Obesity as a civilization disease - part two

Civilization diseases are a consequence of the way of life that developed countries experience. Some time ago we approached cardiovascular diseases, today I will talk about obesity. Other major players within the scope of civilization diseases are oncological and psychological diseases, which we will get to next time.

Previously, people walked, worked hard physically and ate natural foods from fields and gardens, today we sit at computers, order fast food full of sugar, fat and salt, and we have replaced movement with a car or an elevator. The causes are simple: excessive calorie intake from industrial foods (sweets, fried chips, sweetened drinks), lack of exercise, stress that drives us to emotional eating, and even changes in the gut microbiome caused by a modern diet.

Obesity is not just an aesthetic problem – it opens the door to other diseases. It increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes (where the body processes sugar poorly), joint problems and even some cancers. So, the diseases of civilization are not just one, they work together nicely hand in hand and ruin our lives. Fat in obesity is not only the “unsightly fat” on the stomach that destroys the grace of the silhouette in tight jeans, but also internal, visceral fat. It has its place in the body and a very important role – it protects the organs, is metabolically active for the release of vitamins and hormones, is a storehouse of energy for the body and also acts as an insulator. An absolutely important and ideal partner if it is in the ideal amount.

Fat is deposited around the organs - it makes it difficult for them to find their natural space - there is less space inside the body, so it is much harder for us to breathe - the blood vessels are full of fatty plaques and consequently the tissues are less nourished - if a blood vessel becomes blocked, for example, a stroke or heart attack occurs - additional fat stored under the skin limits a person's movement, joints and back hurt - as a result, they move less and if they do not adjust their diet and overall approach to lifestyle, the consequences can be fatal.

According to studies, more than 39% of the world's adult population is overweight or obese, which is associated with cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Obesity increases the risk of hypertension by up to 6 times and diabetes by 7 times compared to a body with a normal weight. In Europe, it is the main factor of disability and death.

Type 2 diabetes, a chronic disorder of sugar metabolism caused by insulin resistance, has tripled in 25 years – from 30 million cases in 1985, we have almost ten times the number today. Up to 90% of patients with this type are obese, which shows a direct connection

Finally, one more number, where estimates range up to a third of the population suffering from obesity and related diseases. That is why prevention is key. Key and simple. Just go back to the basics: eat more vegetables, fruit and whole grains instead of fast food, move daily (at least 30 minutes of walking), try to avoid long-term stress, reduce the amount of salt you eat, get regular quality sleep...

You just have to want it and start. Obesity is not fate, it is a choice.

WT.24, Petra