One of the most frustrating health issues of the contemporary world, obesity has become an epidemic in nature across the world and affects millions of people of diverse ages, income levels, and cultural backgrounds. A condition where there is an excess of body fat with a health risk, obesity is no longer a bodily ailment but a complex medical condition with serious physical, psychological, and social implications. The incidence of obesity has been attributed to a vast array of reasons like passive lifestyles, poor eating habits, genetics, and environment. Challenges presented by obesity go far beyond physical appearance; they disrupt all aspects of life from personal health to career opportunities. Causes of Obesity Obesity is caused by a mismatch between calorie consumption and energy expenditure. When an individual takes in more calories than they expend, the excess energy is deposited as fat, causing weight gain. Several factors are responsible for this imbalance: Issues Encountered Owing to Obesity Obesity is not just about gaining excess weight—while gaining excess weight, it includes a range of serious health issues, emotional problems, and social problems. Obesity significantly raises the risk of numerous potentially lethal conditions like: Heart Disease and Stroke – Obesity strains the heart, causing high blood pressure, imbalance of cholesterol, and risk of heart attack and stroke. Type 2 Diabetes – Obesity is one of the leading causes of insulin resistance that may result in diabetes. Chronic disease affects millions of people across the world and may result in complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and blindness. Joint Pain and Osteoarthritis – Excess weight puts huge pressure on joints, especially the hips, knees, and lower back. This causes long-term pain, reduced mobility, and conditions like osteoarthritis. Respiratory Conditions – Obesity makes a person vulnerable to sleep apnea, in which breathing is temporarily stopped and starts again multiple times while sleeping. It also predisposes a person to develop asthma and other respiratory conditions. Liver Disease – Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese individuals results in inflammation of the liver and severe conditions such as cirrhosis. Cancer – Research indicates that being obese raises the risk of specific types of cancers such as breast, colon, kidney, and pancreatic cancer. Reproductive and Endocrine Problems – Obesity is the origin of fertility issues in women and men. In women, it causes irregular menstrual periods and pregnancy complications. Obesity does not only harm the body—it also takes a serious toll on the mind: Low Self-Esteem and Body Image Issues – Obese individuals generally suffer from low self-image and lowered confidence levels, even withdrawal from society in some instances. Depression and Anxiety – Stigma and discrimination against obese individuals are responsible for mental health issues. They feel sad and depressed and develop depression and anxiety disorders. Eating Disorders – Others form unhealthy relationships with food, alternating between bingeing and extreme dieting, only making their weight problems worse. Obesity tends to lead to discrimination and prejudice in both social and work settings: Workplace Discrimination – Obese individuals are most likely to face issues in employment or promotion due to perceptions against their physique and lack of self-restraint. Social Stigma – Overweight individuals are unjustly criticized by society, attributing their weight to laziness or poor self-control. This leads to social isolation and the loss of friends. Barriers in Daily Activities – Even simple tasks such as climbing stairs, obtaining good-fitting attire, or sitting in public areas can be challenging for the obese. Keep Reading Foramz for your daily dose of moral support.
Written by Mira
Obesity is one of the most pressing social and health challenges in our times. Eating is something we all love, a habit an action with is the sole purpose of living. Food gives us the nutrition that our body requires but excessive amounts of it lead to obesity. Obesity is a chronic disease that occurs when someone has too much fat. Obesity is one of the most pressing social and health challenges of our time. It affects millions of people worldwide. According to the stats in 2022, 1 in 8 people in the world were given obesity. Worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled. In 2022, 2.5 billion adults (18 years and older) were overweight. Of these, 890 million were living with obesity. Obesity is one most pressing social and health challenges of our time. it affects millions of people worldwide, cutting across age groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, and geographic regions. While obesity is often viewed as a personal health issue, it is deeply rooted in social, economic, and environmental factors, making it a widespread societal concern. Understanding Obesity Obesity is defined as excessive fat accumulation that presents a health risk. It is commonly measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese. You can calculate your BMI by dividing your body’s weight by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. Genetics also play a role in obesity with lifestyle choices such as diet and physical activity being the most significant contributors. However, these choices are often influenced by larger societal factors, including food availability, urban infrastructure, and socioeconomic status. Obesity is considered a major global health problem, with over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, representing a significant increase in prevalence over the past few decades, impacting both adults and children. This poses a serious risk of developing non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This issue is particularly concerning as it is now prevalent in both high-income and developing countries, with the latter often lacking adequate healthcare infrastructure to manage obesity-related complications. Eating in excessive amounts alone does not cause obesity, it happens due to various other factors including junk food intake, the timing of eating, genetic concerns, and spending too much time sitting down. Eating too many calories, especially from high-fat and high-sugar foods, and drinking too many sugary drinks. Moreover, Obesity disproportionately affects low-income populations, creating a cycle of poor health and poverty. Healthy food options are often more expensive than unhealthy alternatives, and gym memberships or recreational activities can be unaffordable for many families. Furthermore, stressful living conditions, long working hours, and lack of education about nutrition contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices. These disparities highlight that obesity is not just about personal responsibility but also about systemic inequalities that limit access to healthy living opportunities. Addressing obesity requires a multifaceted approach that involves individuals, communities, and governments. Public health initiatives promoting nutritional education, increased access to affordable healthy foods, and encouraging physical activity can make a significant impact. Policies such as food labeling regulations, taxes on sugary drinks, and urban planning that prioritizes walkable cities and green spaces can also help combat obesity. Additionally, awareness campaigns and workplace wellness programs can support individuals in making healthier choices. Tackling obesity is not just about changing personal habits but about creating an environment that fosters a healthier lifestyle for all. In the next part, we will be addressing the issue of obesity and how it is an issue that needs action immediately. Keep Reading Foramz for your daily dose of moral support.