We all know that obesity is a huge issue in society, but we haven’t made much headway in tackling it. How is it still so prevalent? This piece delves into why obesity is so widespread and what steps we can take to address it.
Back in 2016, Britain’s medical journal The Lancet released a major survey covering over 40 years of obesity research across more than 180 countries. The results showed rising obesity rates every year in almost all the surveyed nations.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 30% of people worldwide are affected by obesity, which costs more than $2 trillion each year. It’s recognized as one of the leading preventable causes of death globally.
Because of these staggering figures, the term ‘obesity epidemic’ is becoming more common. As this widespread issue grows, more initiatives are focusing on providing the public with information about the causes, risks, and prevention of obesity. This article hopes to contribute to raising awareness about this important health concern.
Obesity is usually measured with the body mass index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing a person’s weight by the square of their height. A BMI between 19-25 kg/m² is considered normal weight, over 25 kg/m² is overweight, and 30 kg/m² or higher is classified as obese.
However, BMI alone isn’t enough to determine if someone has all the health problems linked to obesity. BMI measurements are often self-reported, introducing personal bias, and genetic variations also affect its accuracy. For instance, people of Asian descent tend to have a higher proportion of body fat.
There are other ways to assess obesity. Waist circumference (WC) measured by MRI for intra-abdominal and subcutaneous fat, and the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are common methods.
Obesity has been strongly linked to a higher risk of several conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity-related cancers, and even depression. It’s also associated with a shorter life expectancy across all age groups and genders.
Obese individuals often report a lower quality of life due to their condition. The socio-economic costs of diagnosing and treating obesity are massive. In 2008, the U.S. spent over $200 billion annually on obesity treatments, about a fifth of all medical expenses.
The causes of obesity usually involve a mix of overeating, not enough physical activity, and underlying genetic disorders. Easy access to food, heavy reliance on vehicles, and cultural attitudes towards eating also play a role. Mental health is another factor, as people with psychiatric conditions are more likely to be obese.
Diet is a major factor in obesity. Fast food, rich in industrial trans fats, has become a staple for many, which correlates with rising obesity rates, including among children. Larger portion sizes have also contributed to this trend.
Consuming artificially sweetened soft drinks, especially those with high fructose corn syrup, is strongly linked to obesity.
To tackle obesity, common strategies revolve around changing eating habits and exercising more. Reducing calorie-dense and sugary foods, along with smaller meal portions, can lower the risk of obesity-related health issues.
Exercise alone doesn’t have a massive impact on obesity, but when combined with a proper diet, it shows better long-term results. While diet changes are key for initial weight loss, physical activity is crucial for maintaining weight and preventing relapse.
Regular exercise is beneficial, and choosing more active modes of transportation, like biking instead of driving, can help manage weight effectively.
In recent years, obesity has emerged as one of the biggest health challenges globally. Despite knowing how to prevent it, predictions indicate that obesity rates will keep rising. It’s crucial for governments, corporations, and individuals to work together to raise awareness and promote prevention.