According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity and overweight are defined as abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that is harmful to health. A body mass index (BMI) of more than 25 is considered overweight, and being over 30 is a sign of obesity. According to the Global Burden of Disease, more than 4 million people died in 2017 due to being overweight or obese. Today this problem has increased to epidemic proportions.

The problem of obesity and overweight in children and adults is increasing rapidly all over the world. Overweight or obese children and adolescents 5–19 years of age, with obesity increased from 4% to 18% globally.

Dangers of obesity

Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. Being overweight can also lead to diabetes and associated conditions, including blindness, limb amputation, and the need for dialysis. Worldwide diabetes rates have quadrupled since 1980. Being overweight can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoarthritis. Obesity can also become the cause of cancer.

Cause of obesity

There are many ways to avoid obesity. The root cause of obesity is an imbalance of calorie consumption and calories. As the global diet has changed in recent decades, there has been an increase in the consumption of fatty and sugary, high-energy foods. Apart from this, in the midst of increasing modernity, the sedentary lifestyle of people is the main reason for obesity.

Ways to prevent obesity

If you want to lose weight, you have to reduce calories. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts, and reduce your intake of foods high in fat and sugar, such as fast food. In infants, studies have shown that exclusive breastfeeding from birth to 6 months of age reduces the risk of infants being overweight or obese.