What Is Obesity?
"Obesity occurs not because it runs in the family but because no one runs in the family". This statement signifies why obesity has become a global epidemic in the 21st century. It is estimated that globally more than 1.9 billion adults (18 years of age and older) are overweight, among whom 650 million were obese. Over 340 million children and adolescents (5 to 19 years) are obese or overweight. A new study done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on the prevalence rate of obesity found that 13% of the Indian Population suffers from obesity.
Obesity is a lifestyle disorder. The staggering incidence of obesity is majorly because of urbanisation, frequent consumption of junk food, more time being spent on watching TV, computer and smart phones, consuming foods that are high in carbs and fats and low on other essential nutrients, increased use of cars, increased use of buses and other automobiles. Obese people are at higher risk of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack.