Did you know that the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that obesity may soon replace traditional public health concerns such as undernutrition and infectious diseases as the most significant cause of poor health? In Canada alone, the rates of obesity in children has increased from 11% in the 1980s to over 30% in the 1990s. Factors contributing to this are mainly diet and the decrease in physical activities. Thanks to the technology era which brought about video games, climbing trees and having a run in the park are some activities that some kids are not experiencing anymore. Plus, the modern diet which constitute mostly of saturated fats, such as in junk foods and french fries.
A crude measure of obesity is by the body mass index (BMI) which is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of his/her height in meters. A BMI of 30 or more is generally considered obese. While a BMI of 25 (and above) is already considered as overweight.
Presently, I can see campaigns promoting healthy diet (look for unsaturated fat in the label) and exercise/working out. However, I think that these campaigns are not aggressive enough to instill these healthy lifestyle on every sector of the community. Most who have became more aware and have started become conscious are those coming from the A-B crowd, and those who need to look good for their professions. And I hate to say these, but I personally know a lot of people who think that being fat is cute and healthy.
Fact: obesity has a serious impact on health. Diseases associated with obesity are type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and some cancers. Therefore, it reduces life expectancy. Not to mention the psychological impact it has on the person (self-consciousness, inferiority).
Just earlier today, I saw a teen-age boy who is overly obese, to the point where his gait is no longer balanced and his body structure is assymetrical/deformed. I was discretely observing the people around and could see almost everyone follow him with stares, and the poor boy knew this too as he shyly looked back to see who were staring at him. It was a very sad sight! I feel for the boy and I really hope that his family will help him overcome obesity. Take note, I wish for this not only because I want that kid to look good physically, but mostly because what I saw in him was a walking time bomb where various diseases could possibly manifest any moment, AND also to lift up his trampled self-esteem. Adolescence is no easy stage, and going through that is an added burden.
The good news: obesity is preventable.There are only 2 keys to solve this: diet and physical activity. This doesn't even mean that you have to cut down on what you eat, you simply have to watch what you eat. Less saturated fat, less calories, more fruits and vegetable, more whole grains, less sugar. You can even indulge once in a while just make sure that you burn it up too. Alternate cardio exercises with strength training every other day, even for just about 15 minutes. You'll notice that you will feel lighter throughout the day and going about the daily chores becomes easier.
I hope anyone who reads this, could in some way, even in their own circle of influence (family, friends) do something to relay this information and instill and follow a healthy lifestyle. By doing it yourself, you become an example to those around you. There isn't even a need to preach, simply tell them what good this has done to you to inspire them to do the same. Remember, the main goal is to become healthy and avoid diseases. Looking good physically is just an added bonus.
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