Half of all South Africans are carrying around extra kilos, and it may be time to look at the effects of the extra weight.
World Obesity Day is being observed on Monday 4 March and it is important to exploring hidden health effects.
According to a study by Witwatersrand University half of South Africans are overweight or obese, which is characterised by excessive body fat accumulation.
Lizeth Kruger, Dis-Chem Clinic Executive, emphasises that obesity is a complex, multifaceted condition with implications that extend beyond what meets the eye. While its visible effects include higher risks of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases it also has hidden impacts on cognitive function, reproductive health, mental well-being, and even certain cancers.
According to Kruger being overweight has various effects on one’s body:
Cognitive functioning
Studies have shown individuals with obesity are at a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia later in life. “Obesity not only burdens the body, but also takes a toll on cognitive abilities, affecting memory, learning and decision-making processes in mid-life,” says Kruger. The underlying mechanisms involve chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and changes in brain structure and function.
Kruger recommends regular physical exercise to enhance brain blood flow, consuming a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as reading and puzzles, and managing cardiovascular risk factors through proper medical care to help maintain cognitive function.
Reproductive health
Obesity significantly affects reproductive health in both genders.
In women it leads to hormonal imbalances, disrupting ovulation and causing menstrual irregularities, which increases the risk of infertility. During pregnancy obese women face increased complications like gestational diabetes, hypertension, miscarriage and caesarean delivery, posing risks to both maternal and foetal well-being.
Additionally, it may lead to larger birth weights, birth defects and long-term health issues for the baby.
In men obesity reduces sperm quality and causes erectile dysfunction, impairing fertility and increasing the risk of reproductive disorders. Kruger advises managing conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and hypertension, seeking fertility counselling as needed, and receiving prenatal care to address fertility issues and reduce pregnancy complications.
Cancer risks
Recent findings from the Cancer Association of South Africa reveal that obesity stands out as a significant and preventable factor contributing to various cancers. These include breast and bowel cancers, which rank among the most prevalent types as well as pancreatic, oesophageal, and gallbladder cancers, which are recognised as challenging cancers to treat. Other cancer types include womb and ovarian cancers, along with kidney, liver, upper stomach and meningioma (a form of brain tumour) cancers. Obesity also impacts cancer treatment outcomes, affecting chemotherapy effectiveness, surgical results and overall prognosis.
Kruger stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and an active lifestyle to reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers. A balanced diet is essential, aiming for two-thirds of the plate filled with non-starchy vegetables, fruits, whole grains or legumes and the rest with animal protein. Moderation in alcohol consumption and regular screenings as well as medical guidance for managing obesity-related conditions are recommended.
While being overweight does not mean one will develop cancer, the longer and heavier the weight the higher the risk. Kruger advises preventing further weight gain and striving for weight loss to decrease cancer risk. This comprehensive approach not only lowers the likelihood of obesity-related cancers, but also improves treatment response and overall survival rates.
Mental well-being
The psychological toll of obesity extends beyond body-image concerns. It significantly impacts mental well-being, contributing to developing depression, anxiety and other mental-health disorders. “Obesity is not just a physical burden, but an emotional one as well, with consequences such as social stigma, discrimination and low self-esteem associated with obesity magnifying mental-health challenges, resulting in poor mental well-being and weight management difficulties,” Kruger explained.
To address this, she recommends that both men and women seek support from mental-health professionals, engage in therapy or counselling, build a strong support network of friends and family, and practise self-care activities such as mindfulness and relaxation. Additionally, Kruger suggests cultivating self-compassion, practising stress-management techniques and focusing on overall wellness to reduce the emotional toll of obesity.
She said: “Let us not only raise awareness about the visible aspects of this condition, but also strive to understand and mitigate its indirect health implications. By recognising and addressing the multifaceted nature of obesity we can pave the way for a healthier and more inclusive future for all.”
