The other pandemic – weight loss and prevention through physiotherapy
We have been hearing about rising obesity levels for years now – once upon a time mainly affected our American cousins but now it is a pandemic sweeping across parts of western Europe, with the UK being named as one of the heaviest nations according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Whilst we have all heard this being reported in the news for some time now, nothing has highlighted the urgency for the need to tackle obesity quite like Covid-19. With obesity carrying a direct link to increased chances of severe illness and even death for those who are overweight, it is clear that there is no time to wait on tackling this issue.
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK Government have launched a new strategy to tackle obesity levels in adult and children. Alongside this, the government is working with the World Health Organisation and EU member states to imminently launch the Sugar and Calorie Reduction Network to promote healthier living in Europe.
We all know that physical activity is a key component in tackling the obesity pandemic and this is where the expertise of physiotherapists comes into play. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends physical activity as a significant factor in weight management interventions and for long-term weight loss. Crucially, NICE suggest that for truly effective weight management among patients with obesity, the input of a multidisciplinary team of professionals is required. On that basis, physiotherapists are able to provide patients with support as part of a wider health team, helping to ensure better long-term health outcomes, easing pressure on the NHS, and reducing costs to the public purse.
Make sure your practice is ready to tackle the obesity pandemic and support patients with increased physical activity. If you’d like to find out more about how our full range of PT equipment and how can better support you and your patients in practice, get in touch with our friendly team to talk through your specific requirements.
The PT Upright Bike (4.0U) is serves users with a wide range of movement abilities. It focuses for an effective lower-body strength and conditioning workout.
The 4.0T is packed with useful functionality and its quality build provides durability and reliability for commercial uses. Rotate and adjust handles for comfortable hand position.
It makes upper-body only, lower-body only, and total body exercise available in semi-recumbent position to minimise impact on the joints.
It has a low-step entry that is inviting and accessible for users with limited mobility.
