Obesity: soft core of an epidemic of non-communicable diseases

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

• Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excessive fat deposits that can harm an individual’s health.
• It significantly increases the risk of several NCDs, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers.
• Additionally, obesity impacts quality of life factors such as sleep, mobility, and mental well-being.
• Obesity has been identified as a soft core for the epidemic of NCDs, exacerbating other health problems, and leading to early mortality.

Global and Childhood Obesity

• The World Health Organization (WHO) states that one in eight people worldwide are obese, and one in three are overweight.
• Worldwide, obesity in adults has doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled.
• As of now, 37 million children under five years are overweight, while 390 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 years are overweight, and 160 million are obese.
• Childhood obesity in India is a growing concern, with the country ranking second globally for the highest number of obese children.
• Factors contributing to childhood obesity include a lack of physical activity, high-calorie foods, sugary drinks, and genetic influences.

Obesity and Its Impact

• Obesity causes 3.4 million deaths annually worldwide, and India ranks third after China and the USA in terms of obesity-related deaths.
• Beyond the medical costs, obesity has economic repercussions, including loss of productivity, absenteeism from work, and premature mortality.
• The psychological effects of obesity are severe, leading to low self-esteem, mood disorders, and poor body image.

Addressing Obesity

• Weight loss is critical in preventing and treating obesity-related NCDs. Even modest weight reduction can lead to reduced blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and reduced diabetes risk.
• Treatments for obesity include newer medications and bariatric surgery, though they come with high costs and side effects.
• Prevention and treatment also focus on lifestyle changes like regular physical activity and avoiding unhealthy food.
• Recommendations include 6,000-8,000 steps daily, avoiding lifts, walking instead of driving, and limiting screen time.
• Employers can support by setting walking targets for their employees, and individuals should monitor their weight and waist circumference regularly.

Conclusion

• Addressing obesity requires a multifaceted approach, including awareness, advocacy, medical treatments, and changes in lifestyle.
• Simple interventions like regular exercise, balanced diets, and reducing sedentary behavior can significantly help in managing obesity and its related NCDs.

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