Obesity Facts
Obesity has reached epidemic
proportions globally, with at least 2.6 million people dying each year
as a result of being overweight or obese. Once associated with high
income countries, obesity is now also prevalent in low and middle income
countries. Here are the facts about weight loss based on WHO data :
Overweight and obesity
are defined as "abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair
health". Body mass index (BMI), the weight in kilograms divided by the
square of the height in meters (kg/m2) is a commonly used index to
classify overweight and obesity in adults. WHO defines overweight as a
BMI equal to or more than 25, and obesity as a BMI equal to or more than
30. One billion adults are overweight. without action, this figure will
surpass 1.5 billion by 2015. One billion adults are overweight and more
than 300 million are obese. At least 2.6 million people each year die
as a result of being overweight or obese. Once associated with
high-income countries, obesity is now also prevalent in low- and
middle-income countries.
Globally,
over 42 million children under five years of age are overweight.
Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of
the 21st century. Overweight children are likely to become obese
adults. They are more likely than non-overweight children to develop
diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age, which in turn are
associated with a higher chance of premature death and disability.
Overweight and obesity are linked to more deaths worldwide than
underweight. 65% of the world's population live in a country where
overweight and obesity kills more people than underweight. This includes
all high-income and middle-income countries. Globally, 44% of diabetes,
23% of ischaemic heart disease and 7–41% of certain cancers are
attributable to overweight and obesity.
For
an individual, obesity is usually the result of an imbalance between
calories consumed and calories expended. An increased consumption of
highly calorific foods, without an equal increase in physical activity,
leads to an unhealthy increase in weight. Decreased levels of physical
activity will also result in an energy imbalance and lead to weight
gain. Supportive environments and communities are fundamental in shaping
people’s choices and preventing obesity. Individual responsibility can
only have its full effect where people have access to a healthy
lifestyle, and are supported to make healthy choices. WHO mobilizes the
range of stakeholders who have vital roles to play in shaping healthy
environments and making healthier diet options affordable and easily
accessible.
Children's
choices, diet and physical activity habits are influenced by their
surrounding environment. Social and economic development as well as
policies in the areas of agriculture, transport, urban planning,
environment, education, food processing, distribution and marketing
influence children's dietary habits and preferences as well as their
physical activity patterns. Increasingly, these influences are promoting
unhealthy weight gain leading to a steady rise in the prevalence of
childhood obesity. Eating a healthy diet can help prevent obesity:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit total fat intake and shift fat consumption away from saturated fats to unsaturated fats
- Increase consumption of fruit, vegetables, pulses, whole grains and nuts
- Limit the intake of sugar and salt
Regular
physical activity helps maintain a healthy body. People should engage
in adequate levels of physical activity throughout their lives. At least
30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity physical activity on most
days reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, colon cancer
and breast cancer. Muscle strengthening and balance training can reduce
falls and improve mobility among older adults. More activity may be
required for weight control. Curbing the global obesity
epidemic requires a population-based multisectoral, multi-disciplinary,
and culturally relevant approach. WHO's Action Plan for the Global
Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases
provides a roadmap to establish and strengthen initiatives for the
surveillance, prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases,
including obesity.
That obesity facts which I share is based on WHO data. May be useful!!!
That obesity facts which I share is based on WHO data. May be useful!!!