An obesity epidemic is taking over the world
Even though obesity epidemic has already been accepted as a public health problem, this situation continues growing in the U.S., and obesity rates increase every day worldwide.
The latest numbers say that approximately 34% of American adults and 15–20% of children and adolescents are obese.
This obesity epidemic affects all segments of the U.S. population, increasing the risk of many chronic diseases in children and adults. Substantial public health efforts are being directed toward addressing obesity, but there is not yet clear evidence of success.
Because of the complexity of obesity, it is likely to be one of the most challenging public health issues our society has faced over the years.
Key facts (according to the World Health Organization)
- Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975.
- In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight. Over 650 million of these were obese.
- Most of the world’s population live in countries where overweight and obesity kills more people than underweight.
- 41 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese in 2016.
- Over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight or obese in 2016.
- Obesity is preventable and curable.
Obesity epidemic in the United States
The U.S. Surgeon General has declared that obesity epidemic proportions in the United States are shocking already. Approximately:
- 35% of women and 31 percent of men are considered seriously overweight.
- 15% of children between the ages of six and 19 are overweight.
Public health officials warn that the results of physical inactivity and poor diet are catching up to tobacco as a significant threat to health.
Effects of obesity epidemic in your health
Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that have a negative effect on many systems in your body. If you are suffering overweight or some level of obesity, you have a much greater risk of developing serious conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Bone and joint disease
- Some types of cancer
What causes obesity?
Simply put, obesity is a medical condition that comes about due to the consumption of high calorie meals over a considerable duration of time.
Becoming obese is up to quite a several factors. Some of these factors may include genetics, behavior and the environment as well. Also, there are some illnesses that are closely associated with obesity.
Keep a good calorie balance
In ten years, an average person eats about 10 million calories but their weight typically only changes by about 5kg up or down. So, in most cases, our weight remains stable over time.
This is because our bodies control our calorie balance very precisely; much like a thermostat keeps the temperature of a room steady. Our genes and our environment both affect the setting of this ‘weight thermostat’ and can cause a calorie imbalance.
For example, our genes can affect the amounts and types of food that we prefer to eat. And our environment affects the amounts and types of food that are available to eat. So most of the time, our body weight is controlled by instinctive drives.
This is why it is absurd to say that obesity is simply due to a lack of willpower.
This is an incorrect assumption and a simple way of looking at a very complex medical condition. It can make people feel guilty or stigmatized and can affect their daily life.
Stay away from the obesity epidemic with bariatric surgery
If you feel that your weight is affecting your life, it may be time to reach out and speak to our weight loss surgeon. Whether it be your energy levels, mental health, relationships or is having an impact on your health.
The sooner you take the first step in your weight loss journey, the less chance you have of adverse effects developing as a result of obesity.
At our Bariatric Center, we consider bariatric surgery a tool to help patients live healthier and fuller lives. Our multidisciplinary approach includes the team of surgeons, internal medicine specialists, nutritionists, and clinical coordinators.
Check all the information about the different types of bariatric surgery and contact us as soon as possible to schedule your first appointment.
