Obesity: Loosing years of healthy life.

 

Obesity: Loosing years of healthy life.

Prevalence of obesity is soaring, childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed, casting a shadow over our current and future health.

Prevention is paramount!

@TheKnowHow

The invisible threat: Obesity and its role in losing years of healthy life.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity is soaring worldwide, casting a shadow over the health of individuals across all age and socioeconomic groups. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global obesity rate has nearly tripled since 1975, painting a grim picture of a pervasive health crisis that transcends borders and affects both developed and developing nations. Overweight is usually defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 25, while obesity is characterized by a BMI exceeding 30. These metrics serve as critical markers for identifying excess weight and provide valuable insights into the scale of the obesity epidemic.

Obesity: A Growing Threat

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), obesity rates are alarmingly high, especially among individuals aged 45 and above, where three out of four people are overweight. Among women over 60, the situation is even more concerning, with a staggering 56% classified even as obese. Various factors, including age, gender, ethnicity, occupation, and lifestyle, significantly contribute to the risk of obesity, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this health issue.

Disturbingly, childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed in recent decades, with the percentage of overweight or obese children and adolescents aged 5–19 increasing more than fourfold globally. In the UAE, childhood obesity is also on the rise, with rates steadily climbing from ages 3 to 12. When

it comes to children between the ages of 11 and 14, one in four are obese. Left untreated, obese children are poised to become obese adults, facing a myriad of health, social, and economic repercussions in the future.

A chronic, relapsing, progressive and malignant disease?

The human body is designed by evolution to store fat when food is available to endure periods of dietary restriction. However, in the modern world high-calorie foods and beverages are now readily available in excess at any time and with little effort. Modern conveniences and technological advancements have ushered in an era of desk-bound occupations and sedentary leisure activities, exacerbating the problem of weight gain.

Obesity is associated with a slew of debilitating diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Moreover, obesity carries social stigma, psychological distress, and diminished quality of life, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and treatment measures.

But obesity can also be classified as a chronic disease itself. The World Obesity Federation declared in 2017 that obesity is not only an unavoidable byproduct of a wealthy and progressively sedentary society, but a chronic, relapsing, progressive, and malignant illness condition. Acknowledging obesity as a legitimate medical diagnosis could aid in lessening an individual’s internalized stigma or perception that their extra weight is solely self-inflicted and shameful. Such a changed perspective could open minds for greater empathy with patients and doors for a constructive and effective therapy.

Taking Action

Prevention is paramount, especially when it comes to childhood obesity. Early interventions and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of obesity-related complications later in life. Furthermore, lifelong management of obesity necessitates a holistic approach, encompassing dietary changes, increased physical activity, and ongoing medical support.

We found some helpful tips for you from the MoHAP. Have a look in the Awareness Center for additional general health tips, there is a lot to discover!

Start prevention in your kids: For an active lifestyle

Don´t go shopping hungry: For a healthy diet

30 Minutes a Day for Your Health: The benefit of a daily walk

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