How Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle Can Combat the Global Obesity Epidemic?

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Obesity isn't just a local problem anymore; it's a worldwide issue. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that obesity rates have more than doubled since 1990, affecting more than 2.5 billion adults globally. This is concerning because it leads to higher healthcare costs and can lower life expectancy and overall quality of life. A key way to address the obesity problem is to motivate individuals to live a healthy lifestyle.

But what does a healthy lifestyle mean? In this blog, we'll look at how making healthy choices can help turn things around in the fight against the global obesity epidemic. We will discuss various aspects, including the definition of obesity, those most affected, healthy eating habits and exercise, mental health, and community efforts to promote better health.

What is Obesity?

Obesity happens when someone has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. Basically, it's a long-term health issue where there's too much fat in the body, and it can lead to serious health problems. It raises the chances of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, and even mental health issues.

Several factors contribute to the obesity crisis, including unhealthy eating habits, insufficient exercise, genetics, environmental influences, and economic factors. The primary drivers are excessive consumption of processed, high-calorie foods and a lack of physical activity. The most effective strategy to combat obesity is adopting a healthy lifestyle. This involves managing stress, maintaining a nutritious diet, engaging in regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep. Individuals can begin their weight management journey by adopting these habits.

So, how do you know if you’re obese? A simple way to find out is by calculating your Body Mass Index, or BMI. Let’s discuss BMI.

BMI - Your Ultimate Obese Checker!

BMI is a simple tool used to assess whether an individual's weight is healthy for their height. It is calculated by using weight and height measurements to estimate body fat.

A BMI of 25 or more is considered overweight, and 30 or more is considered obese. In India, a BMI between 23.0 and 24.9 indicates overweight, while a BMI of 25 or higher indicates obesity. Morbid obesity is indicated by a BMI of 35 or above

Knowing one’s BMI can help identify potential health risks and determine the need for lifestyle changes. A high BMI typically suggests issues like a poor diet or not getting enough exercise, which can lead to obesity. Let's examine what causes obesity.

Understanding the Root Causes of Obesity

Obesity is influenced by many factors, such as biology, behaviour, environment, and society. Genetics can matter, but our modern way of life is a big part of the global obesity epidemic. In order to resolve this issue, it is essential to get to the heart of what causes it so we can create better ways to prevent it and encourage healthy lifestyles.

Physical Inactivity

Technology has made our lives easier, but it has also made us more sedentary. Many people spend most of their time connected to screens, sitting in offices, or travelling. When we do not perform much physical activity, we do not burn off our calories, which might lead to weight gain in the long run.

Lack of Sleep

Lack of sleep interferes with the hormones that control your appetite. It boosts ghrelin (the hunger hormone), which makes you feel hungry, and drops leptin, which tells you when you're full. This can cause you to eat more and make bad food choices, leading to weight gain.

Unhealthy Dietary

A big reason for obesity is the amount of junk food we eat. Foods high in sugar, refined carbs, and bad fats pack in a lot of calories but don't offer much nutrition. Nowadays, many families skip balanced meals or a healthy diet in favour of fast food, sugary drinks, and quick snacks.

Emotional & Psychological Factors

Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to emotional or binge eating, where people turn to food as a way to cope. This usually means eating more than what's needed, especially indulging in comfort foods that are high in sugar and fat.

Genetics & Medical Conditions

Living a healthy lifestyle is important, but genetics also play a part in how our bodies store fat, process food, and feel hunger. Some health issues, like hypothyroidism, PCOS, or certain medications, can also lead to weight gain.

When we examine the causes of obesity, both for individuals and communities, we can find practical ways to live healthier and prevent it. It's all about making those important changes that can truly help. So, let's discuss some solid tips for living a healthy lifestyle that can help you feel better and have more energy.

Who Are Most Affected?

Obesity can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or where they live. However, certain populations are at greater risk due to a combination of biological, environmental, and social factors. Understanding the demographics most likely to face this challenge allows for targeted prevention strategies and the promotion of healthier habits.

