A newly published Danish study shows that obesity is now less dangerous than it was in the 1970s. The study found that the risk of premature death from obesity has decreased by around half compared to four decades ago.

The Study

The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in December 2019, analyzed data from two large Danish population studies.

The first study looked at data from 1976 to 1978 and included 13,704 participants, while the second study looked at data from 2003 to 2013 and included 78,482 participants.

The researchers found that the risks associated with obesity, such as premature death, heart disease, and diabetes, have decreased over time. In particular, the risk of premature death from obesity dropped by approximately 50% between the two studies.

The Reasons Behind the Decrease

There are several reasons behind the decrease in the risks associated with obesity. One of the main reasons is improvements in medical treatment.

For example, there are now more effective medications for treating hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which are common health problems associated with obesity.

In addition, there have been changes in public health strategies aimed at preventing obesity.

These strategies include campaigns promoting healthy diets and physical activity, as well as policies to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks and other unhealthy foods.

But Obesity Is Still a Serious Problem

Despite the decrease in the risks associated with obesity, the condition is still a serious problem. In fact, obesity rates continue to rise around the world.

According to the World Health Organization, the number of overweight or obese people globally has more than doubled since 1980.

In addition, obesity is a leading risk factor for a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Obesity can also negatively affect mental health, social functioning, and quality of life.

The Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Weight

The findings of the Danish study should not be taken as a reason to become complacent about obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight is still important for overall health and wellbeing.

There are many factors that contribute to the development of obesity, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

However, there are also many ways to prevent and manage obesity, such as eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and seeking professional help as needed.

Conclusion

Overall, the Danish study suggests that the risks associated with obesity have decreased over time, thanks in part to improvements in medical treatment and public health strategies.

However, obesity is still a serious problem that requires attention and action from individuals, healthcare providers, and policy makers alike.

To reduce the risks associated with obesity and maintain a healthy weight, it is important to eat a healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, and seek professional help as needed.