 Dr. Kanka Pandita
Obesity is not merely an issue of appearance - it is a sustained challenge to health.
Every nutritious meal, every step walked and every positive habit brings you closer to a healthier and energetic life.
Obesity is one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century particularity in India. It is characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that increases the risk of numerous chronic diseases including most prevalent Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and many more physical and mental ailments. It is an unwanted and unexpected condition in which excess body fat accumulates to a level that impair sound health.
Contrary to popular belief, obesity is not simply the result of eating too much. It develops from a complex interaction of unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, genetic inheritance, hormonal influences, inadequate sleep, chronic stress, environmental factors besides certain other medical conditions.
While it is important to understand obesity. diet dominated by highly processed, calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods are generally associated with weight gain, while as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, millets, nuts, and seeds provides more natural fibre, fewer calories, and greater satiety, helping in maintaining healthy body weight.
It is equally also important to understand the causes of obesity by learning which foods support healthy body weight, understand the importance of physical activity, sleep, and stress management so as to develop practical strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and reduce health risks.
Healthcare professionals often assess human weight using Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, overall body composition and physical appearance to interpret together with age, sex, ethnicity and overall health condition.
Common health challenges of obesity increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, Hypertension, Coronary artery disease, Stroke, Fatty liver disease, Gallstones, Sleep apnea, Joint disorders and Certain cancers besides mental depression that reduce the good quality of life.
Most common causes of obesity include excess calorie intake, sugary drinks, sweets including cakes and pastries, ultra-processed foods, processed snacks, fried and oily foods, physical inactivity, emotional eating, poor and inadequate sleep, chronic stress, hormonal disorders, certain medications, genetic predisposition besides negative thought processing.
While as healthy nutritious dietary pattern promoting weight management naturally those are readily available include fresh green vegetables, seasonal fruits, millets, whole grains, sprouts, nuts, seeds (in moderation) and protein rich diet from any vegetable or animal source as per choice. These foods are naturally rich in fibre and nutrients which improve fullness and reduce excessive calorie intake. Importantly do not skip meals.
Regular physical activity including walking, cycling, swimming, Yoga and meditation aimed to reduce sitting and inactivity time substantially contribute in healthy body weight management . Weight loss occurs through a sustained calorie deficit due to healthy food choices, regular physical activity, and long-term lifestyle changes. Research consistently shows that dietary patterns with regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management offers the greatest long-term success.
Role of adequate and pattern of sleep besides management of chronic stress besides individual hormonal imbalances due to genetic inheritance traits, which are normally underestimated in weight management process, constitute leading pre disposing factors for obesity.
Conclusively obesity is most prevalent multi factorial condition with numerous causes that affects nearly every organ of human body but it is also one of the most preventable chronic health condition and it can not be ignored in the interests of personal well being and for prosperity of nation. |
