What Is Obesity and How Can Surgery Help?

What Is Obesity?

“A condition that is characterised by excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body and that in an adult is typically indicated by a body mass index of 30 or greater.”

Overweight and obesity is a major public health issue in Australia. It results from a sustained energy imbalance – when energy intake from eating and drinking is greater than energy expended through physical activity. This energy imbalance might be influenced by a person’s biological and genetic characteristics, and by lifestyle factors.

Excess weight, especially obesity, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some musculoskeletal conditions and some cancers. As the level of excess weight increases, so does the risk of developing these conditions. In addition, being overweight can hamper the ability to control or manage chronic conditions.

Overweight and obesity can be measured in a number of ways, including the commonly used body mass index (BMI). BMI is an internationally recognised measure of overweight and obesity at a population level for both adults and children. You can quickly check whether your weight is in a healthy range using our BMI calculator here.

Obesity

BMI & Statistics

BMI Guidelines

The following standard BMI guidelines are used for people aged 18 and over:

In 2014-2015 there were 22,700 hospital admissions for weight loss surgery in Australia (more than double that of 2005-06 – about 9,300)

Australian obesity statistics

Some key Australian obesity statistics:

Almost 2 in 3 Australian adults were overweight or obese in 2014-2015
28% of Australian adults were obese in 2014-2015, an increase from 19% in 1995
1 in 4 Australian children (aged 2-17) were overweight or obese in 2014-2015
In 2014-2015 there were 22,700 hospital admissions for weight loss surgery in Australia (more than double that of 2005-06 – about 9,300)
In 2017-18, the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ National Health Survey showed that two thirds (67.0%) of Australian adults were overweight or obese (12.5 million people), an increase from 63.4% in 2014-15. The National Health Survey also indicated that almost one quarter (24.9%) of children aged 5-17 years were overweight or obese in 2017-18 (17% overweight and 8.1% obese).

Statistics Source

Australian Government, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-statistics/behaviours-risk-factors/overweight-obesity/overview

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-statistics/behaviours-risk-factors/overweight-obesity/about

Australian Government, Department of Health

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/Overweight-and-Obesity

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Real Patient Experiences

Bariatric Surgeon Dr David Joseph and the BodyFree team has helped more than 7,000 weight loss surgery patients achieve their health and weight goals.

I had a mini bypass in September 2024 and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Right from the initial consult to now, 18 months post-surgery, I have been well-supported by the surgeon, dietician, and other staff at BodyFree Weight Loss Clinic. They have done fabulous post-care, keeping track of how I am going and how I might need to make lifestyle or diet adjustments. I would encourage anyone who is sitting on the fence to give BodyFree Weight Loss Clinic very serious consideration if you make a decision to go for it. I have been very happy!

I can’t thank the whole team enough, from initial consultation all the way to the operating table the process was simply and the work done was amazing. Both pre and post surgery I found amazing! Thank you Dr Joseph and all the team involved for giving me the extra push and helping me get my life back.

Recently I utilised the services of BodyFree and have to say it has been the best experience. My Surgeon was Dr Joseph, a no nonsense, tell you how it is Doctor. I knew what to expect at every part of the journey and although my interactions with him were very short and sweet, he showed empathy and you could tell he genuinely cared that my experience was a good one and all questions had been answered. All in all, if I could rate my experience higher than a 5, I would.

The BodyFree surgical team are fantastic. I was genuinely scared to go through with this surgery and the team have been nothing but helpful and caring.

From the initial contact with receptionists Heather and Bianca to consultations with Natasha, the dietician, and Dr. David Joseph, I experienced a remarkably streamlined process. The practice's commitment to providing essential information has earned my highest recommendation for exceptional patient care.

Thanks to Dr. Joseph, Natasha Leader, Bianca and Heather, and everyone at the BodyFree Clinic. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. David Joseph to anyone considering gastric sleeve surgery. He is not just a highly skilled surgeon but also a compassionate professional who, along with his dedicated team, truly changes lives for the better.

I first came to see Dr Joseph on the recommendation from a good friend. The care, support & professionalism from Dr Joseph, Heather & Bianca has been, and continues to be nothing short of incredible. Along with additional help from Natasha Leader as my dietician, my goals have been achievable. Nothing has ever been too much trouble for David or his team - they've been genuinely interested in my progress and the aftercare is impeccable. If I could give more than 5 stars, I wouldn't hesitate.