Obesity is one of the most significant concerns for public health in the UK, with millions of adults and children being affected. If you or a loved one has recently been told you’re considered obese, you may wonder what this means and why it’s such a problem.
According to the NHS, 28% of adults in England were classified as obese, and a further 36.2% were overweight. Today, we’ll explore why obesity rates are rising in the UK and what this means for older adults.
What Is Obesity?
Obesity is defined as having an excessive percentage of body fat, which increases the risk of several health concerns.
The most common measure of obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI), which can be calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres.
For adults:
- Obese: A BMI of 30 and above
- Overweight: A BMI of 25 to 29.9
- Healthy weight: A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9
- Underweight: A BMI of below 18.5
Why Are Obesity Rates on the Rise in the UK?
There are several factors contributing to the rising obesity rates in the UK, including:
Sedentary Lifestyles
Advances in technology and changes in work patterns mean that adults in the UK are leading more sedentary lifestyles. Many jobs require long periods of time sitting behind a desk, and fun activities that involve screen time rather than physical activity.
Socioeconomic Factors
Experts have found that there is a direct correlation between socioeconomic status and obesity rates. Adults on lower incomes often have less access to healthy foods and safe areas for physical exercise, meaning poverty and health inequalities are directly related to obesity rates.
Dietary Changes
High-calorie, nutrient-poor foods have become more readily available to everyone, including fast food, sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods. These can be bought almost anywhere and are often cheaper than healthier alternatives.
Lack of Awareness
There is often a lack of education or awareness about healthy eating and the importance of physical activity, and people are only given helpful information once they’re considered overweight or obese. It’s much more difficult to lose weight than it is to gain weight.
Health Concerns Associated with Obesity
Obesity is more than just an aesthetic concern. It’s considered a serious health condition that increases the risk of several other health issues.
These include:
- Cardiovascular diseases: Obesity can increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease, all of which put great strain on your heart.
- Mental health issues: Many professionals agree that there is a strong link between mental health conditions and obesity, including anxiety and depression.
- Respiratory issues: People with obesity often experience obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing problems, which can put excess pressure on their lungs.
- Type 2 diabetes: Excess body fat can encourage the body to become resistant to insulin, leading to dangerously high blood sugar levels.
- Musculoskeletal problems: Extra weight places additional strain on joints and bones, leading to conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Are Older Adults Prone to Obesity?
Older adults are considered at higher risk of obesity than younger individuals. The NHS states that nearly 36% of adults aged 55 to 74 live with obesity, making it most prevalent among older demographics.
There are several reasons why older adults may be at higher risk of obesity, including:
- A lack of physical activity: As the body ages, it may become slower and weaker, making exercise more difficult to complete safely.
- Improper eating behaviours: Older adults may consume more calories than recommended without realising it, or follow a diet high in saturated fat or sugar.
- Not enough sleep: Sleep disturbances often become more common as we age, leaving us lethargic and craving sugar for quick bursts of energy.
- Genetics: Certain people are more genetically predisposed to developing obesity later in life.
- High stress levels: Increased stress, such as from a move into a care home or the death of a loved one, may change dietary habits and increase the risk of obesity.
- Medication side effects: Some medicines may cause side effects, such as slowing down metabolism or increasing hunger, including antidepressants, beta blockers, and insulin.
Tips for Managing Obesity in Older Adults
Professional advice on managing obesity is largely the same for older adults as it is for everyone. However, certain modifications may be needed to ensure weight-loss efforts remain safe for the elderly.
Tips for managing obesity include:
- Eat a nutritious, balanced diet, breaking meals into smaller portions throughout the day rather than having three large meals.
- Encourage physical activity wherever possible. Older adults should still aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, with at least 2 days reserved for muscle-strengthening activities.
- Try to limit portion sizes and swap out usual foods for healthy alternatives, such as vegetable sticks for crisps and fruit salads for chocolate.
- Talk to a professional, such as a GP, who can offer personalised support and advice, including referrals to weight management programs.
- Keep an eye on the recommended calorie intake for each individual’s age, as older adults typically need fewer calories than younger adults.
How Many Calories Do Older Adults Need?
Below is the recommended calorie intake for adults aged 61 to 76 years and above:
| Age | Daily calories for sedentary lifestyle | Daily calories for moderately active lifestyle | Daily calories for an active lifestyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 to 65 years | Men: 2000 Women: 1600 |
Men: 2400 Women: 1800 |
Men: 2600 Women: 2000 |
| 66 to 70 years | Men: 2000 Women: 1600 |
Men: 2200 Women: 1800 |
Men: 2600 Women: 2000 |
| 71 to 75 years | Men: 2000 Women: 1600 |
Men: 2200 Women: 1800 |
Men: 2600 Women: 2000 |
| 76 years and up | Men: 2000 Women: 1600 |
Men: 2200 Women: 1800 |
Men: 2400 Women: 2000 |
How Trinity Homecare Can Help
At Trinity Homecare, we understand how debilitating obesity can be for older adults, especially when it causes other health concerns. Our bariatric carers support clients and their families with compassion, without judgement.
Depending on the level of care your loved one requires, we can create a visiting or live-in care plan that honours their wishes, independence, and treats them with respect and dignity.
We can support bariatric individuals in a number of ways, including:
- Monitoring symptoms and getting emergent medical assistance if required
- Wound dressing and medication reminders
- Domestic support, such as laundry and housework
- Cooking, sticking to a meal plan, hydration and supplements
- Daily help with dressing, bathing, toileting and moving around
Talk to Us Today
At Trinity Homecare, our ultimate goal is to enrich your lifestyle in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. This allows you to live the independent lifestyle that you love without the daunting thought of moving into a care home. We are here to support you with various forms of live-in care.
Call us now on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free, no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
