Being overweight or obese is not just about physical appearance. It is a serious health issue that can lead to various chronic diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975.

In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, and of these, over 650 million were obese.

What is obesity?

Obesity is a condition in which a person has excessive body fat that may harm their health. Generally, the Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.

BMI is a simple and reliable indicator of body fatness for most adults.

Chronic diseases associated with obesity

: 1. Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body is unable to produce enough insulin or use it effectively. Excessive body fat makes it difficult for insulin to work correctly, leading to high blood sugar levels.

If left uncontrolled, high blood sugar levels can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, and blindness.

: 2. Cardiovascular disease

Excess body fat can also lead to cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, being obese increases the risk of heart disease by 32%, high blood pressure by 64%, and stroke by 80%.

: 3. Cancer

Obesity is also linked to various types of cancer, such as breast, colon, kidney, lung, and prostate cancer.

The reason behind this is that excess weight leads to inflammation, high insulin levels, and the formation of abnormal cells, which increases the risk of cancer.

: 4. Sleep Apnea

Obesity is one of the primary risk factors for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Symptoms include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

How to reduce the risk of chronic diseases?

Losing weight is essential to reducing the risk of chronic diseases. It can help improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of cancer. Here are some healthy ways to reduce weight:.

: 1. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet with a balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fat) can help you maintain a healthy weight. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

: 2. Exercise regularly

Exercise is an essential part of weight loss. It helps you burn calories, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

: 3. Get enough sleep

Sleep deprivation can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can make it difficult to lose weight. Adults need at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to maintain optimal health.

: 4. Manage stress

Stress can lead to overeating and weight gain. Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Conclusion

Obesity is a significant health issue that increases the risk of chronic diseases. Simple lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Losing weight requires patience, consistency, and dedication, but it’s worth it to maintain optimal health.