A recently released report by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that at least 2.6 million people worldwide die as a result of being obese or overweight. Considered to be disorder only amongst the higher income groups, obesity is now a concern for the middle income as well as the lower income groups too.
A person is called obese when the body mass index or BMI of the person is equal or more than 30. Being overweight means that the BMI ranges between 25.0 to 29.9. This is also known as the preobese state. According to the obesity fact file released by WHO, one billion adults are overweight and more than 300 million are obese.
A person becomes obese when the intake of calories through food exceeds the burn-off rate and turns into fat. Improper eating habits, sedentary lifestyle which lacks physical activity, inadequate sleep and stress are some of the major factors which contribute towards being overweight or obese. Several underlying medical conditions, thyroidism and pregnancy in case of women also cause undesired weight gain.
Obesity is as risky in adults as it is amongst the children. Childhood obesity is considered to be one of the most serious health challenges to be faced in this century. Globally, about 42 million children under the age of five are found to be overweight.
Obesity is counted as one of the leading factors that give trigger to health disorders like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Childhood obesity may lead to the development of all these conditions and may result in premature deaths as well.
If the statistics of death globally are analyzed, it is seen that 44 percent die due to diabetes, 23 percent due to ischemic heart disease and about seven to 41 percent die due to several types of cancers, all results of being obese or overweight.
About 65 percent of a population in both higher income and middle income countries succumb to obesity rather than being underweight.
The global strategies formulated by WHO to reduce deaths and improve public health include four main objectives:
Reduce risk factors for chronic diseases by promoting healthy diet (less sugar, oily and fatty foods, more fruits and vegetables) and inclusion of physical activity in daily life, increase awareness amongst people about leading a healthy lifestyle, develop and strengthen global, regional, national policies and action plans to improve diets and involve in physical activities more and lastly, monitor all steps taken to research on diet and physical activity.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important in preventing obesity. A diet that includes fruits and vegetables, fiber in form of cereals and whole wheat, less oily and low calorie food items form a healthy diet. Engaging in adequate physical activity, at least 30 minutes a day by brisk walking, jogging, etc can help in burning off the calories and maintain the required range of calories (2000-2500kcal in women and 2500kcal-3000kcal in men). This will also aid in controlling weight and reducing chances of suffering from cancers like breast, colon and prostrate, improves mobility in older adults and reduces risk of heart attacks and failure.
Improvement in surroundings is a step forward to promote the word of staying fit and keeping obesity at bay. Policies in areas of agriculture, transport, living an urban life, food processing influence choices and habits in children who are then drawn towards leading an active lifestyle. This will help in curbing problems of childhood obesity as well.
source: bolohealth
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