Annually observed on March 4th, World Obesity Day is an international initiative led by the World Obesity Federation in partnership with its global members. This day is used as a call to action for a coordinated, multisectoral strategy to address the obesity issue. Its goals are to increase public knowledge of obesity-related issues, promote activism, improve policy, and exchange knowledge.
The goal of this year’s World Obesity Day theme, “Changing Perspectives: Let’s Talk About Obesity And,” is to eliminate stigmas, challenge myths, and promote cooperative approaches to the problem of obesity. The emphasis was on starting meaningful discussions and telling true experiences in order to raise awareness of the complexity of obesity and encourage practical action.
The buildup of aberrant or excessive fat, which presents health hazards, is the hallmark of overweight and obesity. People who have a body mass index (BMI) higher than 25 are categorised as overweight, while people who have a BMI higher than 30 are categorised as obese. The World Health Organisation reports that between 1975 and 2016, the percentage of overweight or obese children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years increased by more than four times globally, from 4% to 18%.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity represents a significant risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and certain types of cancer.
For instance, being overweight can predispose individuals to diabetes and its related complications, such as vision impairment, limb amputations, and the necessity for dialysis.
Moreover, obesity is linked to various cancers, including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon cancer.
Childhood obesity is particularly concerning, as it is associated with a wide range of serious health complications and an increased risk of premature onset of related illnesses.
WHO highlights that, despite concerted efforts, no country has successfully halted the expansion of the obesity epidemic. The shift in global diets towards energy-dense foods rich in fat and free sugars, coupled with reduced physical activity levels, has contributed to the ongoing increase in obesity prevalence.
Addressing the fundamental causes of obesity and implementing effective prevention and management strategies are crucial steps in combatting this pressing global health challenge.
