Combating the Global Rise of Obesity: Are We Facing a Growing Crisis?

We’ve recognized obesity as a significant issue, but we haven’t made much progress in addressing it. How can that be? This article looks at why obesity is so widespread and what we can do about it.

Back in 2016, Britain’s medical journal The Lancet published a major survey on obesity-related research. This study covered over 40 years and included data from more than 180 countries. The results showed that obesity rates have been rising continuously each year in nearly every country.

According to the World Health Organization, obesity affects almost 30% of the global population and costs over $2 trillion each year. It’s a top preventable cause of death worldwide. Because of these startling figures, the term “obesity epidemic” is becoming more common. As this issue grows, more efforts are being made to spread information on the causes, risks, and ways to prevent obesity.

Hopefully, this article can play a small part in raising awareness about obesity.

Obesity is typically measured using the body mass index (BMI). This measurement is calculated by dividing a person’s weight by the square of their height. A BMI between 19 and 25 kg/m² is considered normal weight, over 25 kg/m² is overweight, and 30 kg/m² or more is classified as obese.

However, BMI alone can’t determine if someone has all the health issues related to obesity. BMI measurements often rely on self-reported data, which can be biased. Genetic differences also affect how useful BMI standards are. For instance, people of Asian descent tend to have a higher proportion of body fat.

Alternative ways to assess obesity include measuring waist circumference (WC) through methods like magnetic resonance imaging, or using the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR).

Obesity is frequently linked to higher chances of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, certain cancers, and depression. It’s also associated with a shorter lifespan and poorer quality of life.

The economic costs of diagnosing and treating obesity are enormous. In 2008, the U.S. spent over $200 billion annually on obesity-related health care, which accounted for a fifth of all medical spending.

Obesity typically results from a combination of excessive food intake, lack of physical activity, and genetic predispositions. Easier access to food, dependency on vehicles, and cultural attitudes towards eating also play roles.

Mental health is another factor. Those with psychiatric conditions are more likely to be obese.

Diet, however, is the biggest factor. Many people are consuming more fast food, which is high in unhealthy fats, and seeing an increase in portion sizes. This trend is especially evident among children. Additionally, drinking artificially sweetened beverages, especially those with high fructose corn syrup, has been linked to obesity.

To tackle obesity, common strategies involve changing eating habits and increasing physical activity. Reducing the intake of high-calorie foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats while eating smaller portions can decrease the risk of obesity-related health problems.

While physical activity alone may not significantly impact obesity, pairing it with a healthy diet yields better long-term results. Changing eating habits is crucial for initial weight loss, but exercise is essential for maintaining weight and preventing relapse.

Regular exercise is beneficial. Opting for more active transportation methods, like cycling instead of driving, can also help manage weight.

Over recent decades, obesity has become one of the most serious health issues globally. Despite knowing how to prevent it, obesity rates are expected to continue rising. We all need to work together—governments, corporations, and individuals—to raise awareness and promote prevention.