When an individual has so much excess fat called obesity, it starts affecting their health. This is the result of consuming more calories—food-based energy—than the body requires over an extended period of time. 

Obesity can also be caused by environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and genetics. Serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and joint pains can be brought on by obesity.  

It also has an impact on a person’s self-esteem and the capacity to carry out everyday tasks with ease. Managing obesity includes eating better, exercising more, and occasionally seeking medical advice or assistance from medical professionals.

Richard Carmona, an American physician, nurse, police officer, public health administrator, and politician said, “Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.”  

Globally, obesity is a concern since it is associated with several chronic diseases. Some major chronic diseases linked to obesity are as follows:  

Type 2 diabetes 

The inability of the body’s cells to properly respond to insulin is known as insulin resistance, and it can be brought on by obesity. Eventually, it leads to type 2 diabetes, which results from the raising of blood glucose level. 

Cardiovascular Diseases 

Obesity contributes to heart disease and stroke by increasing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).  

Liver Disease 

Obese people are more likely to have a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can even lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. 

Sleep apnea 

Individuals who are obese or overweight are more likely to develop sleep apnea. This is because their airway narrows due to fat stored around their neck. Breathing difficulties and snoring may be the result of a narrowed airway. 

Certain cancers 

Obesity increases the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, prostate, and gallbladder cancers. 

Pregnancy complications 

Insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar are more common in pregnant women who are obese or overweight. A woman can face miscarriage, pre-mature birth, still birth if overweight.  

Depression 

Individuals who are obese face discrimination because of their physical appearance. This may eventually cause a person to feel depressed or unworthy of themself. Currently there are many advocacies working to end body-size discrimination, including the National association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA). 

How to Lower the Risk of Obesity 

Healthy Eating Habit 

Consuming fewer processed foods, sugar-filled beverages, and high-fat snacks and eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats help in preventing obesity and many other lifestyle diseases.  

Regular Physical Activity 

According to most national and international guidelines, an average adult should be engaged in at least 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) a week of moderate-intense physical activity. It equates to five days a week of at least thirty minutes a day of physical activity. 

Compared to people who engage in other activities, those who walk quickly and briskly have a lower weight, BMI, and waist circumference on average. 

Improve sleep quality 

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, USA recommends sleeping for seven or more hours, and for younger people to have a deep, sound sleep of more than 8 hours.  

Obesity increases the risk of two major chronic diseases, i.e. diabetes and heart diseases. It’s crucial to eat healthy foods, do exercise, and seek medical attention when necessary to combat obesity. By taking these actions, you can better control your weight, maintain your health, and avoid obesity related problems.