Obesity In Adults
What is obesity? How can I tell if I need obesity treatment?
My spouse or another family member is obese. What can I do to help them?
What is the difference between overweight and obesity?
Why is obesity a problem?
What causes obesity?
What can I do to prevent obesity?
Weight Wise
What is Weight Wise?
What is the Weight Wise Community Network?
How do I access Weight Wise programming?
What happens in the adult program? What can I expect?
What is bariatric surgery? Is it weight loss surgery?
What are Adult Weight Wise Workshops?
How long will I need to be in the Weight Wise program?
How much does Weight Wise cost?
What are the benefits of Weight Wise?
How long will it take before I start to lose weight?
Who is eligible for Weight Wise Program?
I don't believe I am obese but for the past couple of years I seem to be gaining a few pounds
Obesity In Children
How can I tell if my child has a problem with obesity?
What causes childhood obesity?
How does obesity affect my child? Why is weight a problem?
How can I help my child grow into his/her weight?
How can Weight Wise help my child? How can I access this program?
Obesity In Adults
Q: "What is obesity? How can I tell if I need obesity treatment?"
A: Obesity is a complex chronic disease that requires lifelong management. Capital Health defines obesity as excess weight that affects or is at risk of affecting your physical, mental, social or economic wellbeing. The traditional determinants of obesity are body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement, however, these should only be used as guidelines. Many factors besides the BMI range including age, gender, race/ethnicity and body shape may determine your risk. If you think you have a problem with obesity, discuss your concerns with your doctor so he or she can evaluate you and refer you to Weight Wise or another program if necessary.
Healthy Measures for Adults: Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference
Tools and Calculators
Q: "My spouse or another family member is obese. What can I do to help them?"
A: Lots of people are sensitive about their weight, so your understanding and support is very important. If you are concerned that a loved one's obesity is affecting their health, you may want to suggest that he/she talk to a doctor about health risks related to obesity and possible treatment.
As for lifestyle, eating a proper diet and fitting in regular physical activity are easier to do if they are part of a family effort rather than an individual one. While lifestyle is only one factor in obesity, making the same healthy food for everyone, not buying junk food and planning activities together will benefit the health of the whole family.
Warning: Certain exercise programs are not recommended for people who are extremely overweight or who have other health complications. Please consult a doctor or exercise specialist.
Q: "What is the difference between overweight and obesity?"
A: The traditional determinants of overweight and obesity are body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement. BMI is the ratio of your weight to your height. A BMI of 25 29.9 is generally considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 or greater would be considered obese. However, these should only be used as guidelines, since many factors can affect your health risk including age, gender, race/ethnicity and body shape.
Q: "Why is obesity a problem?"
A: In Alberta, one in four children is obese, and in the Capital Health region, 50 per cent of adults are either overweight or obese.
Excess weight not only affects your health today but increases your risk for developing other chronic conditions. Obesity can contribute to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, colon cancer, respiratory problems, infertility and a whole host of other health concerns. If left untreated, obesity can threaten a person's physical, mental, social and even economic wellbeing.
A: Obesity has many contributing factors, including:
- Genetic predisposition or disorder
- Physiological disorders like diabetes or metabolic syndrome
- Mental health issues like depression
- Environmental factors (i.e. the way cities are designed, the way a person was brought up, how food is processed and marketed)
- Social factors (i.e. food-centred traditions and social activities)
- Financial factors (i.e. healthy food is more expensive than processed food)
- Medications that have weight gain as a side effect
- Injuries and illnesses that restrict mobility
- Lifestyle factors (i.e. diet, eating patterns, physical activity levels, amount of sleep, stress, type of job, increased use of computers and television)
Q: "What can I do to prevent obesity?"
A: Eating a proper diet (see Canada's Food Guide), fitting in regular physical activity (see Canada's Physical Acticity Guide), getting plenty of sleep and reducing stress will all help to keep you healthy and prevent obesity. If you already have obesity, talk to your doctor about available programs or treatments to manage your weight.
Canada's Food Guide
Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Adults
In it for the Long Haul food and activity tracker
Weight Wise Community Network
Adult Weight Wise Workshops
Q: "How do you treat obesity?"
A: Effective methods of treatment include behaviour modification, counseling, education, diet, exercise, drug treatment and bariatric surgery (the surgical treatment for obesity).
Remember, one size doesn't fit all. Some treatment options may work better for some than for others.
Weight Wise
Q: "What is Weight Wise?"
A: Weight Wise is an essential part of Capital Health's chronic disease management strategy targeting the prevention and treatment of obesity and related complications. This region-wide initiative aims to prevent obesity by fostering healthy active living through education and community initiatives. For children and adults who are already affected by this chronic condition, Weight Wise provides comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care.
The program has two children's clinics, an adult clinic, an online food and activity tracker, the Weight Wise Community Network, and Adult Weight Wise Workshops designed to help in the treatment of obesity.
