Obesity is a medical condition characterised by excessive weight gain. Obesity is the result of energy intake exceeding energy expenditure over an extended period of time. Many different factors may contribute to this imbalance, including dietary and physical activity patterns, environmental and cultural factors.
Obesity increases the risk of many chronic and potentially fatal diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, particular cancers, gallbladder disease and musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis and back pain.
Symptoms and characteristics
Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization using the body mass index (BMI) for persons over the age of 18. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared. For example, a person who is 1.65m tall and weighs 64kg would have a BMI of 24. People with a BMI of 25 or more are classified as overweight, while those with a BMI of 30 or greater are classified as obese. Some exceptions to the BMI may apply for muscular persons, or for those from some ethnic groups. Symptoms of obesity include:
- being overweight
- fatigue
- joint pain, especially in lower limbs
- possible shortness of breath, especially during normal daily tasks.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
In the workplace there are various ways to assist people who are obese to manage their condition. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, and will vary depending upon the extent of obesity. Some suggestions for workplace modifications include:
- a suitable job match that incorporates a role with limited physical exertion
- a job role involving a rotation of physically demanding tasks with sedentary duties to allow for built in rest breaks
- if seated to work, consideration of an appropriately weight rated ergonomic chair for safety purposes
- flexible work hours to allow for regular exercise
- healthy food and drink choices in workplace canteens and vending machines.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2010, Obesity, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 27 November 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Obesity?open.
Dieticians Association of Australia 2008, Body Mass Index, Dieticians Association of Australia, Deakin, viewed 27 November 2011,
http://daa.asn.au/for-the-public/smart-eating-for-you/nutrition-a-z/body-mass-index/.
Heart Foundation (no date specified), Know the risks, National Heart Foundation of Australia, Canberra, viewed 27 November 2011,
http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/know-the-risks/Pages/being-active.aspx.
MDA Internet 1991—2010, Obesity, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 27 November 2011, http://www.mdguidelines.com/.