Individual problems such as addictions, illnesses, and mental depression stalk us throughout our lives, but there is more to addictions, illnesses and mental depression than meets the eye.
An issue which is increasingly being defined as a social problem, both nationally and globally, is obesity.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently announced that there are at least 41 million children under five who are obese or overweight across the world, and that the numbers are increasing, especially in developing countries.
The Social Issue Conundrum
An individual’s obesity can be wrongly viewed as their own personal trouble but when viewed at a broader spectrum, it is noted that there is a variety of social issues involved which transforms it from a personal trouble to a social phenomenon.
Obesity and Health Conditions
Obesity causes or is closely linked with a large number of health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea, gallstones, kidney stones, infertility, and as many as 11 types of cancers, including leukemia, breast cancer, and colon cancer.
No less real are the social and emotional effects of obesity, including discrimination, lower wages, lower quality of life and a likely susceptibility to depression.
Hang on! Obesity is Preventable
But there is a lot more than these facts – obesity is preventable. Many of the obesity prevention tips are the same for losing or maintaining a healthy weight.
The most important thing is to eat a healthy diet and getting more physical activity, not only to prevent obesity but to live a healthy and long life. You should eat fruits and vegetables daily and the daily recommended intake is five to nine servings per day for adults. Filling your plate with veggies and fruit can help keep calories reasonable and reduce the risk of overeating.
Avoid Processed Foods
Consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods is linked to a higher risk of obesity. Many processed foods are high in fat, salt, and sugar, which can encourage overeating.The glycemic index (GI) is a scale used to measure how quickly a food item will raise your blood sugar. Focusing on low-GI foods can help keep blood sugar levels steadier. Keeping your blood glucose levels steady can help with weight management.
Surround yourself with Positivity
If you are suffering from obesity and you need support, you should get surrounded by people that can help to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating regular physical activity into your schedule is important for maintaining or losing weight, among other benefits.
Take Healthy Steps in Life
A healthy weight is important in maintaining good health. Taking steps to prevent obesity in your daily life is a good first step. Even small changes, such as eating more vegetables and visiting the gym a few times a week, can help to prevent obesity.
Taken together, it’s clear that obesity is a global crisis that already touches everyone in one manner or another. And this realisation should be a call to action, because there is good news amidst the bad: Obesity is preventable. We can reverse the trends that led to the current epidemic by making changes in public policies and practices, so that healthy food and activity choices are easy choices, for all.
