World Obesity Day

The global obesity epidemic and its impact on health must be brought to everyone's attention today. Millions of people worldwide are obese, and obesity has become a significant public health concern. 

Some of the standard classification methods to accurately categorize obesity are:

• Body Mass Index (BMI): BMI measures body fat based on height and weight. It is calculated by dividing weight (in kilograms) by height (in meters) squared. BMI values of 30 or higher are generally considered obese.
• Waist Circumference: This measure focuses on the fat around the waistline. It is considered obese if the waist circumference is greater than 40 inches (102 cm) for men and 35 inches (88 cm) for women.
• Body Fat Percentage: This measure calculates the body's fat percentage. For men, a body fat percentage of more than 25% is considered obese; for women, a body fat percentage of more than 32% is considered obese.
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) uses X-rays to measure bone density and body composition, including body fat. DEXA scans can measure obesity more accurately.
• Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR): This measure compares the waist circumference to the hip circumference. A WHR of more than 0.9 in men and more than 0.85 in women is considered obesity.

The classification of obesity may vary depending on the measure used and the population studied.

In addition to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and certain types of cancer, being overweight or obese can increase the risk of other chronic diseases as well. Therefore, a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining a healthy weight.

World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975, with over 650 million adults and 124 million children and adolescents considered obese. In the UAE, according to the National Health Survey conducted in 2019 by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity in the UAE was 33.7% among adults, with a higher prevalence among women (41.7%) than men (24.1%).

THE MAIN REASON FOR OBESITY is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and expended. This can be due to various factors such as genetics, dietary habits, physical inactivity, environmental factors, and certain medical conditions.

Obesity is best tackled with a multi-pronged approach that includes healthy eating habits, physical activity, behavioral changes, and medical intervention if necessary.

For managing and preventing obesity, here are some expert advice:

• Healthy Eating Habits: Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into a balanced diet. Reduce or avoid high-calorie and high-fat foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and processed foods.
• Increase Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. It is recommended that adults exercise at least 75 minutes per week at a moderate intensity or 150 minutes at a moderate intensity.
• Behavioral Modifications: Focus on making gradual and sustainable lifestyle changes, such as mindful eating, establishing realistic goals, tracking progress, and enlisting the support of family members and friends.
• Medical Interventions: In some cases, medical interventions such as bariatric surgery, pharmacotherapy, or weight loss programs under the guidance of healthcare professionals may be necessary for effective weight management.

It's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to obesity, and consulting with a healthcare professional or a dietitian is highly recommended.

CHANGING DIETS AND LIFESTYLES IS AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO REDUCE OBESITY. 

The effects of a healthy diet and lifestyle changes on weight loss, body fat reduction, and overall health are well documented. The following are some examples of published studies demonstrating the benefits of diet and lifestyle modifications for reducing obesity:

• Low-carbohydrate diets are more effective than low-fat diets in reducing weight and cardiovascular risk factors, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Participants on the low-carbohydrate diet lost more weight and experienced more significant reductions in blood pressure, triglycerides, and glucose levels compared to those on the low-fat diet.
• In another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, increasing dietary fiber intake was associated with decreased body weight, body fat, and waist circumference in overweight and obese adults.
• Exercise is also a critical component of a healthy lifestyle for reducing obesity. The Journal of Obesity found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) reduced body fat and improved cardiovascular health more effectively than moderate-intensity continuous training in obese adults.
• In the International Journal of Obesity, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that intermittent fasting reduced body weight, body fat, and insulin resistance.
•  The journal Sleep published a study that found short sleep duration is associated with obesity and weight gain.

Obesity also has a significant economic impact. The cost of treating obesity-related health problems is estimated to be over $2 trillion annually, accounting for 2.8% of global GDP. 

Moreover, obesity adversely affects productivity and quality of life. Obese individuals are more likely to have absenteeism and presenteeism, leading to lower productivity and reduced quality of life. It is essential to prioritize preventing and managing obesity to reduce its impact on health and the economy. We can improve health outcomes globally by reducing obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol and improving health outcomes by working together.

At PRIME Health, we offer a discount on diet consultations this month! 

Book an Appointment with our Dietician 

PRIME Health has initiated a NO OBESITY CLINIC at PRIME Medical Center Al Warqa, were patients can do an initial visit and the diagnosis of obesity. The physician will decide between Non-Surgical (Weight loss medication and continuous follow-up with the nutritionist) and Surgical (Laparoscopic Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass & Intragastric Balloon) treatments.

Enquire Now!!