Obesity: A Rising Problem
The number of obese people globally is increasing at an alarming rate. Obesity is not just a problem occurring in prosperous nations but it has become a global health issue and Nepal is not exempt from it.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than one billion people are obese today in the world. Among them are not just adults but a significant number of adolescents and children as well. Analyzing the global trend, the obesity rates estimates are even more concerning. It is expected that 167 million more adults and children will become obese by the year 2025.
Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese. Obesity became the reason for four million deaths in a single year in 2017. This indicates the deadliness of this condition. The risk of preventable deaths from obesity increases is substantial.
Obesity negatively impacts all the vital organs and systems of the human body including: the heart, liver, kidneys, joints, and the reproductive system. It increases non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, various forms of cancer, and not to neglect mental health problems. Moreover, it was observed that people who are obese were more likely to get hospitalized in the COVID – 19 pandemic.
