Obesity is the accumulation of excessive or abnormal fat that can harm health. In adults, the BMI (Body Mass Index) is the commonly used index for weight and height classifications. A person’s BMI is measured by dividing their weight in kilograms against their height in meters squared. In adults obesity defined as follows by the WHO;
• BMI greater than or equal to 25 as overweight
• BMI equal to or greater than 30 as obesity
Age in children plays an important role in defining obesity. Children under five years of age are considered obese if their weight-for-height is greater than 3 standard deviations from the WHO child growth standard median. The WHO growth reference considers children aged 5 to 19 years obese if their weight-for-height is above 2 standard deviations.
Obesity Facts
In 2016, about 13% of the world’s population was considered obese; Of these figures, 11% were men while 15% were women. In the same year, about 41 million children under the age of 15 were obese, while 340 million children between the ages of 5 and 19 were obese. Obesity has long been considered a problem in high-income countries; however, things are now changing, as there has recently been a rise in obesity in low- and middle-income countries. For example, since 2000, there has been an increase in obesity-related cases in Africa, where the number has been increasing with an estimated 50% value in children. In Asia, nearly half of children under the age of 5 were considered obese based on data collected in 2016. More deaths have also been linked to obesity and being overweight compared to deaths from problems related to being underweight.
Causes of obesity
Obesity is primarily caused by asymmetry in energy levels between calories expended and calories consumed. There has been a global increase in; (a) Intake of foods that are energy dense and high in fat (b) Increased physical inactivity due to the nature of the work structure, urbanization and different forms of transportation. Environmental and social changes have led to changes in both physical patterns and diet. The lack of support for actions in the health, agriculture, education and transport sectors has also added to some of the changes observed.
An increase in BMI level results in a number of communicable diseases like;
• Cardiovascular disease (stroke and heart attack).
• Cancer (kidney and colon)
• Musculoskeletal disorders (osteoarthritis)
• Diabetes
It has also been found that the risk of the diseases increases with an increase in BMI levels. Some disabilities and premature deaths have been linked to childhood obesity where children grew up to adulthood with the condition. Obese children also have breathing problems, high blood pressure and insulin resistance, increased fractures and psychological effects. Obesity, overweight and other non-communicable diseases can be prevented. A community and environment, which is supportive, are key to shaping people’s choices. People can make the best decisions in terms of eating healthier foods and exercising regularly, which will culminate in the reduction and prevention of problems related to obesity and overweight. At individual levels, you can limit your intake of fats and sugary foods and increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains. People should also participate in regular physical activities. In terms of promoting healthy diets, the food industry can also play an important role in that it can ensure;
• Processed foods have reduced levels of fat and sugar
• All consumers can buy healthy foods.
• Foods intended for children and adolescents have reduced sugars, fats and salts.
• Support of regular physical activities.