Introduction to Obesity
Obesity is a disease that is increasing in the world. Currently, 30 percent of people worldwide are suffering from obesity. In America, 40 percent of people are suffering from obesity. Pakistan is currently at the ninth position in this list. In Pakistan Obesity is more common in women than in men.
1. Global Obesity Crisis: A Growing Concern
The World Obesity Federation, an organization that monitors obesity around the world, has released the World Obesity Atlas 2023 after a detailed review.
2. Health Impacts of Obesity
Obesity not only destroys the appearance, but it is also proven to be the root of diseases because it increases the risk of diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease and stroke among countless diseases.
3. Projected Growth in Obesity Rates
According to it, experts have predicted that if proper measures are not taken, another one and a half billion people will be obese in the next 12 years.
4. Impact on Children
The report has expressed concern that children between the ages of 5 and 19 are becoming obese at a faster rate than adults.
5. Call for Action: Strategies for Prevention
Dr. Professor Louis Baer, associated with the World Obesity Federation, has asked governments and planning agencies to develop appropriate strategies for the prevention of obesity.
6. Understanding BMI
Obesity is the name of a disease in which the human body becomes fat and the weight increases to a certain ratio. Fat, skin and abdominal organs accumulate together. To check obesity, BMI (Body The term mass index) is used. It is the name of a measurement that is derived from the ratio of human height and weight.
7. The Impact of Waist Size
Which part of the body is the most dangerous fat? This question is very important. The fat associated with the waist and abdominal organs of a person is more dangerous and important than the fat found in the hips and thighs of a person. Many People ask what is the importance of waist size? In fact, if waist size exceeds 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women, it is an alarm bell because it increases the risk of complications.
8. Causes of Obesity
Overeating, frequent meals, frequent consumption of poultry foods, juices, consumption of sweet items and abundant consumption of fast food are the causes of obesity. Apart from this, junk food and sweet dishes in family functions are our lifestyle. have become a part of and all these are the cause of obesity. During the Covid pandemic, most people stayed at home and home delivery, fast food and staying up late at night became their norm. Because of this, most of the people not only gained more weight than usual but also became obese because everyone abandoned the routine of going out of the house and walking. All cause obesity. On the other hand, various medications such as insulin, sugar control pills, depression medications and steroids are common weight gain drugs. Apart from these, contraceptives can also cause weight gain.
9. Effects and Complications
We must remember that obesity is not only a disease itself, but also a precursor to many other diseases. For example, excess cholesterol in the body, increased uric acid, respiratory diseases, heartburn, joint pain, especially back pain. Knee pain and risk of diabetes, fatty liver and high blood pressure are all caused by obesity.
10. Prevention and Management
The first attempt to control obesity is not to allow obesity to occur because it is not so easy to control once obesity occurs. Dietary intervention is very important to prevent obesity. Fast food, less meat and beef should be avoided. However, there is no harm in eating chicken and fish meat. It can be used with doctor’s advice. Use more fruits and vegetables in the diet. And make it your routine. Make it a routine to walk daily and make sure to walk for at least 150 minutes a week. Get children used to walking from the beginning so that they are not obese in the future.
11. Medical Interventions
If obesity is not controlled by dieting, bariatric surgery is a good treatment option and is recommended for people whose weight is not controlled or who have a BMI greater than 40 and some complications. A gastroenterologist can be consulted for its treatment.
12. Impact of Stress on Obesity
On the other hand, scientists have found evidence that stress is an important cause of obesity, which must be avoided. In a state of high stress, our sleep is disturbed and the amount of sugar in the blood is also affected. We feel more hungry and get relief by eating something. Body fat increases and the risk of type 2 diabetes also increases. When we are under stress, our body thinks that it has been attacked from outside. More glucose begins to be released. But when this energy is not needed, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps bring blood glucose levels back to normal. Due to the rise in insulin levels and the drop in blood sugar levels, we feel hungry again. That’s why when we are stressed, we often crave more sweets. Similarly, when we are sleep. Even if it doesn’t happen, we feel hungry again and again. Therefore, take special care of your sleep to avoid obesity.
Conclusion:
Urgent action is needed to curb the rising tide of obesity, especially among children. Governments and organizations must implement effective strategies to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent the associated health and economic burdens in the future.
