Facts about obesity

Obesity refers to the accumulation of excess or abnormal fat that may damage health. In adults, BMI [body mass index] is a common indicator of body weight and height classification. A person's BMI is measured by dividing his weight and kilograms by his height [in meters]. Adult obesity is defined by the WHO as follows;
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  • BMI greater than or equal to 25 when overweight
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  • BMI equal to or greater than 30 as obesity

The age of a child plays an important role in the definition of obesity. If the height of a child under five years of age exceeds 3 standard deviations in the WHO Children's Growth Standards medium, it is considered obese. If their height and weight exceed 2 standard deviations, then the WHO Growth Counselor will guide obese children between the ages of 5 and 19.

Facts about obesity

In 2016, about 13% of the world's population was considered obese, 11% of whom were men and 15% were women. In the same year, there were about 41 million children under the age of 15 who were obese, while 340 million children aged 3 to 19 were obese. Obesity has long been considered a problem in high-income countries, but things are changing now, as obesity is also increasing in recent low- and middle-income countries. For example, since 2000, the number of obesity-related cases in Africa has increased, and its number has been increasing, with an estimated child value of 50%. In Asia, nearly half of the children under the age of 5 are considered obese in the data collected in 2016. More deaths are associated with obesity and overweight than deaths related to weight loss.

Cause of obesity

Obesity is mainly caused by the asymmetry of energy levels between calories burned and calories burned. Increased globally; [a] intake of energy-intensive and high-fat foods. [b] Physical dormancy is increased due to work structure, urbanization and the nature of desk constraints in different modes of transport. Environmental and social changes lead to changes in body patterns and diet. Lack of support for health sector, agriculture, education and transport operations has also increased some changes.

The rise in BMI levels has led to many infectious diseases, such as;
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  • Cardiovascular disease [stroke and heart attack].
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  • Cancer [kidney and colon]
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  • Musculoskeletal disease [osteoarthritis]
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  • Diabetes

It has also been found that the risk of these diseases increases as the level of BMI increases. Some disability and premature death are associated with childhood obesity, in which the child grows into adulthood. Difficulty breathing in obese children, hypertension and insulin resistance, increased fractures and psychological effects. It can prevent obesity, overweight and other non-communicable diseases. Communities and the environment are supportive and the key to shaping people's choices. People can make the best choices in eating healthy foods and regular physical exercise, which will ultimately reduce and prevent obesity and overweight related problems. At the individual level, one can limit the intake of fat and sugary foods and increase the intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains. Individuals should also participate in sports activities on a regular basis. The food industry can also play an important role in promoting healthy eating;
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  • Reduced fat and sugar content in processed foods
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  • All consumers can afford healthy food.
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  • Food for children and adolescents reduces sugar, fat and salt.
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  • Support regular sports activities.

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