OBESITY RESOURCE CENTRE

Obesity may be defined as a condition in which excess fat in the body accumulates to the extent that health, both physically and psychologically, is affected.

It is not merely a problem of aesthetics and beauty, but a condition which is chronic and relapsing, and can cause significant medical illnesses and a reduced lifespan. The estimated cost of obesity in developed societies is between 2 and 7% of total health care cost.

In all developed countries, the prevalence of obesity is increasing across all age groups. What is of particular concern, is that, our children are also becoming increasingly obese. In 2000, the School Health Survey in Singapore reported that the prevalence of obesity was 10.8% in children aged 6-7 years, 14.7% in children aged 12-13 years and 13.1% in those aged 15-16 years. Onset of obesity in childhood increases the likelihood of obesity in later life.

Obesity is most commonly caused by a combination of excess dietary calories, the lack of physical activity and genetic susceptibility. A small proportion of cases are due to secondary causes such as genes, endocrine disorders, medication or psychiatric illness. It has been estimated that genetics have an approximately 70% influence, whilst the environment has the remaining 30% influence on one developing obesity.