According to WHO reports, in 2019, it was estimated that 38.2 million children under the age of 5 years were overweight or obese.
This was once considered a problem of developed countries. However, overweight and obesity are now on the increase in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in cities. In Africa, the number of overweight children under 5 has increased by nearly 24% percent since 2000. Almost half of the children under 5 who were overweight or obese in 2019 lived in Asia.
Evidence suggest that childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. Children living with obesity experience difficulties in breathing, are more likely to develop hypertension in adulthood, more prone to fractures, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects.
Similarly, for adults, the risk for noncommunicable diseases increases, with increases in BMI. Simply put, a raised BMI will predispose you to major risk factors for non-communicable diseases. For example, diabetes, some cancers (including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon). Others include Musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis – a highly incapacitating degenerative disease of the joints) due to excess weight bearing on the joints. Cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke), which is one of the leading causes of death till date.
Reducing Overweight and Obesity
Interestingly, adopting a healthy lifestyle, making healthy lifestyle choices and behaviour changes are ways of tackling overwieght and obesity. Individuals who are overweight and living with obesity can prevent further health complications by limiting their energy intake from sugars and fatty meals. They are encouraged to engage in regular physical activity and increase dietary intake of fruits and vegetables.