Q: "What is the Weight Wise Community Network?"
A: The Weight Wise Community Network is made up of a number of accredited Edmonton and area organizations that prevent and manage weight issues. These include fitness groups, nutrition consultants, weight loss programs, chronic disease management programs and programs that focus on the mental health aspects of weight management. Members must support reaching and maintaining a healthy weight through nutrition, exercise and/or positive mental health approaches. Please note, regular fees apply for most member organizations. Please consult your doctor before starting any exercise or diet plan.
Q: "How do I access Weight Wise programming?"
A: For all obesity clinics, a physician's referral is required. Please talk to your family doctor if you are concerned about obesity. Click here to download the Weight Wise referral form.
In it for the Long Haul, the online food and activity tracker, can be accessed by anyone at any time through this website. Click here to register for In it for the Long Haul. Referrals are not required.
Weight Wise Community Network Members, or call Capital Health LINK at 408-LINK (5465). Referrals are not required.
Schedule of Adult Weight Wise Workshops or call 401-BOOK (2665). Referrals are not required.
Q: "What happens in the adult program? What can I expect?"
A: Once referred to the program, you will be placed on a waiting list, and you will be contacted to arrange a time for you to attend the Weight Wise Orientation. The orientation will get you more acquainted with the purpose of the program, obesity, obesity treatments and what you can hope to accomplish. If, after attending the orientation, you feel Weight Wise is a good fit for you, you will be scheduled for an initial clinic assessment. The purpose of the clinic assessment is to determine if obesity treatment is appropriate. The next step is to develop a treatment plan and start attending group visits. You can expect to attend clinic appointments during the same time span that you are participating in the group visits. Depending on your needs, your treatment may include seeing a dietitian, exercise specialist, psychologist, physician, psychiatrist, registered nurse or social worker. Collaboratively, they will decide what further treatment is needed, if any. Please note, it takes several appointments to determine eligibility for bariatric surgery.
Q: "What is bariatric surgery? Is it weight loss surgery?"
A: Bariatric surgery is the surgical treatment for obesity and does result in weight loss. There are two forms of bariatric surgery performed in the Capital Health region: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding and Roux-n-Y Gastric Bypass (open or laparoscopic).
Adjustable Gastric Banding involves placing an inflatable cuff around the upper part of the stomach. This allows the patient to feel full with smaller servings of food. However, it is important to strictly adhere to dietary changes that will include regular frequent meals (up to six meals a day), and avoidance of certain foods. All liquid calories should be avoided (i.e. pop, milk shakes, etc.). It may also be necessary to supplement meals with protein shakes and/or vitamins and minerals.
Roux-n-Y Gastric Bypass surgery involves surgically reducing the size of the stomach (to about the size of your thumb) and also changing how food passes through the gut by bypassing some of the small bowel. Reducing the size of the stomach lets the patient feel full with smaller servings of food. Bypassing part of the gut reduces digestion and absorbtion of some foods. With this procedure, to the patient must adhere to a strict diet plan. It will also likely be necessary to supplement meals with protein shakes and/or vitamins and minerals.
Bariatric surgery can have dramatic results, but is not a quick fix. As with all operations, there are rare but potentially life-theatening risks to be considered. Also, patients are required to make numerous lifestyle changes prior to the surgery, as well as long-term changes after the surgery. Failure to make the required lifestyle changes can result in gaining back the weight and other health complications.
Please note, it takes several appointments to determine eligibility for bariatric surgery and which type of surgery may be best suited for you.
Q: "What are the Adult Weight Wise Workshops?"
A: The Adult Weight Wise Workshops are free community education sessions to help adults make changes towards healthier lifestyles. They are held all over the Capital Health region, primarily in public health centres. They have been developed by a registered dietitian, exercise specialist, psychologist and registered nurses. Participants will learn about setting and achieving goals, incorporating physical activity into their daily routines, planning healthy meals and snacks, reading food labels, and much more. The workshops also address some of the psychological aspects of weight management such as emotional eating.
Q: "How long will I need to be in the Weight Wise program?"
A: Every patient's treatment needs are different, depending on the cause of their obesity. As such, the length of time varies from person to person. Clinical treatment could take only a few appointments or it could take a few years. Remember, obesity is a chronic disease that requires lifelong management and there is no quick fix.
The Adult Weight Wise Workshops are two and a half hours long, once a week for two consecutive weeks.
Q: "How much does Weight Wise cost?"
A: There is no cost to residents to access programs and services that are offered by Capital Health through the Weight Wise initiative. However, Weight Wise Community Network members are separate from Capital Health and charge regular fees.
Q: "What are the benefits of Weight Wise?"
A: Weight Wise provides the knowledge and tools to help you manage your obesity. While you may lose weight, the goal of the program is to help you be healthier and reduce the risk of chronic disease and other obesity-related complications. Some people may not lose weight, but will stop gaining weight. The success of the program also depends on your commitment to the treatment.
