Obesity has been declared by the health officials as an epidemic, and it is expected that the risk of diabetes and other complications of obesity will be markedly increased in the future. This epidemic requires combined efforts of the whole community in order to educate people about obesity and its complications and to avoid health and financial burden of the society.
What is obesity? We can look at it through body weight or BMI (Body Mass Index). Body weight is expressed in terms of BMI (Body Mass Index) which is defined as” a person’s weight in kilograms (or pounds) divided by the square of height in meters (or feet)”. Healthy individuals should have a BMI between 18.5 to 24.9, and a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is considered the overweight range, and a BMI less than 18.5 is considered underweight. While BMI of 30.0 or above is obese. In obese people the higher BMI is due to abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a health risk. According to statistics representing the global burden of diseases, over 4 million people died as a result of complications of obesity in 2017.
Obesity is one end of the spectrum representing complications of nutritional mismanagement [the other being malnutrition], and today, more people are obese than underweight in every region except sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Obesity is now drastically increasing in low-income and middle-income countries, especially in Urban settings. The vast majority of overweight or obese children live in developing countries, with the rate increasing to 30 percent higher than that of developed countries.
Although there are genetic [inherited], physiological [metabolic and hormonal influences], and environmental factors, obesity occurs when you take in more calories than you burn through typical daily activity and exercise. Your body stores the excess calories as fat. In the US, most people’s diets are too high in calories from fast food and beverages. Many people have jobs that aren’t physically demanding, so they don’t tend to burn as many calories at work. Obesity can be caused by family genetics, lifestyle choices like unhealthy diets, liquid calories, and inactivity, certain diseases, medication, social and economic issues, age, and other factors, like pregnancy, lack of sleep, and stress.
Looking at the health side of the issue due to obesity we learn that obesity is a complex disease involving excessive body fat. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It is a problem that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems such as heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer [such as liver, gall bladder, pancreas, kidneys, etc.], digestive problems, and sleep apnea. Obesity tends to diminish the overall quality of life. People are not able to do physical activities that they used to enjoy and this may result in avoidance of public places as they might feel misfit and could face discrimination. Obesity may cause depression, disability, shame and guilt, social isolation, and lower work achievement. We all realize that prevention is better than cure. Earlier onset of type 2 diabetes, heart and blood vessels disease, obesity-related depression, and social isolation in children and teens being seen more often by healthcare professionals seem to prove that statement, and makes us think that preventing the obesity in teen years can make their lives more productive and enjoyable.
For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. If you are concerned about your weight or weight-related health problem, ask your doctor, who can help you evaluate your health risks and discuss weight loss options. Prevention tactics include healthier foods [whole grains, fruits, vegetables, etc.], limiting unhealthy foods [refined grains, sweets, red meat, etc.]and beverages [surgery drinks], increasing physical activity, limiting television and screen time, as well as other sit time. The best way to treat obesity is to eat a healthy, reduced calories diet and exercise regularly. Diets according to your GP or weight loss management health professional [such as a dietitian] can help, as well as a local weight loss group. Certain surgeries can also be used for weight loss.
In the end I like to advice people to use caution in life and avoid gaining weight. Keeping the BMI at as close to ideal as possible, with increasing physical activity, eating healthy and in moderation and also learning the healthy way of living. This will decrease the disease burden and also the financial burden to the nation as well as the individuals.