The current total world population is about 7 billion people and around 300 million suffer from obesity. Being obese is the accumulation or possessing abnormal levels of body fat. There are 1 billion overweight individuals all over the globe and 3/10 of them are already categorized as obese. These people are more prone to other diseases due to their excessive weight that causes about 300,000 related deaths annually.
Certain clinical measurements help determine obesity. The most common method, called BMI or body mass index uses a chart that shows certain height and weight plotted together in various levels that can determine a value of BMI. Certain BMI levels ranging from 30 and above can mean a person is already obese. Another method called the hip-waist ratio that compares the circumferential measurement of the hips and waist. The resulting ratio of the two measurements in higher or increased levels can hint risk factors of being overweight or obese. Also the measurement of adipose or fat found in the skin layer using a caliper can also help in determining a person is already obese.
Chronic diseases can stem out of obesity. Too much weight can lead to type-II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and or hypertension, and in some cases some forms of cancer. Although obese individuals look robust and big, their health condition is actually hanging in the balance. Much of their weight hinders proper bodily functions that can slowly destroy their vital organs like kidneys, gall bladder, heart, liver, and even the brain.
Obese people are also observed to display low self-esteem due to their limited mobility and social stigma of being fat. This is especially painful for teens who are obese, being in an awkward stage in their life when social acceptance is a big deal or even adults who might be subject to ridicule or biases.
Global awareness of this epidemic should be implemented continuously so gradual decrease of affected population can happen. Many health organizations are encouraging communities to be on a balanced diet and fitness routines to prevent being obese. Teaching the causes and prevention of obesity can clearly explain its effects to an individual.
People should know that keeping a healthy lifestyle can lessen the chances of becoming obese. Other causes of this epidemic can come from genetics, medical conditions, and generally a lack of physical activity. The production of goods that are high in salt, fat, and sugar contents also contribute in the prevalent cases in the younger population that consume fast and ready-made food. Parents should encourage their kids to eat a balanced meal and get involve with physical play and sports to prevent them from becoming obese.
Treatment of being obese has been devised in order to dramatically decrease the fat of an affected person. Surgery is one of the most obvious options as well as fat loss medications sanctioned by a physician.
Remaining healthy in modern times means having a more balanced lifestyle. The old cultural mentality of "bigger is always better" is not befitting anymore in terms of physical size because it poses as a great threat to all individual health.
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