Anti-Obesity Day: The Global Fight Against Obesity
Understand what obesity is, its causes, health risks, and how to prevent and treat it. Know how global initiatives and community support help manage this common health problem.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Obesity has been a major public health concern. It affects millions worldwide and causes grave health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Addressing this condition is crucial due to its profound impact on physical and mental health, healthcare costs, and overall quality of life.
Anti-Obesity Day, observed annually on November 26, raises awareness about the causes, risks, and preventive measures associated with obesity. Explore key insights into understanding and combating obesity on this significant day.
Understanding Obesity
Obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects health. Medical experts defined the term according to the percentage of increased body fat, as reflected in body mass index (BMI). Patients with obesity are defined as those having a BMI of thirty or higher.
However, recent studies have increasingly highlighted that BMI alone is insufficient for assessing metabolic health.
The main causes of obesity include:
- Genetics and family history
- Poor dietary habits
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Medical conditions
- Certain medications
- Sleep deprivation
- Stress and mental health issues
Environmental and societal factors like urbanisation and the unavailability of healthy foods also play a role in growing obesity rates.
The Hidden Dangers: Health Implications
Individuals with obesity have a higher risk of developing heart disease. The following are the cardiovascular problems caused by obesity:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke risk
- Blood clots
- Irregular heart rhythm
Obesity can increase the chances of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- High blood sugar
- Metabolic syndrome
- Fatty liver disease
- Hormonal imbalances
The several other serious health risks associated with obesity are:
- Certain cancers
- Sleep disorders
- Joint problems
- Mental health issues
Mental Health and Social Impact
Obesity creates deep emotional challenges and affects mental health. Research shows these psychological effects in the daily life of people dealing with obesity:
- Depression and anxiety surface more frequently. People with obesity are at a higher risk of developing mood disorders.
- With the burden of weight management, some people feel overwhelmed and isolated from others.
- Self-worth often declines, impacting relationships and social connections
- Professional growth can stall due to workplace bias and discrimination
The burden of obesity is far more than the number on the scale. Every day, people face judgment, stigma, and internal battles, most of which would go unnoticed by others. This social stigma creates a painful cycle for those who are suffering from obesity.
This stigma makes it harder to seek support when it's needed most. Understanding these challenges helps create a supportive environment for those affected.
Obesity Prevention Strategies
Multiple approaches are needed for the prevention and treatment of obesity. Key strategies include dietary modifications and regular physical activity.
Research supports a balanced approach to nutrition. The focus has shifted from strict dieting to sustainable eating patterns. Essential elements of proper diet for obesity include:
- Daily calorie tracking
- Portion control at meals
- Regular meal timing
- Increased water intake
- Limited processed foods
- More fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains over refined grains
- Lean protein sources
Those affected must engage in regular exercise to maintain proper weight. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends:
- 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly
- Strength training twice a week
- Regular movement throughout the day
- Enjoyable forms of physical activity
Apart from this, active commuting when possible, group sports participation and home-based workouts also help in keeping the weight in check.
Treatment Options and Interventions
Modern obesity treatment takes a multi-faceted approach. Effective treatment options include:
- Weight loss medications
- Appetite suppressants
- Gastric bypass surgery
- Gastric sleeve procedure
- Gastric banding
- Hormone treatments
- Metabolic testing
- Regular health monitoring
Mental health plays a key role in weight management. To keep the patient mentally fit, these steps might be helpful:
- Weekly counselling sessions
- Group therapy options
- Stress management techniques
- Sleep improvement strategies
- Mindful eating practices
- Food diary keeping
- Trigger identification
- Coping skills development
Consult Top Dieteticians for Personalised Treatment
Community and Policy Support
Government and community initiatives play a vital role in tackling obesity. Effective policies create healthier environments and support individual efforts to maintain healthy weights. Key government initiatives include:
- School meal nutrition standards
- Food labelling requirements
- Tax policies on sugary drinks
- Urban planning for walkable communities
- Healthcare coverage for obesity treatment
- Public health education campaigns
Successful community programs focus on:
- Free fitness classes in parks
- Community gardens
- Farmers' markets in low-income areas
- Walking groups for seniors
- After-school sports programs
- Workplace wellness challenges
- Healthy cooking workshops
- Local health fairs
Innovation in Obesity Management
Recent technological advances are reshaping obesity treatment. Some promising developments are:
- Digital health tracking
- Personalised nutrition plans
- Virtual reality-based exercise programs
- Smart devices for activity monitoring
Apart from these, artificial intelligence can assist in creating personalised diet plans, while various digital platforms provide educational resources for better health management.
Conclusion
Obesity remains a significant health challenge. Prevention requires ongoing effort, and communities need continued support and resources. Regular exercise and healthy food choices can make a significant difference.
The future world already looks promising with new tools and knowledge. Technology makes tracking health easier, research provides better treatment options, and community support helps people succeed. Consult Top Dieteticians
Consult Top Dieteticians for Personalised Treatment
Ms. Shruthi Bhargavi
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Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Telangana, Hyderabad
Ms Malabika Datta
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Ms Chetu Singhi
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RB Diagnostic - Dietician Diet2fit Chetu Singhi, Kolkata
Ms Geetanjali Mengi
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20 Years • BSC, MSC Dietetics & Food Service Management, PG Diploma in Dietetics & Hospital Food Service
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Geetanjali Medical Nutrition Clinic, Mumbai
Ms. Shereen Begum
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8 Years • BSC Food Science & Management, Msc (Nutrition & Dietetics)
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Dr Shereen clinic, Hyderabad
Consult Top Dieteticians
Ms. Shruthi Bhargavi
Dietician
9 Years • Msc (Nutrition and Dietetics)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Telangana, Hyderabad
Ms Malabika Datta
Dietician
19 Years • Bsc (Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics), Msc (Dietetics & Food Service Management)
Kolkata
Malabika’s Diet Clinic, Kolkata
Ms Chetu Singhi
Dietician
20 Years • MSC Dietetics & Nutrition
Kolkata
RB Diagnostic - Dietician Diet2fit Chetu Singhi, Kolkata
Ms Geetanjali Mengi
Dietician
20 Years • BSC, MSC Dietetics & Food Service Management, PG Diploma in Dietetics & Hospital Food Service
Mumbai
Geetanjali Medical Nutrition Clinic, Mumbai
Ms. Shereen Begum
Dietician
8 Years • BSC Food Science & Management, Msc (Nutrition & Dietetics)
Hyderabad
Dr Shereen clinic, Hyderabad
