World Obesity Day: 39.3 % Women Are Obese & Overweight In Odisha’s Khurda, Say NFHS 5 Figures

New Delhi: World Obesity Day has returned today with the theme ‘Changing Perspectives: Let’s Talk About Obesity.’ It is observed on March 4 every year to promote practical solutions and help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight while undertaking proper treatment.

Obesity is a global problem that affects everyone. Around the world, approximately 800 million people are living with the disease while millions are at risk to get affected. World Obesity Day highlights one of the biggest health crises faced by about 1 billion people across the planet, today. That number is expected to climb to 1.9 billion people, by 2035. Obesity in children is expected to jump by 100 per cent between 2020 and 2035. One in every four people may be obese by 2035.

In India, compared with the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), the prevalence of overweight or obesity has increased in most States/UTs in NFHS-5. At the national level, it increased from 21% to 24% among women and 19% to 23% among men. More than a third of women in Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim, Manipur, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Punjab, Chandigarh and Lakshadweep (34-46 %) are overweight or obese.

Odisha is reeling under the double burden of malnutrition ( it is defined as the coexistence of undernutrition and overweight/obesity in the same community or even the same household) – 23% women and 22% of men are obese and overweight. It increased in the last five years (NFHS 4 and NFHS 5). This is along with one-third of children (31% being stunted, one-fifth (18%) of children being wasted and almost 65% of children being anaemic), according to a paper on ‘Tribal Nutrition To Supercharge Demographic Dividend.’

The rise of obesity and overweight among the tribals is surprising – 8% women are obese and overweight in Odisha (NFHS
5, 2019-21. It was 5%  during NFHS 4, 2015-16. In Khurda district where Bhubaneswar lives, 39.3 % of women are obese and overweight.

Obesity is caused by an imbalance between the number of calories consumed and the amount of energy burned through physical activity. While there are many factors that contribute to obesity, lifestyle choices play a significant role. Dr Rajat Goel, Senior Consultant, Minimal Access, Metabolic, Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgery, Artemis Lite, New Delhi told News 18 that some lifestyle mistakes can put you at risk of obesity.

• Too much junk food: Junk food is high in calories, fat, and sugar, and low in nutrients. Eating too much junk food can cause you to consume more calories than you need, leading to weight gain and obesity.
• Alcohol: Alcohol contains many calories, which might lead to weight gain. Regular alcohol consumption can also lead to unhealthy eating habits, as people often eat high-calorie foods while drinking.
• Skipping breakfast: In addition to lowering energy levels and slowing the metabolism, skipping breakfast might cause overeating later in the day. Eating a healthy breakfast can help control your appetite and prevent weight gain.
• Eating a heavy meal at night: Eating a large meal late at night can lead to weight gain, as your body has less time to burn off the calories before you go to bed. It can also disrupt your sleep, leading to further weight gain.
• Not doing any activity: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for obesity. Exercise helps burn calories and build muscle, which can increase your metabolism and help you maintain a healthy weight.
• Not sleeping 6 to 7 hours during the night: Lack of sleep can disrupt your hormones, leading to increased appetite and weight gain. Getting enough sleep can help regulate your appetite and promote healthy weight management.
• Not taking enough protein in the diet: Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build muscle and promote satiety. Not getting enough protein in your diet can lead to overeating and weight gain
• Using food as a soothing/comfort/stress buster: Emotional eating is a common problem that can lead to weight gain and obesity. Using food as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotions can lead to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain.