Free consultation now!
Our team offers safe surgery and personalised care. Book your free consultation and we will contact you within 24 hours.
Obesity is the Health Problem of the Modern World
Obesity is the health problem of the modern world, obesity has rapidly become a global pandemic as one of the most common health problems today. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines obesity as ‘excessive accumulation of fat in the body to the extent that it impairs health’. This health problem not only affects the quality of life of individuals, but also creates a huge burden on health systems and economies. In this article, we will discuss the causes of obesity, its global dimensions and its effects on society.
What is Obesity and How Does It Occur?
Obesity occurs when the energy taken into the body is more than the energy expended. Excess energy is stored as fat in the body and causes obesity over time. However, this is not just a simple energy imbalance; hormonal, genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors also play an important role in the formation of obesity.
According to WHO, obesity is recognised not only as an individual problem but also as a global public health crisis.
Reasons for the Increase in Obesity Rates
According to the 2023 World Obesity Atlas Report, the reasons for the global increase in obesity can be listed as follows:
1. Consumption of Processed Foods:
Modern lifestyle has increased the consumption of processed foods with high calories and low nutritional value.
2. Sedentary Lifestyle:
The introduction of technology into every aspect of our lives has led to a decrease in physical activity.
3. Lack of Policy and Control:
Inadequate food supply and marketing policies make unhealthy foods more easily accessible.
4. Problems of Access to Health Services:
Lack of adequate resources for obesity management and weight control makes it difficult to solve this problem.
According to the report, the cost of this increase on the global economy could exceed USD 4 trillion annually by 2035, which is equivalent to approximately 3 per cent of the global gross product.
Causes of Obesity
Obesity is caused by a combination of many factors. Here are the main factors leading to obesity:
- Age and gender: Women and older individuals have a higher risk of obesity.
- Genetic Factors: Family history may increase susceptibility to obesity.
- Psychological Factors: Conditions such as stress, depression and anxiety can trigger overeating behaviour.
- Eating Habits: Frequent consumption of foods with high calories and low nutritional value.
- Inactivity: Lack of physical activity accelerates weight gain by reducing calorie burning.
- Drug Use: Antidepressants and some other drugs can cause weight gain.
- Childbirth and Breastfeeding: The number of births and insufficient breast milk intake may affect the risk of obesity.
Obesity on a Global Scale: Children and Young People of Concern
The World Obesity Federation’s Fifth World Atlas of Obesity predicts that obesity rates will increase rapidly and double among children and young people by 2035. The report states that obesity is spreading rapidly, especially in developing countries, and will create a great burden on health systems.
By 2022, more than 1 billion people worldwide will be obese, including 880 million adults and 159 million children. Majid Ezzati, a professor at Imperial College London, states that obesity rates among children are ‘very worrying’ and emphasises that obesity has become a problem of the whole world, not just rich countries.
Regional Obesity Rates: USA and Europe at the Forefront
United States of America:
The United States leads the world in obesity rates. According to 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data:
- 42.5% of adults aged 20 years and older are obese.
- 9% of these people are morbidly obese.
By 2030, the obesity rate is projected to exceed 50% in many states in the USA.
Europe:
According to the WHO European Region Obesity Report, 59 per cent of adults in Europe are overweight or obese. In children, this rate is around one third. This situation shows that European countries are also facing a serious public health problem.
Effects of Obesity on the Global Economy
Obesity is not only an individual health problem; it also imposes huge costs on the global economy. By 2035, the cost of obesity is expected to exceed $4 trillion. This not only increases health expenditures, but also leads to loss of labour force and productivity losses.
Conclusion
Obesity is one of the biggest health crises facing the modern world. Individuals, communities and governments need to work together to prevent and control this global pandemic. Promoting healthy eating habits, increasing physical activity and controlling environmental factors that lead to obesity are the first steps to be taken in this fight.
If you cannot fight obesity on your own and need a health institution, you can contact us and lead a healthier life with the most suitable obesity surgery for you. You can contact us for more information.
