support clinically significant weight loss . Obesity , as with other co-morbidities , is also a poor prognostic factor for Covid-19 hospitalisations
The consensus regarding self-monitoring though is through :
• Calorie restriction : Reducing your intake by 500- 1000 kcal per day will reduce total body weight by an average of 8 % over a year
• Exercise : 30 minutes a day will yield health benefits , but 60 – 80 minutes will assist in weight loss and additional benefits
• Behaviour modification : Goal setting , self-monitoring and modification of one ’ s environment to enhance behaviours that will support weight management
‘ The reality ,’ says Dr Mkhatshwa , ‘ is that obesity and concomitant lifestyle diseases have become a pandemic in South Africa . Diabetes 2 is amongst these and has significant health implications . Managing this disease is imperative . We offer a diabetes management programme to help people understand this longterm condition and empower them to make the right decisions to stay healthy . This includes access to specialised diabetes doctors , dieticians , podiatrists and diabetic educators to effectively manage diabetes . However , if you are not on a medical aid , there are several diabetic support groups .’
‘ Everyone needs to act .’ It ’ s time to increase awareness of the root causes of obesity and encourage advocacy for change .
Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 2 | 2022
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