Obesity is one of the most stigmatized diseases today. The World Health Organization defines it as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that can be harmful to health, and the focus is usually on physical appearance. However, many other complications hide behind this condition, since it is a chronic disease that affects biological, psychological and social aspects of the lives of people who have it. In 2016, it was estimated that more than 650 million adults were living with obesity, representing 13% of the world’s population.
Dr. Anni de Hollanda, endocrinologist at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, explains how stigma affects people with this disease: “It can take an average of six years for the patient to consult about obesity. “He believes it is his responsibility and his fault.” A patient’s failure to see a doctor can seriously affect their long-term health. This condition is associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, an increase in mortality and a decrease in quality of life.
It can take an average of six years for the patient to consult about obesity. He thinks it’s his responsibility and his fault.
The main and most visible symptom of obesity is weight gain, which in turn triggers other problems. These include sleep apnea, back and joint pain, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, skin fold infections, fatigue, and feeling short of breath. Signs such as skin disorders, stretch marks, edema and varicose veins may also appear. However, the chronic complications of obesity are numerous and can be serious.
Some of the diseases associated with obesity are type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, dementia, urinary incontinence, chronic kidney failure, erectile dysfunction and various types of cancer. On the other hand, at a psychiatric level, obesity is associated with depressive, anxiety and eating behavior disorders. Although there is a belief that obesity is only related to diet, Dr. Violeta Moizé, dietitian-nutritionist at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, clarifies that this is not the case: “Many people eat poorly, and not all of us develop obesity.”
There are many more factors that explain why a person can develop obesity. Although unhealthy eating and a sedentary lifestyle are determining factors, there are also aspects that cannot be controlled, such as sociocultural factors (lower educational level and lower income level), genetic factors (it can be hereditary), race (it has a high degree of incidence in people of African descent and Hispanic origin) or the use of certain medications. On the other hand, women are more likely to develop obesity due to pregnancy or menopause, and with age, hormonal changes and a less active lifestyle also contribute to its appearance.
The main treatment for obesity is a healthy diet and regular physical exercise, but this does not mean going hungry. In fact, “miracle diets,” which promise rapid weight loss with little effort, carry multiple health risks. The main problem is that nutritional deficiencies increase, which can cause alterations in taste and appetite, hair loss, weak nails, osteoporosis or blood clotting disorders. In addition, these diets favor the rebound effect when previous habits are resumed. “The idea would be to choose changes that can be maintained throughout life,” recommends Dr. Moizé.
The idea would be to choose changes that can be maintained for a lifetime.
Some tips and changes in daily life that can make a big difference are planning the weekly menu and cooking at home, preferably steamed, grilled or baked, instead of resorting to processed and pre-cooked foods. It is also useful to establish a regular meal schedule and avoid distractions such as television or cell phones. It is important to limit the number of hours spent in front of screens, avoid toxic habits such as tobacco or alcohol, and limit caffeine consumption. Finally, good quality sleep is essential, so it is recommended to maintain a routine for going to bed and waking up, choosing light dinners and practicing regular physical activity.
The increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity worries experts, since it has doubled in the last 30 years. For this reason, it is urgent to develop programs to prevent obesity, especially in schools, where nutrition education can generate long-term behavioral changes. Family support is also essential to reduce obesity in children and adolescents. As Dr. Alba Andreu, nutritionist at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, points out, “the prevalence of obesity in developed countries is a public health problem.” To confront it, it is important to warn of its consequences without falling into stigma towards the affected people.
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