature of obesity will enable you to empower the people who you come into contact with.


Some Obesity Facts

• 30,000 deaths per year are directly attributable to obesity-that is one person every 17.5 minutes

• If you are obese your life expectancy is on average reduced by 9 years (smoking reduces life expectancy by 7 years)

• Obese men are 33% more likely to die of cancer than a person within a healthy weight range

• Obese women are 50% more likely to die of cancer than a person within a healthy weight range
   

Facts from the National Audit 2001,

• 1 in 5 adults obese

• 2/3 men 1/2 women overweight/obese

• Predict that 1 in 4 people will be obese by 2010

• Described by the World Health Authority Worldwide Epidemic, W

• Cost to NHS

• £0.5 billion in 1998, £2 billion to wider economy

• Treatment of

• Hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, angina, cancers, coronary heart disease, mental health
   

Health risks associated with obesity:

Hypertension.
High blood pressure, a contributor to stroke and heart disease.

Diabetes.
Even moderate obesity, especially when the extra fat is carried in the stomach and abdomen increases the risk of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) ten-fold.

Cardiovascular disease.
Both the degree of obesity and the location of fat deposits contribute to the potential for heart and blood vessel disease. The fatter the person, the higher the risk. People who carry extra weight in the trunk area (stomach and abdomen) are at higher risk than folks who store fat in hips and thighs.

Cancer.
Obese men are at elevated risk of developing cancer of the colon, rectum, and prostate. Obese women are at elevated risk of developing cancer of the breast, cervix, uterus, and ovaries.

Endocrine problems.
Irregular menstrual cycles; other menstrual problems; and pregnancy complications, especially toxaemia and hypertension. Hormone imbalances of various kinds may contribute to, or be the result of, obesity.

Gall bladder disease.
Obese women 20-30 years old are at six times greater risk of gall bladder disease than their normal-weight peers. By age 60 almost one-third of obese women will have developed gall bladder disease.

Lung and breathing problems.
Obesity can impede the muscles that inflate and ventilate the lungs. Obese individuals may have to work hard to get enough air and over time may not be able to take in the oxygen needed by all body cells.

Arthritis.
Obese individuals are at increased risk of developing gouty arthritis, a distressingly painful disorder. In addition, excess weight stresses vulnerable joints, in particular the back and knee, which may develop osteoarthritis, a mechanical rather than metabolic problem.

Premature death.
Research indicates that obese people die on average 9 years sooner than their normal weight peers.

Sleep disturbances,
including sleep apnoea (breathing stops for several seconds; then the person rouses, gasps, and struggles to catch breath. Episodes may continue through the night)

Other problems associated with obesity
Inability to fully participate in recreational activities
Inability to compete effectively in sports and athletics; being picked last, or not at all, for team sports Low self-esteem and body-image problems, related at least in part to prejudice and discrimination encountered in school, at work, and in social settings.
Inability to perform some jobs; reduced job opportunities
Prejudice and discrimination in society, school and the workplace
Restricted social opportunities

Impact on mental health
Obese women are 37% more likely to be diagnosed with major depression and are 23% more likely to attempt suicide. Obese people are more likely to suffer from a number of psychological problems including : Binge eating, low self image and confidence, isolation, and discrimination.

www.toast-uk.org.uk