Obesity has risen to be a health crisis globally, particularly for developing countries due to the significant health risks it poses and the strain it places on health care systems.
This article delves into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to combat this health crisis that affects everyone regardless of one’s age and socioeconomic background.
Obesity is defined as the excessive accumulation of body fat or someone carrying too much body weight, and this is primarily due to an imbalance of calorie intake from food consumption, and energy expenditure due to insufficient physical activity.
There are two ways to find out if one is obese. A body mass index (BMI) of more than 30kg/m2. or having a waist circumference of more than 102cm in males and 88cm in females.
BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of his/her height in meters that is weight (kg)/height² (m). According to the 2015 Fiji National Nutrition Survey Report, more than 30 per cent of adults in Fiji are obese (more females), and this is alarming as it causes a direct correlation to high blood pressure and diabetes as seen in earlier surveys.
Obesity is primarily due to an energy imbalance of intake and usage. Unhealthy dietary habits such as large portion sizes of food and snacks, increased intake of processed foods and beverages, and takeaways contribute to weight gain.
In addition, physical inactivity because of technological advancement and urbanisation doesn’t help with weight issues. A sedentary lifestyle due to technological advancement and urbanisation has led to a decrease in physical activities and lifestyle.
Furthermore, certain metabolism disorders, genetic factors, and societal influences also play a role in the development of obesity. Obesity carries substantial health risks, and it has profound consequences on individuals and societies.
Studies have shown that obese people have a higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, certain types of cancer, and muscular-skeletal disorders.
These health conditions can significantly affect one’s quality of life and eventually lead to premature death. Fiji has indicated more than 80 per cent of annual deaths in 2018 due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
This places a heavy burden on our local economy as it increases the cost of health care to the people (taxpayers) as more admissions in hospitals are seen resulting in a loss of economic productivity.
To combat the obesity epidemic, a multifaceted approach is required. Education plays a critical role in promoting healthy lifestyles by raising awareness of having a balanced diet and the importance of regular physical activity.
It is ideal that information provided to individuals and families is easily accessible and it is evident to foster healthier behavioural changes.
At the societal level, collaboration by the relevant authorities, especially government agencies is necessary to create a society that supports healthy choices.
This may include implementing and or enforcing breastfeeding policies, school canteen policies, regulations on food labelling, restricting unhealthy food(s) to children, and enhancing food security (availability and affordability of nutritious foods).
Policies and regulations as such will contribute to the development of healthy children and consequently, healthy adults needing fewer medical interventions eventually contributing to a less burden on the nation.
To guarantee the positive impact and future of any intervention, we must include our children today. The best way to do this is to incorporate nutrition education in school curriculums, and physical activity programs and provide healthier options that lead to instilling healthier lifelong habits.
Empowering parents or guardians with knowledge equally fosters a healthy environment at home. Furthermore, creating opportunities for physical education in communities is vital.
Building safe and accessible recreational spaces, promoting healthy transport systems and supportive workplace programs encourage individuals to be physically active.
Such initiative is witnessed with the Wednesday wellness program promoted by the civil service in Fiji, but there is a need to do more. In conclusion, obesity is a complex issue that needs multifaceted and comprehensive action. Education, policy changes, and environmental modifications are important in combating the obesity epidemic.
By promoting healthier lifestyles and prevention of obesity coupled with a supportive environment, we can all work together towards a decline in obesity rates eventually resulting in a decrease in the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases giving our population a better quality of life and fewer premature deaths.
Due to the high rates of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in Fiji, it is recommended by the WHO that any individual above the age of 30 should get an annual screening of blood pressure and glucose.
Added annual blood tests of kidney, liver, cholesterol (lipid), and full blood count would be an advantage in identifying and managing the implications early.
• DR AME NASOKIA is a general practitioner at Oceania Hospitals Pte Ltd. The views expressed in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper.
