Obesity

What is obesity?

Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat accumulates to an extent which will negatively affect health and wellbeing. The most common definition is when a person's body mass index goes over 30 kg/m2.

Associated symptoms

Excessive weight is an associated symptom of many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes type 2, and certain types of cancer. As such, obesity has been found to reduce life expectancy. Initial treatment is dieting and physical exercise.

Why does it occur?

Historically, obesity was seen as a status symbol, signifying wealth and fertility, however in today's culture, there is an obvious degree of stigma associated to the illness.

Today, the main cause is excessive calories and a lack of physical activity; however, genetics plays its part in many cases too. Furthermore, there is a small minority of cases in which a person's genes or a psychiatric illness are solely attributable.

Childhood obesity

As childhood obesity rises in most Western world cultures, public health authorities view the issue as a serious problem. Childhood obesity has been linked to a rise in both parents working full time and being given fast and processed food which is eaten in front of the television. In the UK, the rate of obesity has increased approximately fourfold over the last 25 years to 22 per cent of the population.

Treatment

The associated risk factors and diseases with obesity have led to an establishment of a clinical diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Behavioural therapy techniques can help an obese person to change their lifestyle, such as eating smaller meals, cutting out certain types of food and making a conscious effort to exercise for longer periods. Evidence suggests that working with other people in achieving personal goals is incredibly effective and can act as a form of counselling.

For more support

If you feel you may be affected by obesity and would like help or more information, you can ask your GP or contact any of the following organisations:

National Obesity Forum
www.nationalobesityforum.org.uk
0115 846 2109

The Samaritans
www.samaritans.org
08457 909090

Priory Group
0845 2 774679

How Priory can help

Priory has been helping to treat people with obesity for over 25 years. We know that everyone's situation is different, which is why we ensure that everyone has a unique treatment plan tailored to their needs.

The type and length of treatment is dependent on the individual's circumstances and the severity of the condition. Some patients are treated as outpatients, which means they come to Priory for hourly sessions with their consultant, psychologist or therapist. Others require a more structured treatment approach which can include staying at one of the Priory hospitals for the duration of their treatment where they take part in the psychological group programme as well as regular sessions with their consultant.

If you suspect you've got a problem with eating, call 0845 2 774 679 or email info@priorygroup.com to find out how Priory can help. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are interested in receiving treatment from us, your GP will be able to refer you. If you or your relative have private medical insurance, your insurer will probably insist that your GP refers you to us.

To view a list of Priory hospitals that can help with obesity problems please click here.

Why should I choose Priory?

Our service

At Priory, our committed and professional staff provide the highest standards of care, understanding and service for everyone. This service brings hope and confidence, allowing our patients to take control of their lives within a safe and secure environment.

Expertise and innovation

As Europe's leading independent provider of specialist mental health, neuro-rehabilitation and special education services, we bring experience and an excellent reputation. Through our close links with the public and private sectors, we've developed the expertise and innovation to offer consistent and successful treatment.

We admit patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.