Childhood and Adult Obesity Awareness

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• In 2022, 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity. 
• Worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled.
• In 2022, 2.5 billion adults (18 years and older) were overweight. Of these, 890 million were living with obesity.
• In 2022, 43% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight and 16% were living with obesity.
• In 2022, 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight.
• Over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight in 2022, including 160 million who were living with obesity.

Causes of overweight and obesity

Obesity is a complex medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the accumulation of excess body fat, which can lead to a range of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Despite the well-known risks associated with obesity, many people find it difficult to lose weight and keep it off. In this article, we will explore the science behind obesity and why it is so difficult to overcome.

The Genetics of Obesity

One of the primary factors contributing to obesity is genetics. Studies have shown that certain genes can predispose individuals to weight gain and obesity. These genes can affect a person’s metabolism, appetite, and how the body stores fat. While genetics do play a role in obesity, it is important to note that they are not the only factor. Environmental factors, such as diet and physical activity, also play a significant role.

The Hormonal Imbalance

Another factor contributing to obesity is hormonal imbalance. Hormones such as insulin, leptin, and ghrelin play a significant role in regulating appetite and metabolism. In people with obesity, these hormones can become dysregulated, leading to increased appetite, decreased metabolism, and a tendency to store fat. This hormonal imbalance can make it difficult for individuals with obesity to lose weight and keep it off.

The Role of Diet

Diet is a crucial factor in the development of obesity. A diet high in calories, saturated fats, and sugars can lead to weight gain and obesity. Highly processed foods and drinks with added sugar are particularly problematic, as they can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels and cause insulin resistance over time. This resistance can lead to weight gain and make it difficult for individuals to lose weight.

The Impact of Physical Activity

Physical activity is also crucial in preventing and managing obesity. Regular exercise can help burn calories, build muscle mass, and improve metabolic health. However, many individuals with obesity find it difficult to exercise due to pain, limited mobility, and self-consciousness. This can make it challenging to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine.

Obesity is a complex medical condition that is influenced by genetics, hormonal imbalances, diet, and physical activity. While these factors can make it difficult to lose weight and keep it off, it is important to note that obesity is a treatable and manageable condition. By working with a healthcare provider and making lifestyle changes, individuals with obesity can improve their health, reduce their risk of obesity-related diseases, and lead healthier, happier lives.

Common health consequences

Being overweight or obese can have a serious impact on health. Carrying extra fat leads to serious health consequences such as cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon). These conditions cause premature death and substantial disability.

What is not widely known is that the risk of health problems starts when someone is only very slightly overweight, and that the likelihood of problems increases as someone becomes more and more overweight. Many of these conditions cause long-term suffering for individuals and families. In addition, the costs for the health care system can be extremely high.

The good news is that overweight and obesity are largely preventable. The key to success is to achieve an energy balance between calories consumed on one hand, and calories used on the other hand.

Prevention and management

Overweight and obesity, as well as their related noncommunicable diseases, are largely preventable and manageable.

At the individual level, people may be able to reduce their risk by adopting preventive interventions at each step of the life cycle, starting from pre-conception, and continuing during the early years. 

These include:

• ensure appropriate weight gain during pregnancy.
• practice exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months after birth and continued breastfeeding until 24 months or beyond.
• support behaviors of children around healthy eating, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep, regardless of current weight status.
• limit consumption of sugar sweetened beverages and energy-dense foods and promote other healthy eating behaviors.
• enjoy a healthy life (healthy diet, physical activity, sleep duration and quality, avoid tobacco and alcohol, emotional self-regulation).
• limit energy intake from total fats and sugars and increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains, and nuts; and
• engage in regular physical activity.

Why is physical activity important?

Regular physical activity provides immediate and long-term health benefits. Being physically active can improve your brain health, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.

Physical activity also helps:

• Improve sleep quality.
• Reduce high blood pressure.
• Reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and several forms of cancer.
• Reduce arthritis pain and associated disability.
• Reduce risk for osteoporosis and falls.
• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In addition, physical activity is important if you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

• When losing weight, more physical activity increases the number of calories your body uses for energy. Using calories through physical activity, combined with reducing the calories you eat, creates a calorie deficit that results in weight loss.
• Most weight loss occurs from decreasing caloric intake. However, evidence shows the only way to maintain weight loss is to be engaged in regular physical activity.
• Most importantly, physical activity reduces risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes beyond that produced by weight reduction alone.

Moderate- and vigorous physical activity

Moderate: While performing the physical activity, if you’re breathing and heart rate is noticeably faster, but you can still carry on a conversation — it’s probably moderately intense. 

Examples include:

• Walking briskly (a 15-minute mile).
• Light yard work (raking/bagging leaves or using a lawn mower).
• Light snow shoveling.
• Actively playing with children.
• Biking at a casual pace.
• Dancing

Vigorous: If your heart rate is increased substantially and you are breathing too hard and fast to have a conversation, it’s probably vigorously intense. 

Examples include:

• Jogging/running.
• Swimming laps.
• Rollerblading/inline skating at a brisk pace.
• Cross-country skiing.
• Most competitive sports (football, basketball, or soccer).
• Jumping rope.