Diabetes, cardiovascular and joint diseases – these are just a few of the effects of obesity. But when does overweight stop and obesity start? How can we defend ourselves against obesity, and how can we safely treat it? Agnieszka Jarosz, MD, from the Food and Nutrition Institute in Warsaw explains these matters in a discussion with e-zdrowie.
According to WHO data, obese people comprise 11% of the world’s population. In Poland, they account for 16-17% of those aged 18 and older. Overweight, in turn, is much more prevalent. Overweight and obese men comprise in Poland ca. 63% of the male population aged 20 and older, while the rate for women is 46%.
We can speak of obesity when a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI - the weight of one’s body in kilograms divided by that person’s height in metres squared) exceeds 30. On the other hand, overweight starts above the value of 25. When it comes to small children, growth charts can be of assistance.
How can we avoid obesity?
“It all boils down to not eating too fat and too sweet. We should also eat more regularly and avoid making long breaks between the meals. Let’s have three fourths of our plates covered with vegetables and one fourth with something more “substantial". Plus we should avoid fatty sauces," said Ms Jarosz.
She also highlighted the importance of breakfast – it should not be too heavy, but should give you enough energy for the day.
She also busted a myth about eating the last meal no later than at 6 p.m. It rather boils down to eating it at least two hours before going to sleep.
“And there’s physical activity – you can’t go without it. I'm not saying that you have to go to the gym or participate in some other activities. It's enough to get off the bus one stop early while commuting to the job, and walk the rest of the distance. It is also better to use the stairs instead of the lift," she recommended.
When to treat obesity?
“You should always treat obesity. There is no obesity without consequences," said Doctor Jarosz.
Abdominal obesity is more dangerous, as it is often associated with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, heart attacks, stroke and diabetes. On the other hand, gluteal-femoral obesity results in many different degenerative changes in the locomotor system. The spine works differently, joints have to lift a greater burden and varicose veins can appear.
Physical activity and a diet are the keys to treating obesity.
“We should start from these, because even if somebody, for example, surgically decreases the size of his or her stomach, but does not go on any diet and return to old eating habits, such a person will regain the lost weight," said Doctor Jarosz. 10% of those who have underwent an operation, do not lose any weight, because they abuse sweetened beverages or eat mixed food.
Doctor Jarosz further highlighted that when we want to treat obesity, we should head to an outpatient clinic specialised in this disease.
“We can reduce the consumption of fat and sweets on our own. But if we want to change something else in our menus, it’s better to consult a specialist. There should be a team consisting of at least an internist and a dietician. Such a team will make dieting safe," she added.
“Otherwise you can expose yourself to a number of deficiency-related diseases. Overweight people can be qualitatively malnourished," warned Ms Jarosz.
Under no circumstances should you put a child on a slimming diet on your own.
According to the specialist, all this advice concerns so-called primary obesity, also referred to as simple obesity, as secondary obesity – which can be caused by other diseases or medication – requires a different procedure.
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