Learn to Escape the Obesity Epidemic

by Sayani Mukherjee Writer

The obesity epidemic is a global catastrophe that is moving fast affecting practically all countries, all income groups, all age groups, all sectors, and industries. In India, there has been a drastic increase in the number of obese patients for the last few years. An increasing number of Indians becoming overweight and obese may lead to many health problems including premature death.

Although genes play a very important role in weight management there are other factors involved too. Easy access to fast and fattening foods, sedentary lifestyle, and lack of physical exercise are the main causes behind this dangerous epidemic. Some of the most common health issues related to excess body weight include heart diseases, diabetes and even some types of cancer.

What is overweight and obesity in adults?

A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.

A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese.

How to control?

Controlling obesity requires an integral approach by individuals and government together.

Government responsibilities: The Indian government should provide an active and sustained input in the following:

Education regarding healthy lifestyle should start from the pre-primary schools.
A healthy food supply that does not contain pesticides, toxins, harmful fats etc.
A healthy environment where individuals can exercise, walk freely and sleep in peace to ensure regular physical activity, rest and stress reduction.
Proper medical facilities and well trained medical staff to treat patients as individuals.

Individual Responsibilities: It is our primary responsibility to take care of our health and lead a healthy lifestyle by following the below:

Develop a healthy eating habit by including more fresh fruits and vegetables, grains and nuts to get adequate fiber for proper metabolism. Avoid highly processed and packaged foods that are loaded with refined white sugar and saturated fat. Use vegetable cooking oils rather than animal-based fats.

Exercise regularly, even a moderate exercise for 30 minutes every day promote a healthier body and help in reducing weight. Walking is the best exercise that is simple and does not require extra effort. Practice your favorite sports every day such as cycling, swimming, playing badminton and so on. It works two ways- reduce stress and weight.

So walk a little more, eat a little less to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Consult a good bariatric surgeon such as Dr. Manish Joshi for the best laparoscopic obesity surgery in Bangalore.