obesity

 

The Growing Epidemic Revisited: Understanding and Combating Obesity 

Today, obesity is probably the most pressing medical concern for the whole population, with millions affected on the planet. As The World Health Organization (WHO, 2016)380 defines it, obesity is an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. This has turned into an epidemic and health challenge that warrants great concern from health workers, policymakers and the public in general. This paper takes a closer look at obesity, its relations and cause and consequence links as well as possible interventions.

Understanding Obesity

While obesity may be ideal, it primarily features measure of Body Mass Index as BMI is known to the average person, by taking into account only the height and weight of a particular individual where the BMI is computed by obtaining an individual’s mass weight over height yes squared. This is known as the obese classification which is a body fat at or above bmi of 30. Though most models of overweightness use the bmi, the index does not assesses amount of visceral or subcutaneous fat which are known to be the most fundamental components in establishing health risk due to obesity.

Causes of Obesity

Obesity is a phenomenon that should not be looked at in isolation as it has various causes rather it is a condition resulting from genetic, environmental, socioeconomic as well as behavioral factors:

1. Genetics: The genetic component contributes to one’s risk for becoming obese.

2. The Urban Setting: Packed city settings increase the likelihood of staying idle and the easy reach of high caloric intake foods thus associated with obesity.

3. Economic Inequalities: Being of a lower class can often be an indicator of the lack of availability of healthy foods and physical activity resources.

4. Conduct Factors: Unhealthy eating patterns characterized by high intake of processed and sugary drinks and low levels of exercises are major causes of obesity.

 Health Implications of Excess Weight

There are several diseases that an individual who is obese is likely to suffer from, including:

 Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity has been identified as one of the most common causes of insulin resistance and subsequently type 2 diabetes.

 Cardiovascular Disease: A person’s body mass index is directly proportional to the pressures exerted on their heart and blood vessels, consequently causing high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

 Joint Pain: Weights over normal levels lead to the development of obesity which in turn leads to the development of osteo arthritis and other joint syndromes from excess forces over the weight bearing joints.

Mental health problems: Obesity has been linked to increased incidence of depression, anxiety and low self-worth.

 Cancer: Various types of cancer especially breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers have been associated with overweight and obesity.

 Socioeconomic Impact

Economic costs related to obesity are considerable and include the healthcare sector, loss of productivity and quality of life. In both developed and developing nations, healthcare spending for obesity related conditions is a major burden to the healthcare system whether publicly or privately funded.

 Recommendations for Overcoming the Obesity Epidemic

There are societies, individuals, health care providers and policy makers who are central to preventing and controlling the problem of obesity. In this regard, the following practical steps need to be undertaken:

1. Improving Nutrition: This means increasing the intake of healthy whole foods and decreasing the intake of processed and sweetened foods.

2. Promoting Physical Activity: Developing infrastructures that support physical activities for instance, the provision of safer public environments and means of transportation that require motion.

3. Education and Advocacy: Providing education regarding obesity issues and seeking to change behaviors in a positive manner related to obesity prevention issues in early years of a person’s life.

4. Resource Allocation Strategies: Implementing strategies which encourage healthy food choices and physical activity practices within schools, workplaces and communities.

5. Interventions Related to Healthcare: Making effective weight management schemes and services accessible to people suffering from obesity.

Conclusion

Obesity is a multidimensional public health risk that has effects on the individual and society as a whole, irrespective of geographical boundaries. Embracing obesity calls for a lot of deep-seated naked approaches right from changing self, through devote the world to practicing the surrounding morays, to help all in availing the needed changes. Sociocultural practices aimed at enhancing health will effectively lead us in overcoming the burden of obesity as well as promoting health improvement of populations across the world.

In undertaking the challenges of this epidemic, however, the need for all stakeholders to work together clearly exists for solutions that can be embraced long term if anything is to be done about obesity... and health for everyone.