Obesity, which is defined as the disease of the age; It can cause many problems such as diabetes, blood pressure, heart diseases, orthopedic diseases and cancer. While the prevalence of obesity in the world varies according to the continents, approximately one out of every three people in our country has the problem of overweight and obesity. Stating that the motivation of the patient comes first in the fight against obesity, Prof. from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism Diseases of Memorial Ataşehir Hospital. Dr. Erol Bolu gave information about the precautions to be taken against obesity before the “4 March World Obesity Day”.
The real epidemic of obesity
It is not correct to approach every overweight person as an obese patient. The most valid criterion in this regard is the body mass index. People with a body mass index over 25 are considered overweight, those over 30 are considered obese, and those over 40 are considered morbidly obese. Obesity, especially insulin resistance and diabetes; It affects almost all the mechanisms of the body, including high blood pressure, coronary heart diseases, fatty liver, stroke, dementia, orthopedic problems and cancer. When the accompanying diseases are included in this picture, almost 80 percent of the world is affected by obesity and obesity-related disorders. Obesity, which is defined as a chronic disease, should be accepted as an epidemic disease that affects the whole world. Statistical data obtained from studies on obesity in recent years reveal that almost 1 out of every 3 people in Turkey is obese. While this rate is much lower in Far Eastern countries, the picture is worse in North American countries.
Humans are the only animals trying to lose weight.
There is no other creature in the world trying to lose weight other than humans. Considering the changing living conditions, the causes of obesity emerge. In addition to genetic factors; Ready-to-eat foods, unhealthy and unbalanced diet, sedentary life are among the factors leading to obesity. The calorie imbalance that can be seen in the meals served collectively in the workplace, fast food habits, the unnaturalness of the consumed foods, and the early introduction of unhealthy foods by children make obesity a global problem.
City planning should be shaped according to obesity
In the fight against obesity, it is necessary to explain the seriousness of the problem not only to overweight individuals, but to the whole society. In addition to personal measures, it is important to introduce radical measures into life. In addition to personal measures such as walking short distances instead of driving, using stairs instead of elevators, city planning can be shaped according to the increasing obesity in the society. In public transportation systems such as metro and bus, people can be directed to walk by keeping the distance between stops longer than the existing ones, or physical activity can be increased by making various arrangements in shuttle transportation. In addition, it is important that the areas that will allow people to do sports in the open air are included in the city planning.
Be a role model to your children
In the name of healthy nutrition, changes should be made in the food sector. The society should be fully enlightened about the foods that are effective at the level of addiction. It is important to control canteens in schools where children spend most of their day. More sports activities should be added to education life. In addition to all these, parents should carry out activities together as possible as role models for their children, from nutrition to sports. The project to save children from obesity and lead them to a healthy life is actually a project to save adults as well.
Do not rush to lose weight
One of the mistakes made in the fight against obesity is the desire to lose weight very quickly. It should not be forgotten that the weight lost in a very short time can be regained in a very short time. In addition, it is possible for obesity patients to encounter different problems during rapid weight loss. Even adding only 8 calories per day, that is, a biscuit, to the diet leads to 10 kilograms gain in 30 years. On the contrary, reducing 8 calories from the daily diet will also allow 10 kilos to be lost. Studies have shown that if obese patients lose 5-7 kilos, their metabolic systems improve, and when they lose more than 15 kilos, the negative effects of Type 2 diabetes, which has a moderate course, return.
First intention, then diet
In the fight against obesity, first of all, the motivation of the patient should be provided. No method, including surgery, is successful in the patient who does not accept his obligations regarding his own health.
10 important suggestions to fight obesity
- Eat very slowly and do not get up before 20 minutes from the table.
- Chew solid foods at least 20 times and liquid foods such as soup and yogurt at least 10 times
- Leave 1/3 of whatever you put on your plate. Do not eat 1 out of three patties.
- Get up from the table before you are full.
- Take a slow walk for ten minutes in the first hour after each meal. Avoid going to bed after meals.
- Avoid sweet, greasy and prepared foods.
- Know that your weight control will be permanent with a positive change in your long-term eating habits and eating technique.
- Start slowly and walk for an hour each day.
- Make a 5-year contract with yourself to change your lifestyle and don’t give up.
- Make obesity prevention a way of life.
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
