Feature

By Kanika Sabhani

According to the World Obesity Atlas , no country in the world is on track to reach the target to ‘ halt the rise ’ of obesity prevalence by 2030 , as set in 2013 by the World Health Organization and approved by all governments . Instead , the numbers seemed to have doubled over this time . It is estimated that by 2035 , over half the world ’ s population will be above a healthy weight . Most of these people will be in middle-income countries , where obesity is often poorly understood , and capacity is lacking to address it . Low-income and middleincome countries , particularly in south and east Asia and sub-Saharan Africa , are also battling malnutrition which is contributing to overweight and obesity increases .

A higher BMI in adults results in an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes , heart disease , stroke and some cancers . The World Obesity Atlas reports that a high BMI is responsible for over 120 million adult person-years lost to these four diseases each year . In other words , most people dying from these diseases have underlying high BMI , and a high percentage of these deaths are happening among people in lower resource settings and developing countries . Children aren ’ t immune to the negative effects of a higher BMI either .

Studies show that obese children have high blood pressure , low HDL cholesterol , and hyperglycemia . Unfortunately , there doesn ’ t seem to be any apparent symptoms that result from this . However , by the time these children begin adulthood , they will be likely have to live with stroke , diabetes and / or heart disease .

More recently studies have started showing parallels between growth of economies being associated with increases in obese populations . As low and middle-income countries GDP grows so does the prevalence of obesity . Contributing factors seem to be increased urban populations , increased sedentary work lifestyles , decreased active transport , decreased active recreation , increased processed food supply and likely increased wealth inequities . In summary “ the data shows how high BMI is linked to the mounting environmental crisis facing the globe , with greenhouse gas emissions , urbanisation , plastic waste , a lack of physical activity and consumption of animal products all playing a role in creating unhealthy environments that contribute to obesity ” ( World Obesity Atlas ).

It is now evident that obesity is simply not and individual issue and simple mottos like “ eat less and move more ” do nothing to address the issue . While governments and policy makers battle out the systemic issues that drive global obesity , individuals may feel helpless to their circumstances . With no control over your local food supplies or the economic factors of your surroundings , it can often feel like one has no control over their own health .

One part of the equation we haven ’ t discussed yet is Physical activity . This is something that can fall within an individuals ’ control . People can participate in physical activity regardless of their geography or their socio-economic status . One does not need resources or specialized equipment to be physically active . Physical activity alone may not produce weight loss but that doesn ’ t mean that there are no benefits . Regular physical activity can result in decreased risk of developing hypertension , several types of cancer , osteoporosis , type 2 diabetes , stroke and heart attacks . It is important to note that this is irrespective of the intensity of physical activity . Additional benefits include a reduction in triglycerides and glucose , and an increase in HDL cholesterol . Outside of physiological markers , physical activity also improves mental health , sleep health , and mood .

Physical activity refers to any and all body movements . This includes walking , cycling , sport , play , and dance . Common activities that used to be a part of many people ’ s daily life . The world health organization recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week to help maintain healthy body weight . Unfortunately , at least 25 % of adults and 80 % of adolescents are not meeting these minimum requirements . Regular physical activity from a young age can play a major role in the prevention of childhood obesity . Physical activity education and promotion is a low-cost strategy that many communities can implement to improve the health outcomes of their populations . Success of these strategies should be determined by active participation and not by weight loss .

Obesity is a multifactorial problem that no one individual can solve . Sources that lead to higher probability of obesity are largely controlled by governments and the private sector . One factor that an individual can control is their own physical activity levels . Encouraging family , friends , and peers to participate in an active lifestyle may help combat some of the health symptoms of Obesity . n

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