Obesity is associated with various health issues, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, high cholesterol, cancer, and arthritis. In 2022, a concerning 40% of Pakistani children were overweight or obese, primarily due to sedentary habits, excessive screen time, and an unhealthy diet.
Health experts attribute the rising rates to the consumption of sugary beverages and junk food, coupled with inactive lifestyles, leading to medical complications globally, particularly in women and children.
Reports from 2021 highlighted a surge in obesity cases in Oman, where over half the population was overweight or obese, with 30% having a BMI exceeding 30. By 2023, India will have faced increasing obesity due to changing food habits and lifestyles, prompting the need for regulations to address risk factors.
Early-risk factors like obesity and cholesterol irregularities in India rose by 50% and 18%, respectively, between 2019 and 2022.
Addressing the obesity epidemic requires a comprehensive approach beyond the health sector. Coordinated efforts, multi-sector dialogues, and unwavering commitment are crucial to reducing the burden of obesity and preventing associated diseases.
Population-based changes in socio-environmental factors, including marketing restrictions, dietary guidelines, and policies targeting environments like schools and workplaces, are vital interventions to curb the drastic spread of obesity.
