Obesity: An emerging epidemic of the 21st century. 

Obesity: An emerging epidemic of the 21st century. 

Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It is a medical problem that increases your risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

Prevalence:

-As per WHO data 2016 about 13% of the world’s adult population (11% of men and 15% of women) were obese.
-39% of people are overweight.
-In 2017, 8% of total deaths is related to obesity.
-Developing countries experience a more dramatic rise in obesity.

Obesity grading:
1.Obesity is analysed on the basis OF BMI(Body Mass Index).
2.Calculation of BMI: Weight in kg divided by height in meter square.
3.Range:
Below 18.5kg/m2 – Under weight.
18.5 – 24.9 – Normal weight.
25 – 29.9 – Overweight.
30 and above – Obesity.

Important Causes:
1.Food and Activity disbalance. People gain weight when they eat more calories than they burn through activity.
2.Environmental causes.
3.Genetics.
4.Health Conditions
5.Medications.
6.Stress.
7.Emotional Factors.
8.Poor Sleep.

Adverse effects of obesity:
1.Type 2 Diabetes
2.High Blood Pressure
3.Heart Disease
4.Stroke
5.Cancer
6.Sleep Apnea
7.Osteoarthritis
8.Fatty Liver Disease
9.Kidney Disease
10.Pregnancy Problems.

How to prevent:
-Prevention is better than Cure.

1.Exercises: Regular exercises needed, minimum 150-300 minutes moderate level exercises per week. Moderate level exercises include swimming and fast walking.

2.Healthy food plan:
A)Focus on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
B)Avoid saturated fat and limit sweets and alcohol.
C) Eat three regular meals a day with limited snacking.
D)You can still enjoy small amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods as an infrequent treat.
E)Just be sure to choose foods that promote a healthy weight and good health most of the time.

3.Know and avoid the food traps that cause you to eat.
A)Identify situations that trigger out-of-control eating.
B)Try keeping a journal and write down what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, how you’re feeling and how hungry you are.
C)You can plan ahead and develop strategies for handling these types of situations and stay in control of your eating behaviors.

4.Monitor your weight regularly.
A)People who weigh themselves at least once a week are more successful in keeping off excess pounds.
B)Monitoring your weight can tell you whether your efforts are working and can help you detect small weight gains before they become big problems.

5.Be consistent.
A)Sticking to your healthy-weight plan during the week, on the weekends, and amidst vacation and holidays as much as possible increases your chances of long-term success.

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Dr Saad Mohammad Athanikar.
Orthopaedic surgeon.