Children & Adolescents

Childhood obesity is on the rise everywhere, and now millions of kids are dealing with health issues that used to be more common in adults. The WHO reported that in 2022, 37 million kids under five were overweight. This is largely attributed to poor dietary habits, reduced physical activity, and increased screen time. Children with obesity are more likely to maintain that condition into adulthood, perpetuating the cycle.

Parents can help prevent childhood obesity by ensuring their children eat a healthy diet filled with fruits, nuts, whole grains, and cereals.

Women

Women generally exhibit a higher risk of obesity compared to men, primarily due to estrogen's role in promoting fat storage. They're often more affected by social pressures, hormonal shifts, and financial struggles. Factors like weight gain during pregnancy, a busy schedule from taking care of family, and less access to health education can lead to the global obesity epidemic.

Individuals with Mental Health Conditions

People with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues often find it hard to manage their weight. This can be because of medication side effects, emotional eating, or just not feeling motivated to work out. The relationship between mental health and weight is complicated and goes both ways.

Adults with Sedentary Occupations

Sitting for long hours at a desk or while driving can lead to weight gain if you don't make time for exercise. Many individuals find it challenging to maintain an active lifestyle due to demanding schedules or sedentary occupations. This is one of the most common obesity risk factors that can be treated promptly.

Low-Income & Undeserved Communities

Socioeconomic status significantly influences the prevalence of obesity in India. People living in low-income areas usually can't access healthy food, gyms, or good healthcare. As a result, they often end up eating processed and fast foods that are cheaper and easier to find.

These distinct populations face significant challenges related to obesity. This is a growing concern, and it is imperative to address it by promoting healthier lifestyles. So, let's talk about some simple and practical steps we can take to live healthier lives.

The Power of A Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is all about taking care of yourself in different ways. It means eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and looking after your emotional health. Adding these habits to your daily routine can help lower the chances of obesity risk factors or even help you manage them better. So, let's take a look at each part and how it helps in fighting obesity:

Mental & Emotional Well-being

Many individuals overlook the significant role mental health plays in obesity. Stress, depression, anxiety, and past trauma can lead to overeating and poor eating habits. To manage stress effectively, practices such as yoga, deep breathing exercises, meditation, or therapy can be beneficial. Focusing on a healthy lifestyle includes prioritizing mental health. When we feel emotionally supported, we are more likely to make positive choices for our health.

Regular Physical Activity

Maintaining physical activity is an excellent method for maintaining a healthy weight. It burns calories, builds muscle, speeds up metabolism, and benefits cardiovascular health. The World Health Organisation recommends 60 to 150 minutes of exercise daily. Incorporating muscle-strengthening exercises and activities like biking, dancing, or gardening is also advisable.

These activities can enhance mood and reduce emotional eating, thereby supporting long-term weight management.

Adequate Sleep

It's tough to get enough sleep with everything going on these days. But sleep is really important for managing your weight. Research shows that not sleeping enough can mess with the hormones that control appetite. That's why aiming for 7 to 9 hours a night is key. Also, try to cut down on screen time before bed and set up a relaxing bedtime routine.

Balanced & Nutrient-Dense Diet

Good nutrition is key to a healthy lifestyle. Changing your diet from processed foods to whole foods can make a difference in how you feel and your weight. Here are some simple habits to try:

• Focus on whole foods like fruits, veggies, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats.
• Be mindful of your eating habits to avoid emotional or binge eating. Pay attention to portion sizes.
• Drinking water before meals can help you feel less hungry and reduce calories.
• Limit your sugar and refined carbs, like pastries and sugary drinks.

Living a healthy life is key to preventing obesity and other health issues, but having good health insurance is just as important when things go wrong. Care Health Insurance helps you achieve your health goals by providing plans that cover checkups, fitness perks, and other wellness benefits, letting you focus on enjoying life.

Small Steps, Big Impact!

To sum up, the issue of obesity is challenging, and there's no easy answer, but we can tackle it. Living a healthy lifestyle isn't just something you do for yourself; it can make a difference for everyone. It's all about putting in the effort, learning, getting support, and believing that we can make a change. Eating well, staying active, taking care of our mental health, and getting enough sleep are all critical for living better. So, let’s take an oath to fight against obesity by living healthier!

Disclaimer - The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.