Ngozi Okpalakunne
Today is World Obesity Day, an annually celebrated event held globally to raise awareness and advocate for practical solutions in addressing the global obesity crisis.
According to medical experts obesity is a medical condition characterised by excess body fat that can negatively affect one’s health.
Speaking in an interview with a Consultant General /Laparoscopic Surgeon, Timi Adenuga, obesity is typically determined by a measurement called the Body Mass Index (BMI), which compares your weight to your height.
According to Adenuga who works with Getslim Bariatric Center Abuja, if one’s BMI is 30 or higher, such an individual is considered obese, adding that obesity increases the risk of developing serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Highlighting ways which the condition had contributed to the rate of morbidity in the Nigeria, the Surgeon said: ”Obesity plays a significant role in rising rates of illness, across the country. People with obesity are at higher risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and even some cancers.
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“These diseases can reduce quality of life and, in severe cases, lead to early death. As obesity rates rise, so do the numbers of people suffering from these conditions, placing a strain on the already stretched Nigerian healthcare system and increasing medical costs.
“Obesity can also affect mental health leading to issues like depression and anxiety.’’
On the level of awareness about the dangers associated with obesity, the surgeon noted that there is still a large gap to be filled on education of Nigerians on the issues surrounding the condition and the problems associated with it.
“Our local cultural belief that being on the big side means more wealth and affluence is seriously preventing many individuals with high BMI from seeking help. Many Nigerians believe obesity to be a cosmetic issue rather than a serious chronic illness with significant long term consequences.
“We need to increase public health campaigns focused on educating people about the risks, and problems associated with obesity and the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and the long-term health effects of obesity’’.
However, he maintained that awareness is key in helping people make healthier choices and seek help before serious health problems arise.
While stating that preventing obesity starts with making healthy choices in one’s daily live, he added that balanced diet and regular physical activity should be incorporated into in one’s lifestyle.
For people with severe obesity and those with hormonal and genetic issues, he opined they may need addition help which may be in the form of weight loss injections, gastric balloon or weight loss surgery.
Explaining further, he said: “These options work by reducing appetite, making people fuller with tiny portions of food and altering hormone modulation. “The choice for which modality to go for depends on the specialist’s review, if the patient has associated medical problems, the risk appetite of the patient and if they are looking for temporary or a more long lasting solution for their obesity.’’
Speaking on the relationship between diet and obesity, an Abuja based dietician, Okegbe Nkem Janefrances who also spoke in an interview affirmed that diet contributes to obesity in many ways.
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According to her, people focus only on carbs, which are high in calories, and neglect to incorporate and increase their protein and vegetable intake.
By doing this, she said, they often end up feeling hungry, which leads to overeating and, eventually, obesity.
Describing consumption of ultra-processed foods as another factor that causes obesity, she said: “These foods are heavily marketed, and we often consume them without reading labels to fully understand what we are eating and the number of calories they contain. Most ultra-processed foods are high in calories, which can negatively impact our weight and further contribute to obesity.
“Poor dietary choices, such as overconsumption of high-calorie foods, a lack of nutrient-dense foods, and irregular eating habits, are major contributors to obesity.’’
Also considering the roles diet play in preventing obesity, the dietician stressed the need for consumers to manage portion sizes and being mindful of the quantity and quality of their food intake.
Driving her point home, she said: “Consuming more calories than the body needs leads to weight gain, so to prevent obesity, we must focus on consuming healthy foods with the appropriate number of calories based on activity level, body composition, and metabolism.
“Reducing sugary and ultra-processed foods helps prevent weight gain and maintains a healthy body composition.
“Incorporating healthy fats such as avocado, extra virgin olive oil, and almonds, as well as lean proteins like skinless chicken and fish, can help maintain muscle mass and keep you feeling full for longer, which prevents overeating and, in turn, prevents obesity.
“Additionally, including high-fiber foods like vegetables, whole grains, and fruits aids digestion, regulates blood sugar levels, and keeps you full; most importantly, staying hydrated. This helps with appetite control and can also prevent overeating.
An adequate diet combined with regular physical activity is crucial in preventing obesity.’’
