The Obesity Epidemic (and What You Can Do About It)

The World Obesity Atlas, 2022 published by World Obesity Federation, predicts that one billion people globally including 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men will be living with obesity by 2030. Obesity is new lifestyle disease in current situation. Obesity occurs when you eat food and your body (due to lifestyle problem) is not able to convert that food into energy or in other words, intake is high but expenditure is low, so as a result that food transform into fat cells and gathers in liver or as a fat.

There is no age bar for this lifestyle diseases. After covid, so many people are suffering from chronic obesity and related problems.

Obesity is a triggering insulin resistance as well. People who are obese, higher amounts of glycerol, hormones, fat could participate in the development of insulin resistance.

The factors causing obesity are:

• Calories
• Poor diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Genetics
• Medical reasons like Child hood obesity, drug induced, hormonal change
• Metabolism
• Culture may also play a major part
• Frequency eating
• Medication side-effects.

Prevention is prime but once obesity occurs, it needs to be managed, mostly via dietary and lifestyle interventions. Morbid or severe obesity, because of associated comorbidities and higher mortality, usually requires surgical intervention.

There are also other factors that cause obesity. One of them is Simple carbohydrate. Though it is not clear as to what is the exact role of carbohydrates in weight gain, it is hypothesized that they contribute to higher levels of blood glucose. Studies have shown that simple carbohydrates (sugars, fructose, deserts, soft drinks, beer, wine, etc) contribute to weight gain as they are rapidly absorbed from the blood, as compared to complex carbohydrate.

How to control obesity

Here are some recommendations to reduce or control obesity:

1. Adopt a healthy and balanced diet: Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help to maintain a healthy weight.
2. Limit consumption of sugary and processed foods: Foods that are high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt can contribute to weight gain and should be consumed in moderation.
3. Increase physical activity: Engage in regular exercise or physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or strength training. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for adults.
4. Reduce sedentary behavior: Limit time spent sitting or lying down, and take regular breaks to stand, stretch, and move around.
5. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, leading to overeating and weight gain. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.
6. Manage stress: Chronic stress can lead to overeating and weight gain. Practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
7. Seek support: Join a support group or seek the help of a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, personal trainer, or therapist, to help with weight loss and management.
8. Make sustainable lifestyle changes: Focus on making long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick-fix diets or fads that are difficult to maintain.
9. Address underlying health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, can contribute to weight gain. Work with a healthcare provider to manage underlying health conditions that may be affecting weight.
10. Encourage healthy habits in children: Promote healthy eating habits and physical activity in children to help prevent childhood obesity and set them on a path to lifelong health.