Obesity in India – Everything You Need to Know


Malnutrition was a worrying issue in India for decades but it is being addressed in every possible way, thanks to the considerable progress made by the country of a billion and a half. While focusing on this issue, we all have forgotten that obesity is occupying the place of malnutrition.

The obesity numbers in India have doubled during the past decade and the progress is alarming. There are millions of people who are suffering from this epidemic but there is only one reason behind it – sedentary lifestyle. Other factors such as urbanization, highly processed foods and professions that require no physical involvement are being helpful for this sedentary lifestyle.

More than a health issue, obesity is a sensitive issue. It causes mental distress to the people who are trying to raise awareness on it and for the people who are experiencing it. Obesity is a serious issue that not only grounds the quality of life but also remains as a never ending misery if the corrective measures are not employed.

According to Indian obesity statistics and guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), people who have Body Mass Index (BMI) more than 25 kilogram per metre square are considered as obese. Alarmingly, these numbers are immensely high in youngsters.

The Reasons behind Obesity – The reasons for obesity are complex. There are thousands of reasons behind obesity but they all boil down to this – obesity occurs when the number of calories consumed by the person is not equivalent to the calories that are burned.

Lifestyle – Obesity is a condition that is self-inflicted and lifestyle has a major role in it. As we grow old, we tend to stop involving in any sort of physical activity and it is the only reason behind obesity.

Economical – The influence of community development and the economic state has a big role in obesity. Typically, people who could offer solutions that reduce their physical burdens tend to avail them. This daily phenomenon can cause obesity.

Professional – The profession you are involved can also add up to the list of the obesity factors. People who do jobs that do not require any sort of physical activity have higher chances for obesity. Unfortunately, most of the work-lines in modern society do not require any sort of physical involvement.

Genetics – Obesity triggered by genetics is a rare case but the number of these cases is on upsurge nowadays.
  • Impact on Health – Obesity, directly or indirectly, is related to almost all medical conditions. Here are major conditions that are triggered by obesity.
  • High Blood Pressure – The adipose tissue (the tissue where the fat is store) requires a high amount of oxygen to survive and this puts extra pressure on the blood vessels leading to high blood pressure.
  • Diabetes – Type-2 diabetes is one of the most common issues with obesity. Obesity causes insulin resistance leading to increased blood sugar levels.
  • Heart Disease – Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries become hard and it is found in most of the people who are obese.
  • Bone-related Health Issues – Due to the extra body weight, knees and other joints have to get the additional stress. This may lead to bone-related health issues.
  • Cancer – Increased weight can lead to various cancers including colon, prostate, uterus, gallbladder and breast cancers.
  • Sleep-related Disorders – People who are excessively weight may find it difficult to breathe and this leads to sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnea.
There are also psychological issues that take a big toll on the quality of life and social involvement.

India is on the verge of becoming one of the most affected countries by obesity. By following a healthy lifestyle that is spent on sufficient physical activities is what all takes to not to fall in the claws of obesity.

In clinical terms, following the obesity treatment guidelines, weight loss surgery options such as bariatric surgery could be valid options to address obesity with clinical help.

1 comment:

Powered by Blogger.