Obesity is a major public health problem. It is tripled since 1975 and continued to grow. Obesity rate is increased both in males and females and across all ages. Children with obese parents have higher risk of future obesity. Child has 3 times higher risk if single parent is obese and the risk increases to 10 folds if both parents are obese. Every year 04th March is celebrated as World Obesity Day. Theme for the year 2023 is ‘Changing perspectives: Let’s talk about obesity’. This is celebrated to create awareness about obesity and to take proper measures to reduce weight and maintain it within healthy limits.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is accumulation of excess body fat that leads to abnormal weight gain. As the excess fat builds up in the body it poses multiple health risks. Overweight and Obesity are the two stages of weight gain.
Types of Obesity
1. General Obesity
2. Central Obesity
1. General Obesity: Fat deposition is seen throughout the body.
2. Central Obesity: Fat deposition is mainly seen around the abdomen. It is also called as abdominal obesity. This type of obesity has higher risks of diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases.
Causes: Obesity is complex and multi factorial disease
Sedentary life style
Consuming calorie dense foods,
Genetic factors
Hormonal imbalances.
How to measure:
1. Body Mass Index (BMI) Kg/m2
2. Waist Circumference
3. Waist Hip Ratio
1. Body Mass Index (BMI) : (Weight in kilograms) / (Height, in meters)2 : Since 1990s Body Mass Index is widely used to classify overweight and obesity. However it must be used with other measures to assess the body fat distribution and related health risks.
Classification of BMI
Underweight < 18.5
Normal weight 18.5 – 24.9
Overweight 25 – 29.9
Obesity 30 – 39. 9
Morbid obesity ≥ 40
2. Waist Circumference: Fat deposition around the belly can be known by measuring the waist circumference. Excess accumulation of fat around the abdomen is known as abdominal obesity. This is an important risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, cardiac diseases etc. According to International Diabetes Federation following measurements define the central obesity:
Women ≥80 cm (31.5 inches)
Men ≥90 cm (35.5 inches)
3. Waist Hip Ratio: It is the ratio between the waist and hip measurements. Hip circumference is taken at the widest part of the buttocks. Waist hip ratio is obtained by dividing the waist circumference by hip circumference. According to World Health Organisation the ratio of ≥0.85 in females and ≥ 0.9 in males indicate higher risk. Recent research reveals that decrease in waist hip ratio is linked with greater health benefits. According to American Diabetes Association waist hip ratio is more accurate than BMI for predicting the risk of heart diseases.
Health risks of Obesity
1. Type 2 Diabtetes Mellitus :
2. Hypertension
3. Heart diseases:
4. Increased cholesterol levels
5. Cancer
6. Infertility
7. Osteo arthritis
8. Polycystic ovarian syndrome
9. Sleep Apnoea
10. Non alcoholic liver diseases
Measures to reduce obesity:
Reducing obesity and maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the risks associated with obesity. Making healthy food choices and being physically active are the two important measures to be taken at any stage of weight gain.
1. Avoiding calorie dense foods like ice creams, chocolates, cakes.
2. Avoiding artificial drinks and fruit juices with sugar
3. Avoiding processed food
4. Adding fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet
5. Consuming homemade food
6. Liberal intake of water
7. Adequate sleep and relaxation
8. Planning a physical activity according to the age and availability of resources(walking, cycling, swimming, Yoga)