The Global Epidemic
Obesity is referred to as a chronic pathological condition
due to complex interactions between psychological, genetic
and cultural factors. It has increased during the last 30-40
years leading to major health risks including non insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia,
hyperlipidemia and gall bladder diseases. Other health risks
are:
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Respiratory problems
- Cancers of the breast and colon
The National Center for Health Statistics show a figure
of 30 % obese individuals in the age group of 20 years or
older in US. Childhood obesity equally contributes to the
growing epidemic.
Non pharmacological treatments (nutritional education, psychological
support or dietary restrictions) and moralizing exhortations
lead to limited weight loss. The supplementation by weight
loss drugs is attaining immense popularity among patients
who resort to obesity
treatments.
Obesity facts
- Obesity may soon overtake smoking as the world's biggest
health problem
- Obesity levels have tripled in the past 20 years
- It can shave an average of 9 years from our lifespan
- Globally there are more than 1 billion overweight adults
- Key causes include consumption of energy dense food
high in saturated fat and reduced physical activity
