Chatsworth is facing a growing health challenge, and Westcliff dietician Emily Moonsamy is calling on the community to take action this World Obesity Day observed on, Wednesday, 4 March.
She warns that obesity is not just about weight, it’s linked to rising rates of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke, affecting younger adults more than ever before.
“World Obesity Day is about shifting the conversation from blame to understanding. It’s not just about food choices; stress, long working hours, financial pressures and cultural expectations all play a role. People deserve support, not stigma, and practical tools that work in real life, not ideal life,” she said.
Moonsamy stresses that obesity often progresses silently: “Many people feel ‘fine’ until complications develop. By the time blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol levels are elevated, damage may already be occurring. Early prevention and intervention are key.”
She challenges common misconceptions about obesity, stating that: “People often think those living with obesity simply eat more or have more money. In reality, many families stretch tight budgets to feed multiple mouths. Protein, fresh vegetables and balanced options cost more. Willpower alone is not the answer, environment, culture, stress and finances all influence choices.”
She explains that daily life pressures also contribute to obesity, and that it is the little things that make the biggest difference.
“People wake up early, commute long distances, work exhausting jobs, and often rely on convenient foods. Cultural events and social gatherings make declining food difficult. Poor sleep and stress also increase cravings and fat storage,” Moonsamy explains.
“Healthy eating and physical activity work hand in hand. Nutrition influences how much energy we consume, while physical activity helps regulate how that energy is used.
Movement also improves insulin sensitivity, supports heart health, preserves muscle mass, and helps regulate stress. Walking, household chores, dancing, playing with children, or community sports all count as part of physical activity. Even 30 minutes of moderate movement most days of the week can significantly improve metabolic health,” she explained, highlighting that a healthy diet alone does not combat obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle is also a key contributing factor to obesity.
Moonsamy explains that trending diets and extreme dieting is unrealistic, as it promises quick results, but is almost never sustainable. “ Many eliminate entire food groups, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, social isolation around food, and eventually weight regain. Rapid weight loss without lifestyle sustainability often leads to a cycle of losing and regaining weight, which can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Long-term success comes from realistic, balanced changes that can be maintained within a person’s cultural, financial and lifestyle context,” she said.
Childhood nutrition is also crucial. “Early exposure to sugary, processed foods shapes lifelong habits, but positive changes at any stage improve long-term health,” she said.
Untreated obesity carries serious health risks, but small, consistent changes can make a big difference. “Even modest weight loss, as little as 5–10% of body weight, improves blood sugar, blood pressure and heart health. Simple steps, such as adding vegetables, including protein, reducing sugary drinks, and moving more, staying fit can change your future,” she explained.
Moonsamy explains that leading a deathly lifestyle, does not need to be expensive, by simply planning meals, prioritising affordable protein, buy seasonal produce, reduce food waste, and limit processed snacks, you are able to have a healthy balanced diet. “Balance can stretch your food budget rather than increase it. Healthy eating isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress and consistency. When meals are mostly refined starch with very little protein, people tend to feel hungry again sooner. That leads to more snacking and more frequent eating.”
She urges schools and community groups to take part. “Balanced meals, physical activity, nutrition education, and wellness programmes make healthy living a shared responsibility, not just an individual struggle,” she says.
Moonsamy’s message to the community is: “Obesity is not a moral failure. With compassion, education and practical support, small steps today can improve long-term health. We don’t need perfection, we need progress.”
