In 2022, one in every eight people around the world was living with obesity? Obesity has become a growing global health concern, with adult rates more than doubling since 1990 and adolescent rates quadrupling over the same period.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a staggering 2.5 billion adults aged 18 and over were overweight in 2022. Out of this number, 890 million were classified as obese. Overall, 43 per cent of adults fell into the overweight category, while 16 per cent were living with obesity.
The issue is not limited to adults. In 2024, 35 million children under the age of five were overweight. Furthermore, in 2022, over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 were overweight, including 160 million living with obesity.
Obesity is not just a lifestyle issue—it’s a chronic health condition that typically worsens over time. Addressing it requires awareness, preventive strategies, and long-term commitment to healthier living.
Obesity is defined as having excess body fat (adipose tissue) that can impair health, according to Healthline. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies obesity in adults as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It is linked to an increased risk of serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Effectively dealing with obesity may require lifestyle changes that help you cut down on the causes of obesity. Due to a dramatic increase in obesity and obesity-related diseases, communities, states, and the federal government are emphasizing healthier food choices and activities to help prevent obesity and treat people who are overweight and obese.
Eating healthy: The many benefits of eating healthy include: It may help you live longer, keep skin, teeth, and eyes healthy, support muscles, boost immunity, strengthen bones, lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, support healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding, help the digestive system function, and help achieve and maintain a healthy weight(CDC).
Regular exercise helps keep the heart healthy, which implies that it can deal with one of the effects of obesity. It has been shown to improve your mood and decrease feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. A 2019 review found that exercise is enough to improve your mood. Exercise increases brain sensitivity to serotonin and norepinephrine. These hormones relieve feelings of depression. It may also increase the production of endorphins, which help produce positive feelings and reduce the perception of pain(Healthline). Walking, biking, running, swimming, and any form of exercise has a way of helping you cut down excessive weight and transform it into muscle.
Seeking medical help: In some cases, it can involve surgery. In this case, visiting your doctor can help you find the best option. There are several weight loss surgeries, and knowing which works best for you is key.
Gastric bypass surgery: A surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach that connects directly to your small intestine. Food and liquids go through the pouch and into the intestine, bypassing most of the stomach. It’s also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB): LAGB separates your stomach into two pouches using a band.
Gastric sleeve surgery: This removes part of your stomach.
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: This procedure removes most of your stomach(Healthline)
Obesity is not just a cosmetic concern, it is a complex, chronic health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to serious health risks like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. However, while the statistics may seem overwhelming, the solution is not beyond reach. Effectively dealing with obesity requires a combination of informed choices, consistent lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medical intervention. Adopting a balanced diet, staying physically active, and prioritizing mental well-being are foundational steps toward achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. For those struggling with severe obesity, seeking medical guidance ensures a personalized approach, which may include counseling, medication, or surgical options like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
Above all, it is essential to recognize that obesity is a medical condition, not a failure of willpower. Cultivating a supportive environment through community initiatives, healthcare access, or personal relationships can empower individuals to make healthier choices without fear of judgment. Ultimately, overcoming obesity is not just about losing weight but about gaining a healthier, happier life.