World Obesity Day

Awareness Of World Obesity Day 2023
 

People say health is wealth, but what if we get affected by serious health issues like heart problems, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and some types of cancers because of obesity? Welcome to another talk on health issues. Today we will discuss world obesity day, which is observed every year on the 4th of March. One of the long-term health problems that can cause several other difficulties in the body is obesity, so it is essential to understand its cause, effect, and other information. 
 

Let's Talk About Obesity
 

Everyone thinks obesity comes to people with more fat because they eat too much and do not exercise. Yet this isn't always the case. Obesity is a health condition where a person has accumulated excessive body fat, which harms their health. It is declared globally to raise awareness about world obesity day 2023 with the theme, "changing perspectives: let's talk about obesity," by pinning yellow ribbons. 
 

How Do We Conclude If Someone Is Obese? 
 

Obesity is not just being overweight; people are considered "obese" if their weight is 20% above the normal range. Obese individuals would require a body mass index of 30 or higher; Obesity is difficult to treat as it requires lifestyle changes. 
 

Let’s know what BMI range denotes,

• 18.5 to 24.9 - Healthy weight
• 25 to 29.9 - Overweight
• 30 to 39.9 - Obesity
• 40 and above - Morbid
   

Why Do We Celebrate World Obesity Day 2023
 

Surprised to see a special day for obesity in the global health calendar? And wondering why it is celebrated? So, in theory, the WHO's classification of obesity as a disease was first made in 1948. To acquire and maintain a healthy weight, get the right treatment, and stop obesity, this day is celebrated. 
 

What Are The Causes Of Obesity? 
 

Overeating and insufficient exercise are the two main causes of obesity. If you take in a lot of calories, especially fat and sugar, but don't burn them through physical activity, the body will store a large portion of the extra calories as fat. Obesity does not develop suddenly. It gradually manifests over time due to poor dietary habits and lifestyle factors.
 

Poor diet

• Consuming a lot of processed or fast food is heavy in sugar and fat.
• Drinking too much alcohol.
• Taking more sugary juices like soft drinks and fruit juice.
   

In addition, avoiding healthy foods like fiber-rich fruits, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables can also result in weight gain.
 

Medical conditions: Conditions like hypothyroidism, Prader - Willi syndrome, Cushing syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and osteoarthritis can lead to weight gain. However, weight loss will occur if conditions are properly evaluated and treated.
 

Binge eating: Binge eating disorder is where the person frequently consumes large quantities of food, which might lead to obesity.
 

Genetics: Around 400 genes contribute to obesity or overweight. These genes can affect things like hunger, metabolism, satiety, food cravings, and emotional eating and distribute the spread of body fat. 
 

Consistency of Eating: According to studies, eating four or five smaller meals daily leads to lower cholesterol and more stable blood sugar levels. Compared to those of normal weight, overweight people often eat less.

Sleep Patterns: Hormonal changes caused by lack of sleep might impact appetite and hunger. Long-term poor sleep can seriously affect your metabolism and make you more sensitive to weight gain.
 

Lack of physical activity: Physical activity reduces overall body fat and waist fat, delaying the development of obesity. 
 

Risk Factors Associated With Obesity 
 

Obesity can elevate a person's risk of serious health problems, like fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetics, and some types of cancers like endometrial, gastric cardiac cancer, and other cancers are risk factors. 
 

Treatments  
 

"Treatment without prevention is simply unsustainable."  
 

If your doctor gives you an obesity diagnosis, they will work to develop a treatment strategy. The main objectives of treatment are to raise your quality of life and lower your risk of obesity-related problems. Treatments include lifestyle modifications like adopting a healthy diet, physical activities, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. Weight loss surgery, and bariatric surgery are available to help people with obesity lose weight.
 

Facts And Figures On Obesity 
 

• Obesity caused 8% of deaths worldwide in 2017, an increase from 4.5% in 1990.
• Since 1975, the global rate of obesity has nearly tripled.
• In 2016, 13% of adults 18 years or older were obese.
• Around 1.9 billion adults aged 18 and older were overweight in 2016, and 650 million were obese.
• In 2020, 39 million under five were overweight or obese. Also, children's obesity is common in certain communities.
• According to the WHO, 167 million individuals will be less healthy by 2025 due to being overweight or obese.
   

An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure
 

This world obesity day raises awareness about understanding and appreciating the complexity of obesity. Spread the word about the following tips to be followed to prevent obesity,
 

• Limiting consumption of food such as red meat, refined grains, sweets, potatoes, and processed meat
• Improving the habit of healthy eating. 
• Less intake of beverages like sugary drinks and fruit juices.
• Practicing regular exercise and other physical activities
• Improving sleep routine and reducing sedentary lifestyle
   

We are at the end of today's blog, Isn't we gathered extra information on world obesity day? Yes! Let's take a vow, "eat right, sleep well, exercise," and raise more awareness about world obesity day.