Along with an adequate and balanced diet, regular physical activity is the most effective approach to achieving ideal body weight and preventing and treating obesity and its associated diseases. It's also necessary to abandon certain unhealthy habits, such as unintentional irregular meals, excessive sugary beverage consumption, and unintentional dieting.
What is obesity?
Obesity is one of the most significant health problems worldwide and in our country today. According to the World Health Organization, obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that can negatively impact an individual's health. However, viewing obesity solely as excess weight is incorrect. Obesity not only affects physical appearance but also leads to serious health problems, paving the way for many diseases, and can reduce an individual's quality of life.
Obesity causes health problems
Obesity can lead to serious health problems that negatively impact an individual's physical, psychological, and social quality of life. Examples of comorbidities associated with obesity include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer (such as breast, colon, and uterine cancer). It is also closely linked to health problems such as bone and joint diseases, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Improving the overall quality of life should also be targeted.
Social prejudices and physical limitations can also lead to social isolation and loss of independence. All of these physical and psychological consequences can negatively impact an individual's social and professional life, leading to a decrease in quality of life. It's important to remember that, according to the WHO definition, health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, but also a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Therefore, combating obesity should not only aim for weight loss but also for improving overall quality of life.
Lifestyle change is necessary
The most important aspect of combating obesity is lifestyle change. Lifestyle change encompasses a broad spectrum, encompassing both healthy eating and physical activity. Regular physical activity, along with an adequate and balanced diet, is the most effective approach to achieving ideal body weight and preventing and treating obesity and its associated diseases. Therefore, addressing nutrition and physical activity together to create an overall lifestyle change is the most effective method in combating obesity.
Bad habits should be said goodbye
Certain habits in daily life, unknowingly adopted, can lead to obesity. Irregular meals, fast food consumption, excessive sugary drinks, prolonged inactivity, overeating for psychological reasons, and, especially recently, following advice from non-nutritionists on social media, as well as unintentional diets, can all contribute to weight gain. Being aware of these behaviors, making informed choices, and considering the nutritional advice of trained dietitians are crucial for a healthy lifestyle.
Precautions need to be taken at individual and social levels.
Fighting obesity can be addressed at both individual and societal levels. Individually, it's important to adopt healthy and balanced eating habits, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy sleep schedule, and avoid stress. At the societal level, measures such as promoting healthy eating awareness, developing policies that encourage physical activity, and increasing access to healthy food options should be implemented. Obesity is not only an individual problem but also a societal one. Raising awareness of healthy lifestyles and incorporating healthy lifestyle habits into our lives will be one of the most effective steps in combating obesity.
Nutrition and Dietetics Department
Assistant Professor Ayşe Betül Demirbaş
