Obesity: A silent pandemic

While hunger and famine continue to consume some parts of the world, the others battle a burden of contrasting nature. Obesity is a medical condition described as excess body weight in the form of fat. When accumulated, this fat can lead to severe health impairments. Obesity is now recognised as one of the most important public health problems, as the prevalence of obesity continues to rise globally. According to the recent data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight.

Malnutrition, a term meaning wrong/bad nutrition is widely associated with undernutrition. However, the WHO defines malnutrition as both deficiencies as well as excesses in a person’s intake of energy and nutrients. Any state of imbalance in terms of nutrition could be considered malnutrition.

Being overweight is not synonymous with being obese, as common folk often use these two terms interchangeably. Using the correct terminology will help us define and distinguish issues from one another, lest they get drowned in a sea of generalisations.

Socio-economic burden of weight loss
Being overweight and obese is associated with having a financially sound, comfortable life. However, the sad reality today is that good food has become a luxury. Fresh fruits, vegetables, organic produce, poultry, good quality meat, and seafood have become things that only an affluent crowd can afford. Likewise, fried salty items, fast food, and sweet sugary drinks have become more affordable, and easily accessible. The gym culture, associated equipment, and paraphernalia pose an additional financial burden on those who wish to lose weight through exercise.

Although fast food is associated with big brands, Sri Lankan favourites such as Kotthu, deep-fried goodies, and Fried rice made with excess margarine to enhance the salty buttery taste are all fast food. Accessibility wise, these foods are readily available anywhere, anytime, and often delivered to doorsteps with a click of a button. Students and office workers opt for these foods, as they consider the large quantities to be “value for money.”

Healthy eating and exercise have been glamourised, and the pressure for everything to be pretty has become the new fad. Many who opt for lifestyle changes, often fall prey to these trends, spending money on superfoods that promise weight loss, and on herbs, fruit, and vegetables that are of western origin, attempting expensive recipes. Quinoa Rice, Couscous Rice, Zucchini noodles, (or Zoodles), and chia seeds are the trending health foods and are readily available in the west. This lifestyle cannot be sustained by most of those who begin, as it turns out to be an expensive affair. Plenty of superfoods are available locally, and attention must be given to traditional food that is more affordable and healthier. Smoothie bowls and green health shakes can be made with locally available fruits and seeds as well.

By local food, one must not immediately think of rice. Rice has always been the Sri Lankan staple, however, it has to be consumed in a balanced manner. Ideally, only 1/3rd of a plate or less should consist of rice, while the rest of the plate must include greens, vegetables, and protein.

The emotional perspective
Weight stigma refers to the discriminatory acts and ideologies targeted towards individuals because of their weight and size. Overweight/ Obese individuals are looked upon as lazy, unattractive, unhygienic, and unintelligent people who lack will power and moral character. Thanks to pop culture, for constantly stereotyping overweight characters.

Stigma can result in depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Obesity itself is typically blamed for these potential consequences. However, most of the time, society has a role to play. Associating obesity with gluttony and viewing it as merely a size disorder is ignorance. The causes of obesity are plenty, and the world obesity organization is redefining the narrative around obesity.