Obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges in the world today. Not only in developed countries, but also in developing nations, the number of people affected by this condition continues to soar.
This dramatic increase is not merely an issue of appearance; it is a global health crisis that triggers various chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer.
This phenomenon reflects fundamental changes in our lifestyle and environment. Let us take a closer look at what obesity is and the main factors behind this alarming rise.
Simply put, obesity is an excessive and abnormal accumulation of body fat that can impair health.
A common measure used to determine whether a person is obese is the Body Mass Index (BMI).
BMI is calculated by dividing body weight by the square of height. A person is considered overweight if they have a BMI of 25 or higher, and classified as obese if their BMI reaches 30 or higher.
The global increase in obesity is not caused by a single factor, but rather a combination of various social, economic, and environmental changes.
Foods available today tend to be high in calories, sugar, and fat, while low in nutrients. Fast food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks are easily accessible and often cheaper than healthy options. Increasing portion sizes also contribute to excessive calorie intake, often without people realizing it.
Advances in technology and automation have reduced the amount of physical activity we do daily. Many jobs are now desk-based, and leisure time is often spent watching TV or using gadgets. A lack of exercise means that consumed calories are not burned.
Living in urban areas often means limited open spaces or safe pathways for exercise. In addition, long working hours and heavy traffic reduce the free time available for physical activity. An environment that “encourages” people to be inactive is known as an obesogenic environment.
Although environmental factors play a major role, genetics also influence how our bodies store fat and how efficiently our metabolism works. Some individuals may be more prone to weight gain due to genetic predisposition, but environmental factors often act as the primary trigger.
Chronic stress can increase levels of the hormone cortisol, which prompts the body to store fat, especially around the abdominal area. Meanwhile, lack of sleep disrupts hormones that regulate appetite (ghrelin and leptin), making us feel hungrier and more likely to choose unhealthy foods.
Aggressive marketing, especially advertisements for high-calorie foods targeting children, plays a significant role. The food industry’s focus on taste and affordability over nutritional value also contributes to the obesity problem.
The rising prevalence of obesity reflects the complexity of modern life. Addressing this issue requires a holistic approach, from improving dietary habits and increasing physical activity to better stress management.
If you or a family member are struggling with excess weight and are concerned about the associated health risks, it is important to seek professional help.
To obtain an accurate diagnosis, understand your overall health condition, and develop an appropriate and safe treatment plan, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a specialist at National Hospital.
We have a team of experts and adequate facilities to help you manage this health condition effectively.
info@national-hospital.com
628131000517
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