3 minute read
Workplace Wellness: Tackling Obesity Together for a Healthier Tomorrow
By Yusuf Kaggwa, Officer in Charge of the Health Promotion, Infectious Diseases and Prevention Unit and Dorothy Ezataru, Medical Nurse, Entebbe
Obesity and overweight are pressing global health concerns impacting millions, including staff of the United Nations. These conditions occur when one has an excessive amount of body fat relative to their height, as measured by Body Mass Index (BMI).
Overweight is classified as a BMI between 25 and 29.9, while obesity is a BMI of 30 or higher, indicating a significant accumulation of body fat with adverse health effects.
According to the World Health Organization:
In 2022, 1 in 8 people worldwide lived with obesity.
Adult obesity has more than doubled globally since 1990, while adolescent obesity has quadrupled.
43% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight, and 16% were living with obesity.
37 million children under 5 were overweight, and over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight, including 160 million living with obesity.
Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for some of the leading causes of poor health and premature mortality, including cardiovascular disease, several prevalent cancers, type 2 diabetes, and osteoarthritis. They also bear profound psychological ramifications, fostering conditions like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and body image concerns. Beyond these health challenges, they also exert adverse effects on reproductive health.
In women, they can disrupt hormonal balance and menstrual cycles, leading to fertility issues and complications during pregnancy. In men, obesity is associated with lower testosterone levels and an elevated risk of erectile dysfunction.
Individuals grappling with obesity and overweight are more susceptible to infections and experience compromised immunity, exacerbating their vulnerability to various illnesses and health complications.
In our workplace, the impact of overweight and obesity is profound, with noticeable effects such as decreased productivity stemming from fatigue, reduced mobility, and diminished concentration among staff. This can result in increased absenteeism due to illness or medical appointments.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity contributes to higher healthcare costs related to treatments, medications, and healthcare services. Additionally, workplace injuries may become more prevalent due to the physical limitations associated with excess weight, posing risks to both employees and organizational efficiency.
To prevent overweight and obesity, staff can implement the following strategies:
Engage in physical activity
Adopt healthy eating habits
Maintain work-life balance
Participate in wellness programs
Foster a positive work environment
Undergo regular health screenings
Seek support services
You can also use the figure below to monitor your weight and strive to maintain a healthy BMI within the normal range for your height and body type:
In conclusion, obesity and overweight significantly increase the risk of developing chronic diseases and have a profound impact on both physical and mental health, reducing quality of life and life expectancy if left untreated. Addressing obesity through lifestyle modifications, including healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavior changes, is essential for preventing and managing obesity-related health problems.
