Connection between sensory loss and obesity explored

A new study published in European Journal of Public Health has highlighted that men with sensory loss are more likely to be obese.

The Anglia Ruskin University researchers highlighted gender differences in the association between physical inactivity and obesity in people with sensory loss.

Men who experienced sensory loss, particularly hearing loss, were more likely to be physically inactive and obese than women with vision or hearing loss.

Professor Shahina Pardhan, from Anglia Ruskin University, shared that although women were less physically active overall, there was an association between physical inactivity and obesity in men but not in women.

“This indicates that, especially in people with vision and hearing losses, exercise and being active has a very important role in preventing obesity for men,” she said.

“Adults, especially those with sensory losses, should be encouraged to be as physically active as possible but there are obviously challenges, strongly suggesting that intervention and encouragement would play a very important role,” Pardhan elaborated.

“An effective strategy to increase the levels of physical activity in this population group would be through targeted intervention programmes based on health awareness on the importance of physical activity,” she added.