Q: "How long will it take before I start to lose weight?"
A: Don't be discouraged if you don't lose weight right away, or at all. It's not about weight loss it's about health. The length of time it takes for your treatment to be effective will depend on many factors such as the causes of obesity, readiness, commitment, health issues, and your particular course of treatment.
Q: "Who is eligible for the Weight Wise program?"
A: There are different criteria for each part of the Weight Wise program. Please see links below:
Adult Weight Wise Clinic
Pediatric Centre for Weight and Health
Q: "I don't believe I am obese but for the past couple of years I seem to be gaining a few pounds every year and am now overweight. This concerns me and I want to lose weight. Can Weight Wise help me? What can you recommend?"
A: If you are just looking to lose a few pounds and are not obese, one of the Adult Weight Wise Workshops on healthy living may be of benefit to you. You can also try enrolling in one of the programs offered by the Weight Wise Community Network members.
Obesity In Children
Q: "How can I tell if my child has a problem with obesity?"
A: Instead of absolute definitions, children have age- and sex-specific body mass indexes (BMI). The definition of overweight relates to where an individual child's BMI falls on charts for their sex and age group. A BMI greater than the 85th percentile is considered "at risk of overweight" and a BMI greater than the 95th percentile is considered "overweight." Consult your child's pediatrician if you think he or she may have a problem with obesity.
Q: "What causes childhood obesity?"
A: Many children today don't get enough exercise, yet are surrounded by high-calorie foods and drinks. At the mall, schools, school fundraisers, movies, video stores, and gas stations, children are tempted by fast foods, candy and soft drinks and are always asking mom, dad or the babysitter for treats. Free time is often spent in front of the television and computer, instead of active play. Very few children walk to school and many school days pass without a gym class. More and more children are becoming overweight because of this situation. However, obesity is more complex than this and can be affected by many other factors, including:
- Genetic predisposition or disorder
- Physiological disorders like diabetes or metabolic syndrome
- Mental health issues like depression
- Environmental factors (i.e. the way neighbourhoods are designed, the way a child is brought up, how food is processed and marketed)
- Social factors (i.e. food-centred traditions and social activities)
- Financial factors (i.e. healthy food is more expensive than processed food)
- Medications that have weight gain as a side effect
- Injuries and illnesses that restrict mobility
- Lifestyle factors (i.e. diet, eating patterns, physical activity levels, amount of sleep, stress, increased use of computers and television)
Q: "How does obesity affect my child? Why is weight a problem?"
A: Carrying extra body fat during the growing years can lead to serious health problems later in life, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Also, children's self-confidence can be affected because of their feelings about how they look. Children often worry about being accepted by their friends and may be bullied and teased about their body. This is why a sensitive approach is the most important thing to keep in mind. This is the time when your child needs to hear what his or her special talents and traits are. Your love and support is very important.
Q: How can I help my child grow into his/her weight?
- Appreciate your own body for what it is and what it can do.
- Cherish your child by noticing all their special talents like being loveable, friendly, artistic or a good writer.
- Make your home a place where everyone knows that it is people that matter not body size.
- Enjoy healthy foods at meals and snacks.
- Keep less junk foods in your house and try to limit eating them to once or twice a week.
- Serve the same healthy food to all family members. However, no one should be left out of occasional treats!
- Be aware of portion sizes they are often way too big.
- Pack healthy snacks/meals and drinks rather than buying food at fast-food outlets, or processed food like fruit "gummy" snacks.
- Get enough to drink. Water is best for thirst. Use watered down juice instead of pop.
- Avoid using food for bribery, punishment or as a reward. Use stickers, arts and crafts supplies or small toys for treats.
- Enjoy being active as a family (such as walking, biking, swimming, gym sports). Make sure your family has lots of chances for being active.
- Reward your child by taking them to the park or going for a bike ride. The fact you are doing it together and giving your child attention is a huge reward in itself.
- Allow children to have time to be active limit screen time (TV, videos and computers). Start with 30 minutes less screen time per day.
- Encourage children to play outdoors.
Caution: Children should not be put on a diet without medical supervision and follow-up. Strict exercise programs are not advised.
Canada's Food Guide
Canada's Physical Activity guide for children
Q: "How can Weight Wise help my child? How can I access this program?"
A: Weight Wise has two obesity management clinics just for children: the Pediatric Centre for Weight and Health (Stollery Children's Hospital) and Life Skills for Kids (Misericordia Hospital). Both clinics focus on treating the entire family rather than just the child, as lifestyle changes are most effective this way. If you are concerned about obesity in your child, talk to your child's pediatrician. If your child meets the criteria for obesity treatment, your family will be referred to the most appropriate clinic.
Pediatric Centre for Weight and Health
Life Skills for Kids
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