World Obesity Day 2024: Obesity is key for reducing chronic disease risk in kids, adults, say experts

Obesity a known precursor for many conditions like diabetes hypertension mental health and cancers must be efficiently controlled to curb these noncommunicable diseases said experts ahead of World Obesity DayWorld Obesity Day is observed every year on March 4 to raise awareness about the condition and its implicationsA recent global analysis published by The Lancet showed that every eighth person or more than 1 billion people worldwide are living with obesity While 43 per cent of adults were overweight in 2022 the numbers more than doubled worldwide in the last three decades Among children and adolescents 5 to 19 years of age the condition has increased four timesThe numbers are even more staggering in India where noncommunicable diseases are already skyhighIn India a whopping 125 million children 73 million boys and 52 million girls aged between five and 19 were grossly overweight in 2022 Among adults the numbers rose from 24 million women and 11 million men in 1990 to 44 million women and 26 million men aged above 20 in 2022 the global report showedldquoObesity has detrimental effects on health raising the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease Its emergence is attributed to various factors including environment lifestyle and culturerdquo Dr Gaurav Bansal Senior Consultant General Laparoscopic Laser and Bariatric Surgery Marengo Asia Hospital Gurugram told IANSldquoChildhood obesity particularly in those under 10 years old poses significant implications for both immediate health and longterm wellbeing The rise in obesity among children is linked to various factors including sedentary lifestyles unhealthy eating habits and limited access to nutritious foods The consequences extend beyond physical health impacting psychological and social aspects as wellrdquo added Dr Vivek Bindal Director amp Head Max Institute of Minimal Access Bariatric amp Robotic Surgery Max Hospital VaishaliDr Vivek explained to IANS that besides developing conditions like type 2 diabetes cardiovascular issues and joint problems obese kids may also face challenges such as low selfesteem depression and anxiety due to societal pressures and potential bullying Socially obesity can contribute to social isolation and hinder the development of healthy peer relationshipsTo curb obesity in kids Dr Gaurav said it is important to emphasise family dinners restrict sugarfilled drinks and fast food and manage portion sizes Limiting screen time and promoting an hour of daily activity are vital when it comes to physical activityFurther Dr S K Wagnoo Senior Consultant Endocrinologist Apollo Indraprastha Hospital New Delhi stated that addressing obesity is crucial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases including diabetes stroke and heart disease conditions that are rising significantly in the countryHe explained that obesity increases the risk of diabetes primarily through the development of insulin resistance and the secretion of inflammatory molecules by adipose fat tissue and dysregulation of fat metabolismldquoIn the long term obesity can also lead to pancreatic stress and damage which then affects the organs ability to produce sufficient insulin This decline contributes to the progression of Type2 diabetes in obese individualsrdquo he saidHigh blood pressure hypertension unfavourable lipid profile or dyslipidemia are the various mechanisms by which obesity poses risks for the heart said the health expertThe experts called for regular health checkups and early intervention to identify and address the potential health issues promptly They also called for community engagement and awareness campaigns to help break down societal stigmas associated with obesity fostering a supportive environment for affected children and adultsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever