How to win the battle against obesity: An Indian perspective

Love yourself. That’s what the internet preaches night and day. And that’s what you should do. But a part of loving yourself is also staying in the best of your health. Your waist size doesn’t matter as long as you love yourself, but it matters when it can give rise to a number of diseases. 

Obesity affects a significant number of people in India. To put a number on it, over 40% of women and 12% of men in India are abdominally obese in India. 

Today, we will be talking about obesity and how it impacts health in this blog. 

Before we start, let’s discuss what makes a person obese. 

Well, if someone’s BMI (Body Mass Index (BMI) is above 30, they are considered obese. The BMI is the ratio of weight to height measured in kilograms (per metre square of height.) 

An in-depth look at the battle India fights 

Here are some of the findings of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS). 

• Nearly 1 in 16 women and 1 in 25 men in India are struggling with obesity.
• Obesity is more commonly observed in women than in men. This is because men have a faster metabolism than women. A hormonal difference adds to the propensity of women to be more obese. 
• Obesity is most commonly observed in city dwellers; particularly those who fall in the higher income groups. 

So, where are we going wrong? 

While some people are genetically obese and have a slower metabolism by birth, this isn’t always the case. Your lifestyle, including your activity level and diet, are the driving factors that influence your weight. 

If you are leading a sedentary lifestyle throughout the day, you are more likely to become obese (even if you consume a healthy diet). Now this doesn’t mean your diet doesn’t matter. If you happen to binge on burgers and pizzas every now and then, it is going to reflect on the waistline. 

Why does obesity still remain to be an undermined health issue? 

Which of the two would you take more seriously? An occasional headache or obesity? The answer is obvious, isn’t it? It will be a headache. You will not undermine headaches because they cause you pain and discomfort. Health issues that do not cause immediate pain or discomfort are often ignored and undermined by individuals. All the reasons why obesity remains to be an undermined and overlooked health issue. Not to mention, it is a problem of the future, not the present for most people. As obesity does not cause immediate health repercussions, it is neglected. Additionally, as preventing and controlling obesity requires you to make certain lifestyle changes and remain consistent with them, it remains an unachievable dream for many individuals. 

Why should you not undermine obesity? 

Obesity is associated with a wide range of health risks and complications that can significantly impact an individual’s well-being. Some of the key health risks of obesity include:

Cardiovascular Disease

Obesity increases the risk of developing various cardiovascular problems, including hypertension (high blood pressure), atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries), heart disease, and heart attacks.

Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels.

Stroke

Obesity is linked to an increased risk of stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced. This can result in brain damage, impaired motor function, and cognitive deficits.

Cancer

Some types of cancer, such as breast, colorectal, kidney, and pancreatic cancer, are more common among obese individuals. The exact mechanisms linking obesity to cancer are complex, but inflammation and hormonal changes are thought to play a role.

Respiratory Issues

Obesity can lead to breathing problems, including sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Obesity hypoventilation syndrome, a disorder that reduces lung function, is also more common in obese individuals.

Joint Problems

Excess weight puts additional strain on joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. This condition causes pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility in affected joints, most commonly in the knees, hips, and lower back.

Fatty Liver Disease

Obesity can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which involves the accumulation of fat in liver cells. In severe cases, NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Obesity increases the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gallbladder disease. Gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder are more common in obese individuals.

Reproductive Issues

Obesity can contribute to hormonal imbalances that affect fertility in both men and women. Pregnant women who are obese are at a higher risk of complications during pregnancy, labour, and delivery.

Mental Health

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Stigma and societal pressure can exacerbate these challenges.

Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity often coexists with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat. This combination significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Shortened Lifespan

Obesity is linked to a reduced life expectancy due to the increased risk of chronic diseases and complications mentioned above.

Closing thoughts

It is evident that a holistic and sustainable approach is the key to success. By integrating mindful eating habits, regular physical activity, and fostering a supportive environment, individuals can take charge of their health and well-being. Furthermore, societal efforts, including education, policy changes, and accessible healthcare, play a vital role in creating an environment that promotes healthier choices. Through a collective commitment to understanding the complexities of obesity and addressing its root causes, we can envision a future where the prevalence of obesity diminishes, and individuals can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Remember, the journey towards controlling obesity is not a sprint but a marathon, and every positive step taken counts toward achieving this goal.

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