Obesity or overweight condition is considered a major risk factor for rapidly increasing chronic diseases around the world. Unfortunately, this problem is increasing year after year. A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) presents a disturbing picture. According to the report, one in every eight people globally falls in the category of obesity.
Experts said obesity is not just a cosmetic concern, that is, it not only spoils the body shape but is also considered a major factor in many serious and chronic diseases.
Doctors say that people who have obesity have an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, joint disorders as well as some types of cancer. Statistics also show that a large population of the world is vulnerable to many serious diseases due to being overweight, which potentially leads to a decline in quality of life and life expectancy.
The problem of obesity is being seen at every age
According to the report, an estimated 25 million (2.5 crore) children in India may become obese, which increases the risk of a heavy burden on the future healthcare system. This is the reason why the average age of onset of diseases like diabetes and blood pressure is also decreasing. Most of the rapidly increasing heart disease-heart attack cases are also considered to be directly or indirectly related to overweight.
Health experts say that cases of three diseases are being seen most due to obesity, which is very important for everyone to know about and keep trying to prevent.
Risk of obesity in children
According to the WHO report, being overweight in childhood and adolescence affects health in many ways. It is a problem that increases the risk of various non-communicable diseases such as type-2 diabetes and heart disease and the risk of its premature occurrence.
Obesity in childhood and adolescence also has adverse psychosocial consequences, including problems related to school performance and quality of life, stigma, and discrimination. Obesity also increases the risk of high blood pressure in children by the age of 20, which can lead to heart disease.
The problem of heart disease and diabetes
Obesity at any age can put you at risk of high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels, which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Similarly, obesity can also affect the way the body uses insulin to control blood sugar levels. This increases the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Overweight people have been seen to be at a higher risk of both heart disease and diabetes than those with a healthy weight.
Can be a victim of fatty liver disease
Obesity also increases the risk of fatty liver disease. This is a rapidly increasing liver problem in India. Recently, during a program at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in New Delhi, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh presented shocking data. The Union Minister said every third person in the country may have the problem of fatty liver disease.
In this disease, fat starts accumulating in the liver, which can cause serious liver damage and even the risk of fatal diseases like liver cirrhosis.
(PC: ISTOCK)
