EMERGING OBESITY IN INDIAN WOMEN: A SERIOUS THREAT FOR

HEALTH

SAY NO TO OBESITY

C:\Users\seety\Downloads\Desktop\obesity
and steps taken to reduce it.docx

Obesity is a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat in the body. It has been
more precisely defined by the National Institutes of Health as a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 and
above.

BMI= WEIGHT IN KILOGRAM(KG) /HEIGHT(M^2)

Internationally, a BMI over 25 kg/m^2 is considered overweight.

Obesity in women in India has reached epidemic proportion in 21st century. Research shows that
women are more likely to be observed suffering from obesity than their male counterparts.
 GRAPH SHOWING INCREASING RATE OF
OBESITY IN INDIAN WOMEN

India showed more significant rise in obesity from its 19th position for both men and women in
1975 to ranking 5th and 3rd respectively in 2014, showing increasing obesity rates among men and
women worldwide. Latest figure of national family health survey year 2015-2016 indicates
obesity can be next major health challenge in India. According to NATIONAL FAMILY HEALTH
SURVEY 1/5 of Indian women or 20.7% in age group of 15-49 are over-weighted. Survey shows
that 31% of urban woman are obese while 15% of rural women are obese.

TYPES OF OBESITY ARE SHOWN BELOW-

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS CAUSING OBESITY IN INDIAN WOMEN?

- Some factors causing obesity are discussed below:

Imbalanced diet and unhealthy lifestyle promote obesity.
Unhealthy processed food has become much more accessible. This combined with rising
middle class incomes, is increasing average calorie intake per individual.
Physical inactivity leads to obesity.
For working women work pressure, stress, working continuously for 10-12 hours promote
damaging lifestyle. Long term stress influences hormones which control apetite and
stimulate metabolism resulting in insulin release and hunger for more food which promotes
overeating.
For most women in India, health takes a backseat after pregnancy and childbirth. It is no
surprise that women in the 35+ age group are the most over-weighted or obese.
Fast-food 'family friendly' restaurants that have cropped up at every corner of cities, and
have got the perfect unhealthy recipe also promote obesity.
Prolonged low-grade stress also promotes obesity.
Ultimately obesity is a multifactorial disease and is caused due to combination of one or
more factors like hereditary factors, slow metabolism, endocrine issues, environmental
issues and certain mental disorders.

WHAT ARE HARMFUL AFFECTS OF OBESITY?

Obesity could lead to many serious health issues, some are mentioned below-
Obesity leads to low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence and mood changes.
 Obesity could lead to polycystic ovary syndrome.
Obesity can cause infertility.
It can cause menstrual irregularities, oligomenorrhea which is a condition of infrequent
menstrual periods.
Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Due to genetic tendency of Indians towards abdominal obesity, increases risk of related
lifestyle diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Obesity causes hypertension, stroke and high cholesterol.
Knee osteoarthritis and lower back pain are very common in women suffering from
obesity.

PICTURE SHOWING OVERWEIGHT WOMAN BACKACHE PAINFUL JOINTS

Obesity leads to such psychological problems that not only affects eating habits
but also leads to insomnia and depression.
Obese women are also at higher risk of developing multiple cancers, including
breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and perhaps ovarian cancer.
Obesity puts you at higher risk of developing serious health problems like
breathing disorders, musculoskeletal disorders especially osteoarthritis, gall
bladder disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and kidney disease.
HOW TO CONTROL OBESITY?
Obesity can be controlled with a few easy steps which are as follows-

Step outside the house for entertainment.

Make your home a place where healthy behaviours are followed by healthy habit.
Exercising for atleast 30 minutes, morning walk and workout not only helps in reducing
weight but it also helps in dealing with stress.

Along with taking care of your family, dont forget to take care of your own well-being.
If obesity is severe then consult a nutrition expert for fast recovery.
Follow a healthy eating plan i.e. avoid junk food and fatty food.
Foods like oats helps in reducing weight efficiently as it resists hunger for longer time and
also reduces cholesterol.
Anyhow morning breakfast should not be avoided, that is most important in controlling
obesity.
Approach should be to increase basal metabolic rate, resist hunger and produce calorie
deficit with essential micro-nutrients which can help reduce weight and regain a body that
is slim, light and active.

So by losing extra weight one can become healthy, more active, attractive, can be more self -
confident and can carry fashionable attires confidently.

BY SWEETY