PALMA
BETWEEN 20'000 and 30'000 people in the Balearic Islands are technically obese with a body mass index of 40 or more, the University Institute for Health Science Research (IUNICS) confirmed yesterday.
People in this category said the Institute have a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, depression and low levels of sexual activity.
The figures were reported at a presentation being made in Palma of IUNICS' pilot scheme which aims to offer physical and psychological help to the obese in the Balearics, some 2 to 3 percent of the population.
As part of their research, the Institute is planning to investigate links between the obese who have bariatric surgery to reduce their weight and health improvements in those who are affected by diabetes type 2.
Obese people participating in the project will undergo a range of medical tests and be given an overall health assessment by a specialist.
They will be allotted individualised physical activity programmes, and the results analysed on a quarterly basis. Participants will be given psychological tests and offered therapy in groups of between 8 and 10 people.
Bartomeu Burguera, IUNICS researcher and Biomedical Support Coordinator at Son Dureta hospital in Palma explained yesterday that the programme is largely for obese people who have thrown in the towell, who go from doctor to doctor looking for solutions. Burguera maintained that such people will find the support that they need on the course that they haven't been able to find elsewhere.
Some results so far have apparently been spectacuar he furthered. There was one lady who lost 40 kilos in six months.
IUNICS is widening the pilot scheme to help prevent obesity developing in adolescents. Creating a healthy lifestyle is the key weapon against obesity, said Burguera.
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