Anti-Obesity Day 2010

Be positive and say Yes to healthy lifestyle

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Obesity has been termed a silent killer by the WHO and is fast becoming an epidemic that needs immediate attention, especially in urban india.it is estimated that nearly 15 percent of the country's adult population is a victim of this disease, which is of sedentary life stlye, un balanced eating habits.

Anti-Obesity Day is observed all over India on November 26th, 2010. The initiative seeks to spread the word about the dangers of obesity and the steps to take to cut the flab and stay fit.

This day assumes importance in the wake of the obesity statistics which shows more than 17% of the young in the age group of 14-18 in India are overweight or obese. They add to the burden of overall obesity figures in India of about 70 million. What makes it worse is that South Asians are genetically more prone to heart disease and diabetes due obesity. Further, Indians are genetically prone to accumulation of weight around the waist, a sure health risk.

Health Risks of Obesity

Obesity has been linked to at least 53 diseases. Not surprising, as overweight and obesity are known to impact blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin resistance of the body, negatively. The health risks of obesity can cost life and hence tackling obesity needs serious attention.

An abnormally high BMI increases the risk of breast cancer, cancer of the colon, prostrate, kidney and gall bladder. Thus, obesity is the leading cause of premature death due to its association with chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and Type 2 Diabetes.

• Type 2 diabetes and obesity are liked directly. Studies have shown close to 85% of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight.
• Obesity significantly elevates the risk of heart disease and heart attack if one is 20% overweight. .
• Obese women aged 50 and above carry an elevated risk of hypothyroidism, a disorder of the endocrine system which can trigger further weight gain and a host of other problems.
• Gallstones are another major problem for the obese and for obese women the risk is more pronounced.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has outlined some of the health risks of obesity. They are:

• High blood cholesterol, dyslipidemia
• Insulin resistance, glucose intolerance
• Congestive heart failure
• Cholescystitis and cholelithiasis
• Gout
• Osteoarthritis
• Some types of cancer (such as endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon)
• Complications of pregnancy
• Poor female reproductive health (such as menstrual irregularities, infertility, irregular ovulation)
• Bladder control problems (such as stress incontinence)
• Psychological disorders (such as depression, eating disorders, distorted body image, and low self- esteem)

Bell the Fat

A multi-pronged strategy for effective weight management and prevention of chronic diseases is crucial for those groups at risk. A healthy lifestyle with a proper diet and exercise is the only secret to maintaining optimum weight.

The prevention strategies will include a weight loss programme followed by a weight maintenance programme. The weight loss programme will combine the benefits of rigorous physical activity and a healthy diet regimen designed to knock off the additional weight in a stipulated timeframe.

BE POSITIVE & SAY YES TO HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Obesity - chronic diseases can be prevented with just a few healthy steps:

1. Eat a balanced diet rich in proteins, vegetables and fruits. Including more fiber and less fat will do the trick, experts say. Cut down on snacks, bakery products and fast foods laden with trans fat.
2. Stay active. Engage in a 30 minute physical activity with a good pace of exercise preferably 4-5 times a week.
3. Monitor weight regularly.

Notwithstanding personal efforts, it is also imperative that the policymakers in India chip in to regulate the entry of harmful foods. Increasing the taxes of foods saturated with sugar and trans fats while reducing the cost of vegetables and fruits may be the way to go for a leaner, fitter and healthier India.

Obesity also effects the overall productivity of the individual and society at large.it also says that if inappropriate attention will put a huge financial burden on the health care system in india over the next 5 years