Why Are So Many People Gaining Weight? The Rise of Obesity Explained

Hey there! Have you noticed that more and more people around the world are becoming overweight or even obese? Let’s dive into why this is happening and what we can do about it! 🧐

What is Obesity?

Obesity means having too much body fat. Doctors often use something called Body Mass Index (or BMI) to figure out if someone’s weight is healthy. You can calculate it by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. For example, if you weigh 50 kg and are 1.5 meters tall, your BMI would be:

BMI = 50 ÷ (1.5 × 1.5) = 22.2

A BMI over 24 is considered overweight, and over 28 is considered obese in some countries.

Why is Obesity Increasing?

There are several reasons why more people are gaining weight:

• Unhealthy Eating Habits: Eating too many high-calorie foods like fast food, sugary snacks, and drinks.
• Lack of Exercise: Spending lots of time sitting, playing video games, or watching TV instead of being active.
• Stress and Sleep: Not getting enough sleep and feeling stressed can make people eat more.
• Family Factors: If family members are overweight, it might run in the family.
• Medications and Health Issues: Some medicines or illnesses can cause weight gain.

Why Does It Matter?

Obesity can lead to health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers. Experts warn that by 2035, obesity could cost the world $4 trillion each year! 😮

What Are Countries Doing?

Many countries are taking steps to help people stay healthy:

• Promoting Healthy Eating: Encouraging people to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• More Physical Activity: Building parks, sports centers, and promoting exercise in schools.
• Education: Teaching kids and adults about nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
• Medical Help: Offering clinics and guidelines for doctors to help patients with weight issues.

How Can You Stay Healthy?

Here are some tips to keep a healthy weight:

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies 🥦🍎
• Be active every day – play sports, ride a bike, or just take a walk 🚴‍♀️
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks 🍬🥤
• Get enough sleep – aim for 8-10 hours a night 😴
• Talk to a trusted adult or doctor if you’re worried about your weight 👨‍⚕️

Remember, being healthy isn’t just about how you look – it’s about feeling good inside and out! Let’s all do our part to live healthier lives! 💪

Reference(s):

Why are more and more people facing the problem of obesity?

cgtn.com