Obesity and being overweight have become a major health concern across the globe. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the worldwide prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled since 1975.

In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight, and of these, over 650 million were obese. Obesity not only increases the risk of chronic diseases but also reduces life expectancy. In this article, we will explore the connection between fat and life expectancy in detail.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the body that increases the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.

BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.

Connection between Obesity and Life Expectancy

The link between obesity and life expectancy is an important one. Studies have found that being overweight or obese shortens life expectancy by up to eight years.

Obesity increases the likelihood of developing chronic diseases that can reduce life expectancy. For instance, obesity is a leading cause of insulin resistance, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes, in turn, increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death worldwide.

Obesity is also associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, which can damage the heart and blood vessels and lead to several chronic diseases.

Being overweight can also cause sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor quality sleep, which over time can negatively affect the body.

Impact of Obesity on Chronic Diseases

Obesity has a significant impact on several chronic diseases, including:.

Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity is a leading cause of insulin resistance, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at risk of several complications, including nerve damage, kidney damage, blindness, and amputations.

Additionally, they are at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, which can reduce life expectancy.

High Blood Pressure

Being overweight can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to several chronic diseases.

High blood pressure can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, and blood vessels over time, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, which can result in reduced life expectancy.

Heart Disease

Obesity is a leading cause of heart disease, which includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. Heart disease can result in reduced life expectancy due to the damage it causes to the heart.

Stroke

Obesity is a leading cause of stroke, a condition in which blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Strokes can result in permanent brain dysfunction or death and can reduce life expectancy significantly.

Ways to Reduce Obesity and Improve Life Expectancy

Reducing obesity can improve overall health and increase life expectancy. Some ways to reduce obesity include:.

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Additionally, reducing sugary and processed foods can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Aim to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, and incorporate strength training exercises at least two days per week.

Stress Reduction

Stress can cause weight gain and can negatively impact overall health. Incorporating stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve overall health.

Sleep

Poor quality sleep or lack of sleep can cause weight gain and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night to improve overall health.

Conclusion

Obesity can significantly reduce life expectancy due to the increased risk of several chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Reducing obesity through healthy lifestyle habits such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and adequate sleep can improve overall health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and increase life expectancy.