THIS IS OBESITY.

WHAT IS OBESITY?

Obesity occurs when the body accumulates an excessive amount of body fat. In a more casual expression, we refer to obesity as being overweight but there are differentials based on a body mass index (BMI) scale.

• Global obesity numbers have tripled since 1975.

• More deaths are associated with obesity than being underweight.

Now that you have an understanding of the statistics, you would probably get why some of us refer to it as globesity.

IT’S HEALTH IMPACT

According to clinical studies, obesity causes a reaction to most body systems. It can affect the liver, heart, kidneys, joints, and reproductive system. It can also increase the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, some forms of cancer and, mental health.

Recent research also recognized that people with obesity are 3x more likely to becoming hospitalized with COVID-19.

Now, let’s face it, many of us are dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle. We strive to maintain our physique by testing out the latest trends on diets and exercise. From keto to hot yoga, we’re doing it for our bodies.

While a lot of us are vested in losing weight to look good, there is a bigger issue at hand, and it’s only getting bigger. Obesity doesn’t just come with the cosmetic concern. Studies have proven, for decades I might add, that obesity is linked to a myriad of health complications and what we’re here to talk about is the causes, implications, and resolution.

A Statistical Breakdown

To paint a not-so-scary-but-scary picture of its impact globally, we’ve broken down some data for you.

• More than one billion people are obese.

• Of the one billion people, 650 million are adults, 340 million are adolescents, and 39 million are children.

• Studies indicate that by 2025, 167 million people will suffer health complications as a result of obesity.

Its impact is no joke. Think for a second; if we can eliminate the worry behind developing so many illnesses then why are the rates of obesity still skyrocketing after years? Well, that takes us into the causes.

Causes Of Obesity

Scientifically speaking, obesity occurs when there is an imbalance in calories consumed and calories exerted. Essentially, if we consume more calories than we burn, the more likely we are to gain weight.

Let’s discuss this:

1. COUNTING CALORIES.

It’s never been easier for us to consume more calories than we intend. Calorie-dense foods just happen to be some of our favorite foods. I mean, sugary drinks from the cute barista at that shop that rhymes with “scarducks” just invites you. The beer that goes with taco night, ice-cream for your Netflix session and, takeout after a long day; we don’t blame you.

2. BURNING CALORIES.

It’s never been easier for us to burn calories… oops, I didn’t mean that. Burning calories can be hard. With the expansion of convenience around us, we humans have less energy to exert. Now, more than ever, we’re blessed (cursed, in this case) with convenience. Business models have shifted to becoming more accessible to consumers and more effective for employees after the onset of COVID-19; and that’s not to say we weren’t getting there before but it’s now accelerated. “Convenience is fantastic! What’s wrong with that?” Well, in a world where calories don’t count, working from your couch ordering food delivery sounds divine. But the calories are stacking so, with obesity, convenience might just be our biggest frenemy (friendly enemy).

3. HEALTH CONDITIONS AND MEDICATIONS.

Obesity isn’t always linked to our choices. Some of us are diagnosed with health abnormalities, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Prader-Will Syndrome, Cushing Syndrome, etc., that influences our hormones causing us to gain weight beyond our control. Others may suffer from mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It is also common to develop eating habits used to cope with mental health struggles, for example, binge-eating disorder (BED), that later lead to obesity. Lastly, a common side effect of many medications, ranging from over the counter to prescription drugs, is weight gain.

4. GENETICS

Our genes can sometimes contribute to our body’s inclination to gain weight. We don’t just take our parents’ good looks, their bodies come with it too.

5. THE ENVIRONMENT

Our environment influences us more than we can admit. For instance, the proximity to a healthy living, such as gyms, grocery stores with a wide range of healthy options, etc. Plus, do you live somewhere with heavy food advertising? Because the billboard of fried chicken on the way home is just screaming my name. And, if you live in America where the portion sizes are insanely big, you’re already halfway in a pickle.

The Resolution

The truth is, we can’t apply one bandage to this health trauma. The resolution to reducing obesity requires involvement on many levels. An advantage of globesity is that, together ,we developed a great number of mechanisms and treatments that help us combat the disease.

The First Level

This is where we can take a stance against obesity.

- Limit junk foods that are high in sugars and fats.

- Practice eating a balanced diet.

- Experiment with different diet plans.

- Exercise! Make it a priority to schedule your daily quota of physical activity.

The Second Level

This is where we expect a societal standard of health.

- Equal ability to access healthy foods by ensuring that supermarkets with healthy food options are spread suitably.

- Governments employ resources to develop safe environments for exercise, e.g., parks.

The Third Level

This is how the food industry can play a role.

- Reduction in sugars, fats and, salts in processed foods.

- Making healthy alternatives equally accessible and affordable.

With advancements in technology and our aptness to innovate, we are capable of initiating a reverse. It starts with awareness. In efforts to create a healthier environment, we should educate children on healthy habits from an early age, stay mindful of the health implications behind our bites, spread knowledge on making healthier decisions and then, commit to them.

THE IDEA OF LOSING WEIGHT WHILE BUILDING MUSCLE SOUNDS CHALLENGING. IT’S NEARLY PARADOXICAL TO BURN FAT WHILE GAINING MUSCLE, BUT WHAT IF WE TOLD YOU IT WAS POSSIBLE? YOU’LL PROBABLY SAY, ‘SIGN ME UP,’ BECAUSE WHO WOULDN’T WANT TO MEET THEIR GOAL IN HALF THE TIME? WE’RE HERE TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS. YOU CAN DO IT. THIS PROCESS IS KNOWN AS “BODY RECOMPOSITION” IN THE WORLD OF HEALTH AND FITNESS.