Article posted on August 30, 2022
Obesity Clinic Nutrition Classes
Are you looking to eat healthier and lose weight at the same time?
The WestView Obesity Clinic Nutrition Classes offer a wide range of educational material to help you eat, snack, and shop for groceries in a healthier, more rewarding manner. Be informed about food labels and what the effects of certain nutritional habits are such as drinking caffeine or eating out.
The classes consist of 6 sessions and the best news is that you can start during any week as the classes repeat every six sessions. Attend one class or attend all. If you miss one, keep going with the following ones, and take what you missed when it repeats.
To register or inquire about this class, please call us at 780-960-9533 (Ext. 3).
Now, in order to address obesity properly in our communities, it helps to know more about it.
What is Obesity?
According to Obesity Canada, Obesity is a "chronic, progressive and relapsing disease, characterized by the presence of abnormal or excess adiposity that impairs health and social well-being." It is recognized as a chronic disease by several associations and organizations such as Alberta Medical Association, Canadian Medical Association, and World Health Organization.
Facts about Obesity
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Education is a big step towards bringing about a change in attitudes and behaviours. Let’s get down to the real facts about obesity! Obesity is a chronic and often progressive disease, similar to diabetes or high blood pressure. Obesity is more than just what you eat and how much you move. Obesity is considered a chronic disease because managing obesity is a lifelong process. Obesity affects more people than you may think. One in four adults and one in 10 children in Canada are now living with excess weight (roughly six million Canadians). |
Click on this infographic to view a large PDF version:
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Health Effects of Obesity
Living with obesity substantially affects your health and well-being.
These can be classified as effects on Mental, Mechanical, Metabolic and Monetary (social) health (the 4Ms of Obesity.)
Negative effects of obesity on Mental Health can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Negative self-talk
- Body dissatisfaction
- Disordered eating/eating disorders
Negative effects of obesity on Mechanical Health can include:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn)
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Urinary/fecal incontinence
- Intertrigo (skin-fold infections)
Negative effects of obesity on Metabolic Health can include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Elevated cholesterol
- Gout
- Fatty liver disease
- Infertility
- Cancer
Negative effects of obesity on Monetary Health can include:
- Education
- Employment
- Professional development
- Increased cost of living (e.g., clothing, mobility aids)
- Cost of weight-loss programs
Managing Obesity
The key principles of obesity management:
2. Obesity management is more than just reducing numbers on a scale—it’s about improving overall health and well-being over the long term.
3. An important part of obesity management is identifying and addressing root causes for weight gain and removing roadblocks.
4. Every individual defines success differently.
5. Work towards your “best” weight.
Building an enjoyable, healthy lifestyle ~ If you do not like the way you are living when you are managing your weight, it will be much more difficult to keep it off and to keep yourself from going back to the way you were living before you lost it. Work towards building a healthy lifestyle that you truly enjoy!
Source: Obesity Canada
Our PCN is dedicated to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals. Reach out to your family doctor or find one on our website if you have any questions or need help. You can also call us at (780) 960-9533.
Last Updated: Tuesday, August 30, 2022
