Obesity Epidemic: Causes and Prevalence

Obesity has become an increasing health problem worldwide. Obesity not only threatens individual health, but also puts a great burden on public health. In this article, we will examine the causes of obesity epidemic and its prevalence worldwide.

Definition and Measurement of Obesity

Obesity is the condition of having an accumulation of body fat above normal. It is usually defined using a measurement tool called Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a value obtained when you divide a person’s weight by the square of their height. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a BMI over 30.

Causes of Obesity

There are multiple causes of obesity. These causes include personal, environmental and genetic factors. Here are some common causes of obesity:

1. Dietary Habits: Excessive consumption of high-calorie, processed foods can lead to obesity. Excessive consumption of foods such as fast food, sugary drinks and junk food increases the risk of obesity.
2. Lack of Physical Activity: Not exercising regularly or having little physical activity can trigger obesity.
3. Genetic Factors: Family history may affect the risk of obesity. Some genetic factors may increase susceptibility to obesity.
4. Environmental Effects: Environmental factors can increase the risk of obesity. For example, there may be greater access to unhealthy foods in low-income areas.
5. Psychological Factors: Stress, depression and emotional eating habits can trigger obesity.
6. Metabolic Conditions: Some metabolic diseases can lead to obesity or increase the risk of obesity.

Prevalence of Obesity

Obesity has become a rapidly increasing problem worldwide. According to 2016 data, 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight. It is estimated that 650 million of them are obese. Obesity is increasing in both developed and developing countries.

Child obesity, in particular, is on the rise at an alarming rate. Approximately 10% of children aged 5-19 worldwide are overweight or obese. This increases the risk of continuing obesity in later ages.

Obesity can lead to serious health problems. These include type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension, joint problems and some types of cancer.

Prevent the Obesity Epidemic

Obesity is a complex and multifaceted problem. Nutritional habits, physical activity levels, genetic factors and environmental factors are important factors affecting the risk of obesity. The prevalence of obesity is increasing and it poses a serious health threat to societies.

It is important to take early precautions and promote a healthy lifestyle in the fight against obesity. Conscious nutrition, regular physical activity and cross-societal awareness campaigns can help prevent the obesity epidemic.

Remember that every individual is different and the reasons that lead to obesity are personal. Therefore, it is important to consider individual needs to prevent and manage obesity.