Prevalence of obesity is soaring, childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed, casting a shadow over our current and future health. Prevention is paramount! Obesity shortens healthy life
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Obesity shortens healthy life. Obesity: Loosing years of healthy life.
The Invisible Threat:
Obesity and Its Role in Losing Years of Healthy Life
Obesity shortens healthy life. The prevalence of higher weight bodies is skyrocketing worldwide, affecting individuals across all ages and socioeconomic groups. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global rate of obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. This paints a grim picture of a health crisis that transcends borders, impacting both developed and developing nations.
Higher weight is typically defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 25, while obesity is characterized by a BMI exceeding 30. These metrics are essential for identifying excess weight and provide valuable insights into the scale of the obesity epidemic.
Obesity shortens healthy life. Obesity: A Growing Threat
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), obesity rates are alarmingly high, especially among individuals aged 45 and above, where three out of four people have a higher weight. Among women over 60, the situation is even more concerning, with a staggering 56% classified as having obesity Various factors, including age, gender, ethnicity, occupation, and lifestyle, significantly contribute to the risk of obesity, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this health issue.
Disturbingly, childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed in recent decades, with the percentage of children and adolescents aged 5–19 in higher weight bodies increasing more than fourfold globally In the UAE, childhood obesity is also on the rise, with rates steadily climbing from ages 3 to 12. When
When it comes to children between the ages of 11 and 14, one in four are in higher weight bodies. Left untreated, children in higher weight bodies are poised to become adults with higher weight, facing a myriad of health, social, and economic repercussions in the future.
A chronic, relapsing, progressive and malignant disease?
The human body is designed by evolution to store fat when food is available to endure periods of dietary restriction. In today’s world, high-calorie foods and drinks are readily available at all times with minimal effort. Modern conveniences and technological advancements have also led to more desk-bound jobs and sedentary leisure activities, worsening the issue of weight gain.
Obesity is linked to many debilitating diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. Additionally, it carries social stigma, psychological distress, and a reduced quality of life. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and treatment measures. Obesity shortens healthy life
But obesity can also be classified as a chronic disease itself. The World Obesity Federation declared in 2017 that obesity is not just an unavoidable byproduct of a wealthy, sedentary society. It is also a chronic, relapsing, progressive, and malignant illness. Acknowledging obesity as a legitimate medical diagnosis could help lessen an individual’s internalized stigma and the belief that their extra weight is solely self-inflicted or shameful. . Such a changed perspective could open minds for greater empathy with patients and doors for a constructive and effective therapy. Obesity shortens healthy life
For an Active LIfe Style
For a healthy diet
The benefit of daly walk
Taking Action
Prevention is paramount, especially when it comes to childhood obesity. Early interventions and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of obesity-related complications later in life. Furthermore, lifelong management of obesity necessitates a holistic approach, encompassing dietary changes, increased physical activity, and ongoing medical support.
We found some helpful tips for you from the MoHAP. Have a look in the Awareness Center for additional general health tips, there is a lot to discover!
Start prevention in your kids: For an active lifestyle
Don´t go shopping hungry: For a healthy diet
30 Minutes a Day for Your Health: The benefit of a daily walk
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