The world is facing a serious health crisis and it is not related to any infectious disease. The danger is the rise of dangerously overweight or obese population around the globe.

Obesity is growing at an alarming rate and becoming a major concern among public health officials worldwide. The condition can cause various serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, liver disease, and many others.

The Statistics of the Looming Health Crisis

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has tripled worldwide since 1975. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, and of those, over 650 million were obese. This number is expected to increase by 40% in coming years.

It is alarming to see that overweight and obesity are no longer confined to developed countries only. Developing countries are fast catching up in terms of the number of people becoming overweight or obese.

Causes of Obesity

Overweight or obesity is caused by the imbalance between the number of calories consumed and the number of calories utilized by the body. If a person consumes more calories than they burn, the excess energy is stored as fat in the body.

Several factors contribute to this imbalance:.

Changes in Lifestyle

Due to the rapid urbanization and modernization of societies, people are becoming more sedentary and less physically active. This is contributing to the rise in obesity worldwide.

The prevalence of sedentary jobs, long commutes, and other factors are contributing to people leading a more inactive lifestyle.

Imbalanced Diet

Foods that are high in calories, fat, salt, and sugar are easily available and affordable. These processed and fast foods lack essential nutrients and are unhealthy for consumption.

Such food items can lead to addictions, and constant consumption of such foods can contribute to obesity and related health problems.

Genetic Factors

Genetics can also play a role in the development of obesity. Studies have shown that children of obese parents are more likely to become obese themselves.

However, this need not be the rule as genetic factors can be overcome with an active and healthy lifestyle.

Health Risks of Obesity

Obesity can lead to many serious health conditions, which can be life-threatening. The following are some of the major health risks associated with obesity:.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Being overweight or obese can significantly increase the risk of developing heart diseases. The excess weight puts a strain on the heart and can lead to various conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart attacks.

Diabetes

Obesity is one of the primary causes of Type 2 diabetes, which is a metabolic disorder. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the body is not producing enough insulin.

Obese people are at high risk of Type 2 diabetes, which can lead to various health complications.

Cancer

Obesity has been linked with an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, lung, colon, prostate, and ovarian cancers. Excess weight can also cause cancers related to the digestive system, such as liver and gallbladder cancers.

Liver Disease

The liver plays an essential role in the body by detoxifying and processing nutrients from food. Obesity can cause the liver to accumulate fat, leading to liver disease and, in severe cases, to liver failure.

Joint Pains

Obesity can put a lot of strain on the joints. The extra weight can cause joint pain and can cause arthritis, as well as other musculoskeletal problems.

Preventing Obesity

The ideal way to prevent obesity is by adopting healthy lifestyle habits that include eating a balanced diet and exercise.

Eating a balanced diet by including more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can aid in weight loss or maintenance of healthy weight. It is recommended that the intake of processed foods, high in sugars, saturated fat, trans fats, and salt, be restricted.

Physical activity is also essential for good health. Regular exercise promotes weight loss or maintenance, helps to maintain muscle mass, and reduces the risk of serious health conditions.

Recommendations are for adults to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.

Conclusion

The world is facing a severe health crisis, and it is essential that steps are taken to combat the growing pandemic of obesity.

The condition poses serious health risks worldwide and is a significant contributor to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help prevent obesity and other related health issues.