Overweight and obesity

Do you know overweight, obesity and their related conditions account for about 2.8million deaths annually and accounts for much more death worldwide than underweight.

Overweight and obesity are defined as "abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health" but clinically defined as a Body mass index (BMI) equal to or more than 25, and obesity as a BMI equal to or more than 30. 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.

The common error in body weight assessment is using the weight without relating it to the height.
One could weigh 70kg and be normal weight as against the other who is 60kg and obesed, so drum it into the brain overweight and obesity is determined in relation to the height.

Being overweight or obese can have a serious impact on health. Carrying extra fat leads to serious health consequences such as cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon). These conditions cause premature death and substantial disability. It is also worthy of note that globally, 44% of diabetes, 23% of ischemic heart disease and 7–41% of certain cancers are attributable to overweight and obesity.

Once believed to be associated with the high income social class but now known to be common amongst the low income class.

The trend today is towards a less physically active population; due to the ever advancing technology and premise of working smart, with the sedentary life style an envy and target for a greater populace. However the decrease in physical activities and consumption of more nutritionally fortified meals has lead the today man towards his own demise by accumulation of much more calories than he can actually use up and the subsequent storing up of this excess energy in form of fats.

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.

Childhood obesity is becoming a common trend and exposing these children to high risk of early onset diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
How can overweight and obesity be reduced?

Supportive environments and communities are fundamental in shaping people’s choices and preventing obesity, so keep a date with the next piece on the way out.

See you soon!!!

Acknowledgement:
WHO media centre.