World Obesity Day, which is commemorated annually on 4 March, is approaching. In the Czech Republic, approximately 25 % adults are obese, making us one of the worst countries in the European Union. Projections suggest that by 2030, up to 35 % of the adult population in the Czech Republic could be obese. It is therefore absolutely indisputable that obesity is a growing health problem.
"Obesity is by no means just an aesthetic problem, but increases the risk of many diseases of civilisation, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, infertility, some cancers and many others. It significantly reduces the quality and length of life, not least because of the mental health consequences it brings," explains MUDr. Kateřina Šédová, founder of the non-profit organization Loono. "Obesity is a major health and economic problem for society as a whole. Unfortunately, it is a serious disease that is virtually impossible to cure without professional help," He adds.
The underlying cause of obesity is an imbalance between the calories a person takes in and the calories they burn. The main factors therefore include unhealthy diet a lack of exercise. In recent decades, there has been an increase in the consumption of energy-dense foods that are high in fat and free sugars. This has been accompanied by a reduction in physical activity. People spend long hours sitting at work in front of the computer and at home in front of the television, with little time for sport, walking or other exercise.
Other risk factors include genetic makeup, some diseasessuch as reduced thyroid function or Cushing's syndrome, and psychological factorssuch as excessive stress. Stresses, such as stresses, such as social and economic causessuch as the easy availability of unhealthy foods and the high price of good quality ones, and the lack of education about healthy lifestyles. Lack of sleep then increases levels of the hormone ghrelin, which promotes hunger, and decreases leptin, the satiety hormone.
The key role of prevention
However, many causes can be avoided through prevention. This includes following a healthy lifestyle. The key is balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, protein and healthy fats and regular exercise, and ideally at least 30 minutes 5 times a week. It also helps getting enough sleep, reducing addictive substances and stress.
Unfortunately, addressing social and economic factors requires rather system solutions. Obesity is a challenge we face not only as individuals but also as a society. The capacity of obesity specialists is insufficient, which means that there is not enough care even for motivated patients. The public usually has low health literacy about the fact that obesity is a disease and requires professional help. They are often unaware of its risk factors or the complications associated with obesity. In addition, the topic of obesity tends to be burdened by a number of taboos and stigmas.
The systemic changes also include adjustments to the health system, legislation, education, the food industry and the environment around us. It is important to make healthy lifestyles accessible to all, to children and adults, to people from different socio-economic classes.
Obesity is on the rise in children
The most disturbing thing is an increase in obese children. Obesity in them has serious consequences for their health and their overall development. In recent decades, the number of children suffering from obesity has been increasing rapidly, which is reflected not only in the Czech Republic but also globally. Obesity can also affect their mental health, they are more likely to be bullied, have low self-esteem and a higher risk of depression.
Prevention is also key to tackling childhood obesity. It is important to act as early as possible and ensure that children have healthy habits. Parents and schools should encourage a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and protein. Children should have daily opportunities to move. And not only at school, but also at home and in their leisure time. It is important to teach healthy living habits from an early age.
"Parents play a key role in motivating children to exercise and eat healthily. They should be the role models for children when it comes to a healthy lifestyle," says Kateřina Šédová. "If not managed early, obesity can lead to lifelong health problems. Preventing obesity should therefore be a priority, as healthy habits formed in childhood can have a positive impact throughout a child's life," appeals.
The project aims to combat childhood obesity in the Czech Republic BE FIT 24which aims to help overweight children aged 6 to 11 years to achieve a healthier lifestyle and reduce their BMI by 5 % within one year.
World Obesity Day
World Obesity Day is a global initiative to raise awareness about obesity, prevention and promote healthy lifestyles. It falls annually on 4 March. The aim is to raise awareness of the health, social and economic impacts of obesity, combat stigma and put pressure on politicians to push for systemic changes, such as better access to healthy food and promoting exercise.
"Obesity is not a shame, it is a disease. So address it early, don't be afraid to talk about it and consult a specialist. Indeed, obesity can be a lifelong problem," adds Šédová.
For more information on healthy lifestyles and diseases for which obesity increases the risk, see Loono website and in the mobile app Prevention, which is completely free to download for iOS and Android.
Loono/ gnews.cz - RoZ
ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO - Pixabay
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