World Obesity Day: Why the Shocking Increase in Obesity and How to Fight It
With the world being increasingly hit by the epidemic of obesity, World Obesity Day is celebrated on March 4th. The day serves to highlight the fact that obesity is on the rise alarmingly and poses serious health threats. Through this article, we will discuss the history, theme, and importance of World Obesity Day, as well as the role of the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits in curbing obesity.
History of World Obesity Day
World Obesity Day was initially celebrated in 2015 by the World Obesity Federation, an international body committed to addressing obesity. The day was selected to coincide with the release of the World Obesity Federation's report, "The Global Obesity Crisis," which underscored the necessity for governments, healthcare workers, and individuals to act against obesity.
Theme of World Obesity Day
Every year, World Obesity Day focuses on a particular theme. This year's theme is "Everybody Needs to Act," signifying the need for global action to combat the crisis of obesity. The theme reminds us that obesity is a public health issue that needs a concerted effort to prevent and treat.
Significance of World Obesity Day
World Obesity Day is a call to action to people, governments, and health professionals to wake up and realize the seriousness of the obesity crisis. Obesity is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. The day calls for:
Greater awareness: Informing people about causes, consequences, and prevention of obesity.
Better healthcare: Providing access to quality healthcare services for obesity prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Policy reforms: Incentivizing governments to enact policies that support healthy lifestyles, including taxation of sugary beverages and subsidies for healthy foods.
Changing Habits for a Healthier Life
While the role of governments and medical professionals is important in dealing with obesity, individuals also have the opportunity to take control of their lives by adopting some simple and effective lifestyle modifications. Some of these habits include:
Eat a healthy diet: Emphasize unprocessed whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats.
Stay hydrated: Take in sufficient amounts of water throughout the day to keep hunger under control and increase metabolism.
Exercise regularly: Do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a mix of both, weekly.
Get enough sleep: Spend 7-9 hours sleeping each night to help balance hunger hormones and facilitate weight maintenance.
Manage stress: Engage in stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
By adopting these habits and supporting initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, we can work together to combat the growing issue of obesity and create a healthier, happier world.