Weighing in

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Rising levels of obesity, overweight teenagers and an increase in weight-related chronic conditions mean poor health for all. Longevity, in conjunction with Fedhealth, launches a nine-month weight management challenge.

The facts speak for themselves. More than 2,8 million people die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, 43 million children  under five are considered overweight, of this 35 million are living in developing countries.

South Africa is currently ranked third in the world for obesity, with nearly two in every three people in this country having a weight problem. According to a survey conducted by Glaxo-SmithKline (GSK) in the latter part of 2010, 84% of South Africans believes they are somewhat healthy, and one in five believe there is nothing that he or she needs to do to be healthier. The survey further showed that 35% of the South African population is believed to be of average weight, and women are more prone to putting on weight than men.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 70% of women aged 35 and over are either overweight or obese.

Ironically, 41% of those who are considered medically obese believed themselves to be “very healthy”. Only 34% of those in the overweight, obese and morbidly obese category consider themselves overweight.

The biggest concern is that South Africans continue to feel that this is not something to worry about. The survey revealed that weight gain isn’t considered to be important. However, the statistics beg to differ. Carrying extra weight puts strain on your heart, and those who are heavily overweight often have higher cholesterol levels, higher blood pressure and are either living with metabolic syndrome (a precursor to diabetes) or diabetes itself.

Plus, certain cancers, arthritis, shortness of breath, gallstones, slower healing and increased susceptibility to infections are linked to being overweight, reports the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa.

The South African government has set targets to radically reduce lifestyle conditions, including obesity. The aim is to reduce the number of overweight or obese South Africans by 10% by 2020.

It is this pandemic that has prompted Longevity, in conjunction with Fedhealth, to embark on the Wellovation Challenge. We will take six  overweight or obese South Africans, from all walks of life, ages and stages, and over a time period of nine months, with the help of our panel of experts will equip them with the tools to turn their unhealthy habits into a healthier way of life.

Publishing editor and owner of Longevity Giselè Wertheim-Aymés is excited about this project to promote health and wellness. “We consulted with our panel of experts and decided to commit to a nine-month challenge as our experts are clear that we need this length of time to create new health habits and get the best end result.”

Peter Jordaan, Fedhealth acting principal officer adds: “We love being associated with the challenge and hope it inspires all of our members, as well as other people in society, who grapple with everyday health issues to believe in themselves and know that they can take charge and change their lifestyles for the better.”

Look out for Longevity Edition 1 2012, where you get to meet the renovation candidates.

Meet our panel

Karina Reid

The psychologist

Karina Reid is a qualified and registered organisational psychologist and executive coach. She has 22 years’ experience in the fields of organisational psychology, organisational development, group dynamics, general management and entrepreneurship. She is currently completing a PhD study in consulting psychology, with her thesis covering the field of health-related behavioural change. Reid started MyHealth-Code, which focuses on the psychological and behavioural aspects of “living a healthy lifestyle while life happens”. She has lectured in health and wellness at the University of Pretoria and presented her PhD study in an academic feedback paper at the Industrial Psychology Conference (SIOPSA) this year. She has been a speaker at several conferences over the last few years, including at the University of St Paul, Minneapolis, USA.

Dr Ela Manga

The integrative GP

Dr Ela Manga is an integrated medical practitioner who focuses strongly on the mind-body connection, conscious living and the holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Her treatment approach is individualised and incorporates Western medicine, nutritional support, Bodytalk,  and mindfulness techniques such as breathwork and meditation. She is based at Woodlands Centre for Wellbeing and Spa in Muldersdrift.

Celynn Erasmus

The registered dietician

Celynn Erasmus is a registered dietician, professional speaker, wellness consultant and author, with a passion for sharing her knowledge. She educates and energises local as well as international audiences. Erasmus brings a fresh approach which appeals especially to young professionals. She demystifies the complex science of wellness and nutrition into tips and techniques that work. She was invited as the first dietician to present at a PSA (Professional Speakers Association) UK annual conference, and continues to do wellness workshops for ACE (Academy of Chief Executives, UK). Erasmus is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA). She is also a member of the Professional Speakers Association in SA (PSASA). She has recently written her first book, Fast Food For Sustained Energy.

Lisa Raleigh

The fitness expert

Lifestyle and wellness expert Lisa Raleigh has been an exercise specialist for 10 years, and is in the process of franchising her Lisa Raleigh Wellness Centres around the country. She specialises in wellness, digestion, stress management, and obesity, and has a variety of wellness and weight-loss programmes. Raleigh’s TV credits include being the blue team trainer on SA’s The Biggest Loser, fitness guru on Hello Doctor’s Flora Heart makeover challenge, and producer and presenter of Keep it Real. Raleigh’s passion lies in educating the nation about health and wellbeing, through her weekly talk slots on various radio stations, presenting at workshops and events, and contributing to national newspapers and magazines.

Dr Jeff King

The cardiologist

Dr Jeff King is a cardiologist based at Sunninghill Hospital. He has extensive knowledge regarding weight, obesity and the chronic health conditions associated. Dr King regularly attends and presents at conferences and congresses, both locally and internationally. King believes in an integrative, proactive approach to leading a healthy lifestyle, by watching your weight, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a regular exercise programme, and is passionate about education and awareness.