Introduction:According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation to the extent that may impair health. It is the leading cause of chronic diseases such as: cardiovascular and liver diseases, diabetes, some cancers and other diseases.
Obesity is no longer considered a cosmetic issue that is caused by overeating. The WHO, along with national and international medical and scientific societies, now recognize obesity as a chronic progressive disease resulting from multiple environmental and genetic factors. The disease of obesity is extremely costly not only in terms of economics, but also in terms of individual and societal health, longevity, and psychological well-being. It requires life-long treatment and control.
Facts:
- Obesity and overweight are linked to more deaths than malnutrition.
- Women claim higher rates of obesity than men.
- The fundamental cause of overweight and obesity is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended.
- Environment and society are the main factors that influence individual's healthy eating choices.
- Healthy dietary and physical activity patterns – such as walking - help to prevent obesity.
- Obesity prevention requires cooperation from all community members.
Statistics:
According to current statistics, 2.7 billion adults worldwide will suffer from overweight and obesity by 2025.
Objectives:
WHO has developed an executive plan to prevent and control chronic diseases including obesity, such as:
- Invest in treatment services to support people affected by obesity.
- Early intervention to improve the success of treatment.
- Prevention of obesity.
Prevention of obesity requires achieving the following objectives:
- Educate community to ensure popular support for creating healthy environments.
- Improve local food environment to ensure easy access to affordable healthy food.
- Promote health interventions to improve individuals' dietary choices.
- Promote the health of community members throughout the life course to protect the health of current and future generations.
Official Date:
- Globally: October 11th, 2017
- Locally: Muharram 21st, 1439H.
Theme of World Obesity Day:
Act Now
Target Groups:
- Obese and overweight persons.
- Health professionals, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists and health educators.
- Education professionals, including teachers, social workers and others.
- Government bodies and health decision-makers.
- Insurance companies and charitable organizations.
- The public.
Related Links:
- WHO
- http://www.who.int
- World Obesity Day
- http://www.obesityday.worldobesity.org
- ASMBS
- https://asmbs.org