Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally with nearly 2.8 million adults dying annually as a result of being overweight or obese, according to the WHO. As World Obesity Day is being marked on Saturday, October 26, physicians say the condition, once synonymous with rich nations, is also prevalent in lower and middle-income countries now.
WHO has identified childhood obesity as being among the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. Other major health conditions, which are attributed to obesity are nearly 44 per cent of the diabetes burden, 23 per cent of heart diseases caused by restriction in blood supply to heart tissues and between seven and 40 per cent of certain cancers.
Dr Ramesh M, a consultant laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon at Vikram Hospital, explained prevention of obesity is much easier than trying to lose weight.
He spoke of major factors that cause obesity such as a lack of physical activity caused by a sedentary lifestyle and lack of dietary restrictions with the growing popularity of fast food and unbalanced eating habits.
Dr Ramesh also pointed out that obesity among people who eat moderately could be due to adverse effects of medication or poor body metabolisms and also hormonal imbalances.
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