Obesity is not just about weight, it’s about systems, stigma and survival.
On the 4th of March, world obesity day is marked to raise awareness and advocate for practical solutions in addressing the global obesity crises.
Obesity is an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health, associated with weight related health conditions. It is a chronic disease diagnosed using the body mass index (BMI).
Classification by BMI (Adults):
For adults aged 20 and older, obesity is categorized based on weight(kg) divided by height squared(m²):
a. Obesity (General): BMI of 30 or higher.
b. Class I: BMI 30 to <35.
c. Class II: BMI 35 to <40.
d. Class III (Severe/Morbid): BMI 40 or higher
Because children are still growing, their BMI is compared against their CDC growth charts for their specific age and sex.
Obesity: BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex
Overweight: BMI between the 85th and 95th percentiles
Obesity involves multifactorial causes, it is not just about overeating.
- Genetics: some genes are linked to obesity as they can influence appetite, satiety (feeling of fullness), metabolism and how the body stores fat.
- Environment and lifestyle: modern society promotes obesity through availability of highly processed calorie dense foods. Increased screen time and desk jobs have reduced daily calorie burn.
- Psychology: stress, depression and anxiety can lead to emotional eating.
- Socioeconomic factors: food insecurity (the most highly processed foods are the cheapest) and lack of nutritional literacy.
- Underlying diseases like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Cushing’s syndrome can cause significant weight gain.
- Medication: Side effects of some drugs can cause weight gain.
WHY OBESITY IS A GLOBAL BURDEN
Obesity reduces life expectancy because of the huge strain it causes on the overall wellbeing of a person and the health care system. It is associated with health risks like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, mental health disorders. There is a rising trend in childhood obesity, low and middle income countries face a double burden (undernutrition + obesity).
PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT
- Policy changes (food regulation, urban planning)
- School-based nutrition programs
- Physical activity promotion
- Access to affordable healthy foods
- Mental health support
- Medical management (lifestyle therapy, pharmacotherapy, surgery when indicated).
CONCLUSION
This year’s World Obesity Day theme is
“8 billion reasons to act on obesity”.
Since there are more than 8 billion people around the world, there are 8 billion reasons to address obesity as a global priority. Addressing obesity requires compassion, science, and systemic change. Shame does NOT solve obesity.
Instead we all should:
Focus on the future generation to curb Childhood Obesity, shift the focus from the individual to the system and policies, provide equal treatment for all families and backgrounds, provide multisectoral solutions rather than focusing on individual willpower, educate people on healthy ways to manage their weight, reduce stigmas surrounding increased weight.
Let’s move beyond blame and toward solutions.
By: Sharon Anuye
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