Over the past few decades, obesity has evolved from a local public health problem to a global epidemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight people around the world is obese. Obesity among adults has more than doubled since 1990, and obesity among adolescents has quadrupled over the same period. Last year, a total of 2.5 billion adults were classified as overweight, of whom 890 million were obese.
Countries with the highest combined rates of underweight and obesity in 2022 were island nations in the Pacific and Caribbean and countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Data shows that 43% of adults over the age of 18 are overweight and 16% live with obesity. The numbers for children are equally concerning. In 2022, 37 million children under the age of five will be overweight. Additionally, more than 390 million children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 19 are overweight, and 160 million of them live with obesity.
Meanwhile, obesity rates in India are also on the rise. According to the 2019-2021 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), approximately 24% of women and 22.9% of men aged 15-49 are currently considered overweight or obese, and 2015-16 This shows an increase from the previous survey (20.6%). % of women and 18.9% of men were affected.
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Obesity is now recognized as a serious health condition that significantly increases the threat of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and even cancer.
Dr. Mohit Bhandari, Head of Bariatric Surgery at Pristyn Care, shared his insights with Firstpost on various aspects surrounding this issue.
Changes in dietary patterns
Dr. Bhandari: Perhaps the most important cause of this increase in obesity is the dramatic change in global dietary patterns. With economic development and urbanization, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are being replaced by these highly processed, high-calorie, sugar-laden foods. Fast food chains, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed snacks have become more available and affordable in low- and middle-income countries. This has led to energy-dense and nutritious diets, promoting weight gain and obesity, especially in urban areas.
Increasing trend of sedentary lifestyle
Dr. Bhandari: Another important factor is the increasing trend of sedentary lifestyles. The invention of modern technology has completely changed the way people live, work, communicate and have fun. However, the need for exercise is significantly reduced. Office work, internet purchases, and content streaming encourage long periods of sitting, but strenuous activities including walking and physical exercise are on the decline as they have been in recent years. This low energy expenditure and high food consumption lead to weight gain.
Environmental and socio-economic factors
Dr. Bhandari: The environment in which people live also contributes to obesity. Urbanization has consequently created an environment that is most conducive to vigorous physical activity. Many cities tend to rely more on convenience stores and fast food than fresh food markets, due to the lack of safe places to walk, bike, and exercise. The food dessert effect is occurring.
Genetic and biological factors
Dr. Bhandari: Lifestyle and environmental factors are important parts of this story, but genetics also increase an individual’s risk of obesity. Perhaps some people have genetic factors that make them more likely to gain weight or slow their metabolism. They may be biologically more sensitive and have a stronger urge to eat more. Hormonal issues such as hypothyroidism and PCOS can also cause weight gain, making it difficult to lose weight.
Psychosocial and behavioral factors
Dr. Bhandari: Mental health issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety can lead to overeating or undereating food, leading to an increase in obesity. Emotional eating is thus common as people overeat on comfort foods that are high in fat and sugar and become conditioned to do so by stress and bad emotions. Behavioral factors include poor eating habits and strategies, such as not eating at regular times, eating food late, and skipping meals.
Obesity is a complex problem that is influenced by many factors, including diet, lifestyle, environment, genetics, and mental health. To combat this growing infectious disease, both individuals and society must prioritize healthier diets, increased physical activity, and creating environments that support health. It is important to focus on these key factors to prevent and manage obesity globally.
