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Obesity in the elderly: The health and social issues
KLÍMOVÁ, Alžběta
ABSTRACT The present bachelor thesis is entitled Health and Social Aspects of Obesity in the Elderly. Obesity is a serious chronic metabolic disease characterized by an increased fat percentage in body composition with a simultaneous increase of body mass beyond the normal range. Obesity needs to be seen both as a disease and as an important risk factor contributing to the development of a number of other conditions. The results of extensive studies have clearly demonstrated an increase in the number of people affected by overweight or obesity on a worldwide scale. The rising population prevalence and incidence of obesity prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1997 to declare obesity a worldwide epidemic. The elderly constitute a high-risk group in terms of obesity development. The body{\crq}s reduced energy requirements on the one hand and the deeply entrenched poor dietary habits with an excess of low-quality foods coupled with reduced physical activity on the other hand necessarily lead to overweight and obesity. This serious chronic disease requires a comprehensive, individual-focused diagnostic and therapeutic approach. The main and irreplaceable role in combating obesity is played by prevention, which should become a society-wide task. This bachelor thesis consists of a theoretical and an empirical part. The theoretical section explains concepts related to the thesis topic, i.e.: obesity definition, obesity prevalence, causes of obesity development, effects of obesity, diagnostics in obesity medicine, treatment of obesity and obesity prevention. It also describes the issue of obesity in the elderly. The aim of the thesis was to ascertain attitudes within the elderly population towards the issue of obesity, as well as assess their level of interest in health and healthy lifestyles and whether they know and follow the current trends in healthy nutrition. Another goal was to examine their willingness to get actively involved in lifestyle change, thus assuming responsibility for their state of health. For the purposes of research the thesis used a quantitative research technique. Questioning was chosen as a method, the resulting technique used being a questionnaire. The practical part of the bachelor thesis closes with an analysis including an evaluation of results. The research results show that the elderly do not regard obesity as a substantial health problem. In my opinion, the stated aim of the thesis has been achieved.
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