Obesity is one of the most common diseases in the world. It is characterized by excessive weight caused by excessive fat accumulation. An individual becomes obese when the body mass index is above 30kg/m2. Both adults and children have fallen prey to this condition mainly because of lack of good nutrition. Obesity stems from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure when the adipose tissue undergoes hypertrophic/hyperplastic expansion during energy oversupply. This condition leads to harboring deadly diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, cancer, osteoarthritis to mention but a few.
Statics reveal that the prevalence of obesity his very high. In 2008, the World Health Organization released a report which suggested that 35% of adults worldwide were overweight. In another report in 2015, 600 million adults (12%) and 100 million children were obese in 195 countries. The American Medical Association deemed obesity as a disease in 2013. Obesity is a serious health issue in both developed and developing countries.
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There are several causes of obesity. These include excessive food intake, lack of physical exercise, genetic susceptibility, insufficient sleep, endocrine disruptions, frequent use of medication that causes weight increase, pregnancy at an older age, epigenetic factors natural selection for higher BMI and assortative mating which increases obesity risk factors.
Obesity can lead to different chronic diseases if not prevented. This calls for reform in lifestyle choices and strict implementation of health guidelines issued out. The victims of obesity include infants, children, and adults. How best to prevent obesity will depend on what category a victim falls into.
In infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics opines that breastfed babies are less likely to be overweight. This likelihood is reduced even as they grow up. However, it does mean that those babies not breastfed will not be adults of healthy weight. However, it is best to breastfeed when a person can.
In children, two causes standout out; poor eating habits and lack of enough physical activities. Therefore, parents are advised to change the eating habits and activity levels of their families. They should encourage their children to eat healthy foods, i.e. fruits and vegetables. Moreso, parents are discouraged from offering food as a reward or denying the same as a form of punishment. Parents should encourage moderate physical activity throughout the week. Also, too much use of the internet, television and video games should be discouraged.
Practices encouraged in adults are almost similar to those in children. Much emphasis is placed on the kind and type of food intake. They should take a lot of whole grain foods as opposed to processed foods that contain refined sugar and saturated fat. In addition, regular exercise serves to burn the calories which are harmful. Short breaks to engage in physical activity during the day are highly encouraged too.
These ways can be affected through two strategies; through the school environment and in the work setting. In school, the curriculum should be revised into include resources that enlighten students on the skills necessary for healthy lifestyles. Again, the foods provided in the cafeteria or the vending machines should be healthy ones. In a work setting, workers can engage in physical activities like use of stairwells than the elevators. Health seminars should be conducted to create awareness on healthier life practices.
Conclusion
Obesity is a very dangerous disease that requires immediate attention. Everyone has the responsibility to take precaution. Healthy life practices such as healthy eating habits and regular exercises are highly encouraged. Support from the family and society is needed to help the affected ones recover.
