Combating Global Obesity: Are We Winning or Losing the Battle?
We’ve all heard about the problem of obesity, but why haven’t we made much progress in tackling it? This article looks into why obesity is so common in our society and what we can do to address it.
In 2016, the British medical journal, The Lancet, conducted a comprehensive survey on obesity research over more than 40 years and across 180 countries. The study revealed that obesity rates have been increasing steadily everywhere.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 30% of people worldwide are affected by obesity, costing more than $2 trillion each year. Obesity is considered one of the leading preventable causes of death globally.
The term “obesity epidemic” is often used because of these alarming numbers. As this issue gains more attention, efforts to educate people about the causes, risks, and ways to prevent obesity are increasing.
Body mass index (BMI) is a common way to measure obesity. It’s calculated by dividing a person’s weight by their height squared. A BMI between 19-25 kg/m2 is considered normal, over 25 kg/m2 is overweight, and 30 kg/m2 is classified as obese. However, BMI alone isn’t a perfect indicator because it can be affected by self-reporting biases and genetic differences. For example, Asians typically have a higher percentage of body fat.
Other methods to measure obesity include waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), which give a better understanding of body fat distribution.
Obesity is linked to serious health problems like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity-related cancers, and depression. It also increases the risk of early death and lowers life expectancy.
The economic burden of diagnosing and treating obesity is huge. In 2008, the cost of treating obesity in the US exceeded $200 billion, accounting for a fifth of all medical spending.
Obesity is usually a result of eating too much, not exercising enough, and genetic factors. Easy access to food, reliance on cars, and cultural attitudes towards eating also play a role. Mental health issues also increase the risk of obesity.
Diet is the main factor in developing obesity. Many people rely on fast food, which is high in unhealthy fats, leading to more obesity, including in children. Larger portion sizes have also contributed to this rise.
Drinking artificially sweetened beverages, especially those with high fructose corn syrup, is linked to obesity.
To combat obesity, people are encouraged to change their diets and get more exercise. Eating fewer high-calorie foods and reducing sugar and trans fats can help reduce obesity risks. While exercise alone might not significantly reduce weight, combining it with a healthy diet leads to better long-term results. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining weight and preventing relapse.
Incorporating more physical activity into daily life, like biking instead of driving, can make weight management easier.
Obesity has become a major health issue worldwide. Despite knowing how to prevent it, obesity rates are expected to keep rising. It’s essential for everyone—governments, businesses, and individuals—to work together to spread awareness and promote prevention.
