Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Program?

Obesity is defined as an excessively high amount of body fat in relation to lean body mass. The body mass index is a measure to determine if you are of the right weight, underweight, overweight or obese.

You may be a candidate for a weight loss program if your BMI is >35 kg/m2, and you are likely to have significant health problems.

  • Major health consequences
  • Premature death (shorter life expectancy)
  • Obese people have more risk for heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers (breast, uterine, colon), breathing difficulties (e.g., sleep apnoea, asthma), arthritis, pregnancy complications, gall bladder problems, urinary incontinence, depression and digestive disorders (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease)
  • Risks to psychological and social well-being
  • Negative self-image
  • Social isolation
  • Discrimination
  • Difficulties with day-to-day living
  • Normal tasks become harder when you are obese
  • You tend to tire more quickly and you find yourself short of breath
  • Public transport seats and cars may be too small for you
  • You may find it difficult to maintain personal hygiene