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Anti-Obesity Day 2024: Time to Take Action Against Obesity

By Dr. Pradeep Chowbey in Bariatric Surgery / Metabolic , Institute of Laparoscopic, Endoscopic & Bariatric Surgery , Robotic Surgery

Nov 21 , 2022 | 3 min read

Imagine a typical day in the life of a person struggling with obesity. They wake up feeling sluggish, their joints ache, and their self-esteem is at an all-time low. A simple task like tying their shoes becomes a Herculean effort. The day ahead looms large, filled with challenges and self-doubt.

Obesity is not just a cosmetic issue; it has been established as a disease by the WHO and must be treated as any other disease for management and treatment. It is a complex medical condition that has several comorbidities associated with it. It significantly increases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, joint problems, infertility issues and even some types of cancer.

The emotional toll is equally significant, often leading to low self-esteem, depression, and social isolation. As we observe Anti-Obesity Day 2024, it’s imperative to delve into the depths of this issue and explore the multifaceted strategies required to combat it.

The Culprits: Unraveling The Causes

The roots of obesity are deeply intertwined with our modern lifestyle. Sedentary jobs, excessive screen time, and the easily available presence of processed foods have conspired to create an environment that promotes weight gain. Our fast-paced lives often leave little room for healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. As a result, we’ve become increasingly susceptible to the clutches of obesity.

Beyond the physical toll, obesity takes a significant emotional and psychological toll. What is severely underestimated is the emotional and psychological toll obesity has on people struggling with this menace. There is, unfortunately, a lot of fat shaming and discrimination associated with the disease owing to the limited awareness of obesity being a disease and not a character flaw.

Breaking The Cycle: A Holistic Approach

Early intervention is the key to effectively combating obesity. A multidisciplinary and holistic approach is needed, starting from our homes. First and foremost, the simplest step is to be aware, which can be done by knowing your Body Mass Index (BMI) — a simple metric to assess whether one is healthy weight, overweight or obese. Your BMI helps you understand and intervene with the correct management approach at the correct time.

Easily accessible calorie-dense foods, lifestyles that discourage physical activity, and disruptive sleeping patterns significantly contribute to our poor weight management and control.

It's important to make mindful and conscious decisions about the three factors that drive weight management: a healthy diet, an exercise regime, and correct sleep patterns.

The Unspoken Effects Of Obesity

It's also important to address the psychological aspects of obesity. Cognitive-behavioural therapy can help individuals develop healthier eating habits and coping mechanisms for stress. By understanding the underlying psychological factors, we can empower individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

The Road To Recovery: A Journey, Not A Destination

It's important to remember that the journey to a healthier weight is not linear. There will be setbacks and challenges along the way. But with perseverance and a supportive community, it's possible to break free from the obesity trap. Early intervention is the key.

The first step is to become self-aware by calculating our own Body Mass Index, which defines whether one is overweight, obese, or morbidly obese. This further drives the intervention strategies.

Seeking professional intervention from a nutritionist and a fitness trainer if one is struggling with being overweight is the ideal approach to nip the problem in the bud; however, for people struggling with obesity and morbid obesity, bariatric and metabolic surgery is now established as the gold standard for long-term sustained weight loss and resolution of co-morbid conditions.

Let's make this Anti-Obesity Day a turning point. Let's commit to making healthier choices, supporting one another, and creating a society where everyone can thrive. If you or your loved ones are struggling with obesity-related issues, do not hesitate to seek professional help.