Let’s stop talking health. Let’s DO health.

Given the steady rise in obesity in South Africa, Dr Mario Greyling of Momentum weighs in on chronic disease and obesity as one of the primary causes of chronic disease. Dr Greyling also provides fun-filled tips to exercise on a budget.

1. Q: What is the definition of obesity?

A: Obesity is widely defined as a medical condition whereby the fat on one’s body has accumulated to such an extent that it has an adverse effect on one’s health, leading to a myriad of chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy.

2. Q: What is the definition of chronic disease?

A: A chronic disease is widely defined as a human health condition that persists for over three months or otherwise lasts longer. It can also be defined as a disease that comes with time. It is the direct opposite of an acute disease, which is characterised by a speedy onset and a generally short duration.

3. Q: How do the two relate and what are their short-term and long-term ramifications?

A: Obesity is the silent cause of Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle (CDLs), one of the biggest causes of death worldwide. This is the reality for over 70% of women over the age of 35 in South Africa. Yet the truth is that obesity can be prevented.

4. Q: How much does obesity affect mortality rates in South Africans?

A: Chronic diseases constitute up to 40% of adult deaths in our country, and the majority of South Africans have at least one amendable risk factor for chronic disease. If left untreated, chronic conditions such as ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes and hypertension can bring on potentially fatal symptoms at any moment. But the paradox of South Africa’s chronic disease burden is that it can be lifted if we tackle obesity, the major catalyst behind such illnesses.

5. Q: What is the most effective prescription for obesity?

A: It is important to exercise as often as possible, and couple this with a balanced diet.

6. Q: For our school-going children and the citizens of our country who lack the time and financial/transport resources to join a gym, what forms of daily exercise can you recommend in order to help combat obesity?

A: Although joining a gym is a bonus for those who have the resources, fitness does not have to be expensive to achieve and maintain. Furthermore, it does not have to take up a lot of time. Gym members often spend time travelling on busy roads to get to a gym, when it is also possible to achieve fitness in the privacy of your own home. Here are a few fun and effective tips to exercise thoroughly on a budget, either in the fresh air before your day starts or after a long day at work:

• Cycling. Invest in an affordable but durable bicycle, or ask to share one with a neighbour or a friend. If you already have a bicycle and know someone who also does, it would be motivating and encouraging to cycle with them. A good 30 minutes of cycling in your neighbourhood every morning equates to a full body workout and goes a long way towards maintaining your fitness. It is great for complete body circulation, it tones your legs, and is a great alternative for those who are reluctant to do any exercise that impacts the joints, such as jogging. Furthermore, the steering and balancing tones your arms and mid-section.

• Roller-blading, especially if living in a flat area. Rollerblading helps you to lose weight. Your entire body receives a workout as you have to propel it using your leg and arm muscles. If you are overweight, the sport will not impact your joints. It is also great for toning your back and abs, and is great way to achieve proper functioning of your cardiovascular and respiratory system, thus helping to improve your blood circulation and heart rate. Invest in a good pair of rollerblades with a helmet, and skate your way to a lifetime of fitness.

• Skipping. This is a wonderful way to improve coordination, mental alertness and fitness. Skipping ropes are among the cheapest forms of exercise as they are very easy to come by, but you may also invest in an affordable electronic skipping rope that will help you tally how many times you’ve skipped.

• Swimming at your local municipal pool for a full body workout. This sport has the least impact on the skeletal system, as the body becomes lighter when submerged in water. This is beneficial especially if you are overweight or have stiff muscles, and if the pool is heated it is also beneficial to arthritis sufferers. With a durable swimming costume, towel and swimming cap, you are good to go! Don’t forget the sunblock.

• You are what you eat. It is important to know what kinds of food contain which nutrients. A balanced diet is imperative, and too much of something is definitely bad for you. It is also important to visit your nutritionist and know your blood type, as each blood type reacts differently to certain foods e.g. some are more prone to indigestion.

• Jogging. This is great for people who want to strengthen their bones, as it is a high-impact and weight-bearing exercise. It greatly strengthens muscles and builds cardiovascular fitness. It is important to see you doctor before beginning a jogging regime, especially if you are already overweight and suffer from chronic disease. Invest in good quality running shoes, some loose cotton clothing and some sunblock for exposed areas.

• Parents should strictly regulate how much TV their children watch versus how much time they spend playing outside. Healthcare in South Africa should be seen as everyone’s problem, not just that of healthcare practitioners. It is never too early to teach your little ones about health and fitness. Encourage them to play outside after school under the appropriate supervision. Physical wellness should be a mentality and lifestyle, not just a dreary routine to rush through every morning or evening.

7. Q: How does obesity affect the healthcare spend in the medical aid environment, and how does this affect our consumers?

A: Research in the medical aid environment shows that Momentum’s physically active members claim up to 28% less than those who are not active. In the context of rising medical costs, the lenient use of medical cover makes budgeting sense, as it has become a norm for medical savings accounts to run dry in the early part of a year. Physical activity is important also because only 17% of South Africans have medical aid cover.

Between 2000 and 2012, the healthcare spend in the medical aid environment was as follows:

• 37% was spent in hospitals,

• 23% with specialists,

• 16% on medication,

• 7% with GPs.

• Limited medical aid member spend has gone towards preventative measures, as shown by a dominating 74% going towards curative, reactive treatment.