Clinical Approach to Obesity

Health Lifestyle Symposium: A Focus on Obesity

In 2022, 2.5 billion adults aged 18 years and older were overweight, including over 890 million adults who were living with obesity. Prevalence of overweight varied by region, from 31% in the WHO South-East Asia Region and the African Region to 67% in the Region of the Americas.

In 2019, higher-than-optimal BMI caused an estimated 5 million deaths from noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, neurological disorders, chronic respiratory diseases, and digestive disorders. 

In South Africa almost 50% of adults are overweight or obese. There has been an increase in deaths due to chronic diseases of lifestyle such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Between 2008 and 2018, cardiovascular diseases increased by 46.5 % while diabetes-related deaths, increased by 36.5%, with females accounting for 61.2% of diabetes-related deaths in 2018,

This symposium explores the epidemiology and pathophysiology of obesity, as well as the role of emerging therapeutics and issues related to prevention, and access to treatment. 3 CPD points has been allocated.

• Overview of NCDs in RSA & Africa - Mr Patrick Magodzo - Gauteng Health, DD Public Health Programmes.

• Tackling Obesity and Lessons Learned from Treating HIV - Prof WD Francois Venter, Executive Director of Wits Ezintsha.

• Weight Management Interventions Provided by a Dietitian - Ms Moloko Mehlape, Dietician.

• Prevention and Management of Obesity - Ms Kekolo Moima, Biokineticist.

• Mental Health Aspects of Obesity - Mr Lehlohonolo Mazindo, Registered Counsellor.

• Physician's approach to Obesity - Dr Ryan Sewpersadh, Physician.

• Role of Bariatric Surgeon in Obesity Dr Everette Asante, Bariatric Surgeon.