• The incidence of obesity is rising.
• In 2004, approximately 23% of adult Canadians were
obese & 36% were overweight.
• Reducing weight by only 5-10% can reduce the risk of
cardiovascular (CV) disease, diabetes & comorbidites.
• There is debate as to whether Body Mass Index (BMI) is
the best risk predictor for obesity as it does not take into
account fat-free mass, or the abdominal fat shown to
contribute to CV risk. A measurement of waist
circumference or the waist:hip ratio is a better predictor
of metabolically active visceral fat and disease risk.
• “1lb (0.45kg) = 3500 calories”. Reducing energy intake
or increasing energy expenditure by 500 calories/day will
result in losing about 1lb (½ kg) in one week.
• 1kg weight loss Ö ~1cm decrease in waist circumference
• Removal of adipose fat tissue via liposuction does not
achieve metabolic benefits of weight loss.
