Healthy Living
Obesity
In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these over 650 million were obese.(WHO)
About Obesity
Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. A person with a BMI of 30 or more is generally considered obese. A person with a BMI equal to or more than 25 is considered overweight. (WHO)
What causes Obesity?
The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. Globally, there has been:
-
an increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat; and
-
an increase in physical inactivity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of work, changing modes of transportation, and increasing urbanization.
Common health consequences of Obesity
Cardiovascular disease
Mainly heart disease and stroke
Diabetes
Abdominal obesity can contribute to insulin resistance.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Especially osteoarthritis – a highly disabling degenerative disease of the joints
Cancer
Including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon
How to prevent Obesity?
1. Increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts
2. Limit energy intake from total fats and shift fat consumption away from saturated fats to unsaturated fats
3. Limit the intake of sugars
4. Be physically active - accumulate at least 60 minutes of regular, moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity each day
Related Articles
