Do you know what your weight is trying to tell you

Obesity is a disease and has emerged as a serious global public health threat. It is a chronic and complex medical condition characterised by excessive body fat that significantly affects a person’s overall health and causes other chronic diseases.

The prevalence of obesity in India is rising rapidly across all ages, genders, and ethnicities. 24% of Indian women and 23% of Indian men are overweight or obese. It also now passed the same thread amongst children. It may sound odd but even people with a normal weight can have dangerous levels of belly fat.

While unhealthy eating habits and increasingly sedentary lifestyles are the most common contributors, genetic predisposition, underlying health conditions, and certain medications can also increase the risk of excessive weight gain.

How does Obesity affect your health?

Obesity significantly increases the risk of multiple serious health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke, Type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like Bone and join pain and several cancers (including breast, colon, and endometrial cancer). It can also lead to breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnea,

How Is Obesity Diagnosed?

Obesity is easily determined by your Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters (kg/m²). A BMI of 30 or above typically indicates obesity.

You can easily monitor your BMI (Body Mass Index) at home as in the example below:

• Measure your weight in kg on a good weighing scale say 80kg
• Measure your height standing erect in meters, say 1.6 m
• Divide your weight by the square of your height
  BMI = 80 ÷ (1.6 × 1.6) = 31.25 - indicates your obese

Most smart scales give your BMI readings directly, besides weight

How is Obesity managed?

Take Action Today:

• Check your health numbers: Know your Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
• Stay physically active: Aim for at least 20–30 minutes physical activity every day. Walking, cycling, swimming
• Eat a balanced diet: Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting sugary drinks, processed foods, and excess salt.
• Schedule a preventive health check-up and seek guidance from a doctor or dietitian if you're concerned about your weight
• Medication for those with a BMI >30 or > 27with obesity-related conditions and diet and physical activity not helping

In some extreme cases doctor will advice bariatric surgery

Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Taking small steps today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.

Source: nih.gov Prevalence of Obesity in India