Why Has Obesity Become a Global Crisis?

Obesity has ceased to be an individual problem and has become a global health crisis.

The obesity It is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by excess body fat that can negatively affect health, increasing the risk of heart disease. risk of developing serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. The body mass index (BMI) is the most common tool for classifying fatness, calculated from a person's weight and height. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has reached epidemic proportions., affecting people of all ages and socioeconomic levels.

📌Why Has Obesity Become an Epidemic?

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers obesity a epidemic of the 21st centuryThe reasons are multiple: a sedentary lifestyle, ultra-processed foods, chronic stress, and a lack of health education are some of the most common factors.

Overweight is a multifactorial disease, caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and behavioral factors.

👉 Key fact: In the world, more than 1.9 billion adults are overweight, and of them, more than 650 million are obese, according to data from the WHO.

• Genetic FactorsGenes play an important role in regulating metabolism and body fat distribution. Studies have shown that genes can influence the rate at which the body burns calories, increasing the risk of obesity in genetically predisposed individuals.
• Sedentary LifestyleThe modern lifestyle, characterized by a lack of regular physical activity and the consumption of processed foods high in fat and sugar, is one of the main factors contributing to excess weight. Lack of time for cooking and the tendency to consume fast-food and high-calorie foods exacerbate the problem.
• Psychological FactorsStress and emotional upset can trigger unhealthy eating habits. Many people turn to food as a source of comfort, which can lead to overeating and, ultimately, weight gain.

📌Symptoms of Obesity
Although some severely overweight people do not experience obvious symptoms in the early stages, several signs and symptoms may appear over time.

• Difficulty BreathingFat accumulation around the diaphragm and chest wall can make breathing difficult, especially during physical activity. This can lead to disorders such as sleep apnea.
• Joint Pain:Excess weight puts extra pressure on your joints, especially your hips, knees, and ankles, causing pain and increasing your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
• Dermatological Problems:People with obesity tend to sweat more due to fat accumulation, which can affect skin health, causing irritations and other skin conditions.

📌Classification of Obesity
The body mass index (BMI) is used to classify excess weight into different degrees:

• Grade 1 Obesity: BMI between 30.0 and 34.9 kg/m².
• Grade 2 Obesity: BMI between 35.0 and 39.9 kg/m².
• Grade 3 Obesity (Morbid Obesity): BMI greater than 40 kg/m²​.
  This classification helps health professionals determine the severity of excess weight and personalize the appropriate treatment for each patient.

📌Consequences of being overweight: Much more than an aesthetic issue

The consequences of severe overweight go beyond weight gain. Among the main associated health problems are:

• Type 2 DiabetesObesity is the most important risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic disease in which the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. People with obesity have a much higher risk of developing this disease.
• Cardiovascular DiseasesObesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Excess body fat, especially in the abdominal region, is linked to a higher risk of heart problems.
• Psychological Problems:People with obesity often face social stigma and discrimination, which can affect their emotional well-being and lead to psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety.

📌Treatment ofexcess weight
Treatment for severe overweight should be comprehensive and multidisciplinary.

• Medications: There are drugs approved to treat overweight, such as orlistat, semaglutide (Ozempic) and liraglutide, which help reduce appetite and improve metabolism.
• Bariatric SurgeryIn cases of morbid obesity or when other treatments have been ineffective, bariatric surgery may be considered. This procedure reduces the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed.
• Changes in Diet and Physical ActivityThe key to long-term obesity management lies in adopting a balanced diet and a regular exercise plan. It's recommended to consume natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and avoid ultra-processed foods.

📌Can Obesity Be Prevented? Yes!

The good news is that severe overweight is preventable In most cases, some key lifestyle changes can make a significant difference:

• Healthy Eating Habits: Promoting a nutrient-rich, low-calorie diet is essential to prevent weight gain.
• Regular Physical Exercise: Performing at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week can help maintain a healthy weight.
• Access to Community Resources: Public policies that improve access to recreational spaces and fresh food can play an important role in reducing obesity at the community level.

📌 What Can We Do As A Society?

Combating obesity requires education, prevention and effective public policiesSome key steps include:

• Include nutritional education in schools
  
• Regulate advertising of ultra-processed products aimed at children
  
• Promote awareness campaigns
  
• Facilitate access to healthy foods
  

Establish taxes on sugary drinks and junk food (as is already the case in Mexico and Chile)

💡 A Reflection That Can Change Lives

The Obesity is not just a problem of willpower, is the result of a complex interaction between biology, environment, and decisions. Changing course requires awareness, support, and commitment from the home to the authorities.

👉 At Virtual Medical Guide we believe in the prevention as a fundamental pillar. We invite you to explore more resources on chronic diseases and healthy eating.

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