Obesity is becoming an increasingly prevalent health issue and is linked to numerous illnesses.
Introduction
Obesity and overweight are significant global health concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines them as excessive fat accumulation that may harm health. In 2022, approximately 250 crore adults were overweight, with 89 crore suffering from obesity, worldwide.
What causes overweight and obesity?
Overweight and obesity can develop over time when you consume more calories than you use. This is also described as an energy imbalance.
Lack of physical activity:
Lack of physical activity, combined with high amounts of TV, computer, video game, or other screen time has been associated with a high body mass index (BMI). Most adults need at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week.
Not getting enough good-quality sleep:
People not getting enough good-quality sleep — and a high BMI. Regularly getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night can affect the hormones that control hunger urges.
High amounts of stress:
Long-term and even short-term stress can affect the brain and trigger your body to make hormones, such as cortisol, that control energy balances and hunger urges. These hormone changes can make you eat more and store more fat.
Medicines:
Some medicines cause weight gain by disrupting the chemical signals that tell your brain you are hungry. These include:
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Beta-blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure
Birth control
Glucocorticoids, which are often used to treat autoimmune disease
Insulin, which is a hormone taken to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes
Eating more junk food:
A lot of research has shown that eating junk foods (such as hamburgers, fries, cakes and biscuits, sugary sodas, etc) regularly can put you at risk for obesity and other chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Conclusion:
The best way to treat obesity is to eat a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and exercise regularly. To do this you should: eat a balanced, calorie-controlled diet as recommended by your GP or weight loss management health professional (such as a dietitian) join a local weight loss group.
