Education UAE - Issue 9 Winter 2021

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Health and nutrition

OBESITY: EAT BETTER, NOT LESS According to some estimates, over 60% of the population of the UAE is overweight, and this causes a slew of health issues and hazards. As additional weight puts strain on the heart and the rest of the body, diabetes and heart disease are becoming more common. As a result, it’s critical to figure out what’s causing the problem and take steps to prevent it.

But first of all, what does ‘obese’ actually mean? Obesity is defined as having more fat in one’s body than is essential. Individuals gain weight when they consume more calories than their bodies require. A further question is why obesity is such a problem in the modern world; what is causing such a mounting epidemic? The answer is multifaceted but takes in:  Changes in culture and the social environments in which people spend their time  Lack of physical exercise  Unhealthy diet Of course, there are also medical issues, such as Binge Eating Disorder, as well as genetics, but for most people, it boils down to social environments, bad diet and little or no exercise.

Don’t believe the scaremongers; you need carbs and fats in your diet And the effects of obesity can be catastrophic for one’s health, bringing on a wide range of often life-threatening illnesses, such as obstructive pulmonary ailments, coronary heart problems, diabetes, cancer (mainly of bowel and prostrate in men and uterine and breast cancer in women), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, strokes, osteoarthritis, and depression.

Obesity is, therefore, a national crisis, a ticking time bomb. However, the good thing about this problem is that most people can tackle it without expensive pharmaceuticals or medical procedures, and in doing so prevent their bodies from experiencing major health problems. LEARNING TO ENJOY A DELICIOUS, HEALTHY DIET Obesity can be controlled to a large extent by making a few lifestyle changes. Physical activities, such as yoga, workouts, or aerobics, as well as a balanced diet, can greatly aid a person’s physical well-being. Regular physical activities such as cycling, swimming, and walking can help you stay active, while a healthy and balanced diet, rich in vitamins, nutrients and fibre, should be at the heart of a good weight management programme.


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