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Let's Conquer Obesity
Obesity is one of the most trending health issues today. We have seen a global rise in obesity over the past three decades, which is substantial and widespread. It has become a major public health epidemic in both the developed and developing countries over the world.
“Obesity is an issue affecting people of all ages and incomes, everywhere. In the last three decades, not one country has achieved success in reducing obesity rates, and we expect obesity to rise steadily as incomes rise in low- and middle-income countries in particular, unless urgent steps are taken to address this public health crisis.”
-Dr. Christopher Murray, director of IHME and a co-founder of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study.
The highest proportion of the world’s obese people (13%) live in the United States. China and India together represent 15% of the world’s obese population. Rates in the study were age-standardized, meaning they were adjusted for differences in population size and ages over time and across countries. Among children and adolescents, obesity has increased substantially worldwide (http://www.healthdata.org/news-release/nearly-one-third-world%E2%80%99s-population-obese-or-overweight-new-data-show).
Obesity is one of the main reasons that makes the prediction of a shorter life than their parents. Obesity has been linked to many disease conditions. Obesity is a financial issue today, taking into account the money spent in treatment facilities due to the ill effects of it on the body as it puts them at an increased risk of developing various disease conditions like type T2DM (type 2 diabetes mellitus), cardiac ailments, stroke, sleep apnea, certain form of cancers and many more.
What causes Obesity?
Obesity is a complex disease, majorly caused due to an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure. Consuming more calories (especially foods consisting of high amounts of fats, sugars and carbohydrates) than he/she can burn it off (metabolisation/break down) leads to weight gain as the body stores it as fat. If the person eats fewer calories than he/she burns, it results in weight loss.
Common factors that give rise to Obesity
Consuming unhealthy food items and overeating are influenced by individual emotions, moods and habits
Common unhealthy food choices includes eating processed food high in fat and carbohydrates, drinking a lot of alcohol and eating larger proportions than needed are few common ones.
A sedentary lifestyle and the advent of easy transport facilities, elevators and remote control, has made us lazy and there is minimal body movement.
The genetic make-up of an individual also plays an important role. Obesity in parents is often reflected in children.
Social gatherings and parties which are also responsible for the excessive intake of faulty food and drinks.
What is the Solution?
The solution to the obesity epidemic is simple. Being aware is the first step. Awareness allows for the realisation of the problem and it goes a long way in working towards solving the issue. Once the awareness is present, there needs to consistent and dedicated action. One needs to be constantly aware of what is fuelling their body.
Here are some Simple Suggestions to Combat Obesity
Eat healthy, eat right: The food industry is a big market today. With many on the go and processed foods items although life has become easy as this is easily promoted and made available in every nook and corner, health has become a challenge. Look out for what are feeding your body. Opt out for healthy and fresh food items which goes a long way in maintaining health and losing weight.
Be on the move: Physical activity plays a very crucial role in treating obesity. You can walk, jog, or run. Perform exercises ranging from mild to moderate intensity depending on your body and health conditions. It is worth investing in any physical kind of movement. A sedentary lifestyle and stress are the biggest enemies of society today. Regular exercise helps burn calories and also releases feel good hormones. A good mood, sound sleep, losing weight, improved stamina and muscle strength are some of the major benefits that can be achieved with regular and consistent workouts. Helpful Tip: try keeping yourself active throughout the day with small efforts like walking up and down the stairs instead of going in the elevator.
Body Mass Index (BMI) to estimate overweight and obesity: this is one of the commonest tools used to evaluate and screen if a person is in the normal range of weight according to his age and height. BMI is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by height is meters square.
BMI (adults 20 year & above)
CLASSIFICATION
18.5 to 24.9
NORMAL WEIGHT
25 to 29.9
QVERWEIGHT
30+
OBESITY (including extreme obesity)
40+
Extreme Obesity