Fast Facts

About the Obesity Society

• The Obesity Society was established in 1991. It is a scientific organisation of medical practitioners, dietitians, scientists and other health care professionals interested in obesity research, treatment or public health initiatives directed at the prevention of obesity.
  
  
• The Obesity Society is a full member of the International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO), and has over 600 members throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Region.

On Obesity

• Obesity is a complex and multifactorial disease. It is characterised by the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue to an extent that health is impaired.
  
  
• Obesity is a serious medical condition, associated with a wide range of chronic and life-threatening conditions and severe health complications. Health risks associated with obesity include diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.
  
  
• Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence is associated with a wide variety of serious complications and health problems. The most significant long-term consequence of childhood obesity is its persistence into adulthood.
  
  
• In addition to a high-fat, high-energy diet and a lack of physical activity, there are a number of other factors that may give rise to weight gain.