Obesity
Obesity is a complex health condition involving an excessive amount of body fat that increases a person's risk for other serious medical issues. When a person's body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, they are considered obese.
Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories through food and drink than their body can burn off through normal daily activity and exercise over time. This calorie imbalance causes fat cells to grow larger and multiply in number. Genetics, lifestyle habits, income level, and environment all play key roles in obesity risk.
Key Facts
- Obesity rates have nearly tripled worldwide since 1975, with 39% of adults aged 18 years and over considered overweight and 13% considered obese in 2016. This is a major public health concern.
- Obesity is linked to poorer mental health and reduced quality of life. Obese people face widespread weight bias and discrimination.
- Obesity increases the likelihood of various health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, liver and gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, infertility, etc.
Treatment
Losing just 5-10% of body weight can have meaningful health benefits for obese individuals. Treatment involves lifestyle changes to diet and exercise with the goal of reaching long-term calorie deficit to promote weight loss. In some cases, anti-obesity medications or bariatric surgery may be recommended as well.
Early intervention is key. Community-based programs, school policies, transformation of food systems, and educational campaigns can all help promote healthier lifestyles and prevent obesity. Overall, taking a non-judgmental, compassionate approach is important for improving health outcomes.
The global rise in obesity poses serious public health and economic challenges worldwide. Tackling obesity requires collaborative efforts across multiple sectors and systematic changes to address this complex, multifactorial disease. Small, sustainable changes to diet and activity made consistently over time can make a big difference.