Overweight and Obesity: Facts, Causes and Prevention

by Fajemisin Emmanuel 

The body exist in a delicate dynamic balance known as metabolism. It has been structurally integrated for regulated life functions in order to maintain wholesome health. In metabolism, body fats represent a pivotal class in terms of their verse benefits but as well poses the most dangerous as seen when excess fats (TAGs, Cholesterol) accumulate – a condition known as overweight and/or obesity.

Overweight and Obesity are defined as abnormal conditions characterized by excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Overweight and Obesity are measured based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) reference and affects all age groups from infants to adults.

The Body Mass Index (BMI) represents a succinct and scientific estimation of measurement of body mass-to-height as an indication of overweight or obese. The unit is Kg/m² . A person is said to be overweight when BMI measures 25 and above, and Obese when 30 and above.

Obesity is caused by a blend of complex circuit – including dietary, lifestyle, genetic, psychological, sociocultural, economic and environmental factors. Its has escalated from an individual burden to a global public health problem over decades. Obesity is a linker to the world of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as Type 2 diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases (Due to hypercholesterolemia, and atherosclerotic plagues), hypertension, stroke and various forms of cancers.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO); More than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older were Overweight, and of these, over 650 Million are obese; 340 million children and adolescent aged 5 – 19 were Overweight and/or Obese (WHO, 2016). As well, about 40 million children underage 5 were overweight (WHO, 2018).

HEALTH CONSEQUENCES

• Discomfort and body pains: Due to large mass of accumulated Fats in the body, overweight and obese individuals experience discomfort and body pains. Flabby arms, Thighs and Pot belly are great discomforts to them and this confers partial immobility to them
• Emotional Trauma/Body shaming: Most overweight and obese people are object of mockery and Body shaming due to their size. Aside this external factor, obesity can induce emotional trauma and mental health issues/instability due to hormonal imbalances as a result of overproduction of steroidal hormones. This can affect mood, activity, intelligence etc.
• NCDs: Obesity is a great risk factor for Non-communicable diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiovascular and Neurological apathy and Diverse forms of Cancers.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The supreme good news is: Obesity is preventable. As we celebrate the world obesity day and draw projections to resolve obesity, the following solutions are tenable from individuals, industry and Government:

Individuals

• Reduce diet intake of total fats (Triacylglycerols and cholesterols) and sugars,
• Increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts
• Engage in exercise and physical activities (60 minutes a day for children and 150 minutes spread through the week for adults – as recommended by WHO)
• Practice of wholesome and healthy lifestyle.

Food Industry

• Reducing the fat, sugar and salt content of processed foods
• Ensuring that healthy and nutritious choices are available and affordable to all consumers
• Restricting marketing of foods high in sugars, salt, and fats especially those foods aimed at children and teenagers.
• Ensuring the availability of healthy food choices and supporting regular physical activity practice in the workplace.

In projections leading to cure of overweight and obesity, supportive environment and communities are fundamental in shaping people’s choices, by making the choice of healthier foods and regular physical activity the easiest choice (the choice that is most accessible, available and affordable), and therefore preventing overweight and obesity.