Anti-Obesity Day (AOD) is observed in various parts of the world on November 26, with several healthcare organizations and leading Media primarily in India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries marking the day with activities to highlight how obesity is a public health hazard.
Why is Anti-Obesity Day important
A primary reason that prevention of obesity is so vital in children is that the likelihood of childhood obesity persisting into adulthood increases as the child ages. This puts the person at high risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
How to observe Anti-Obesity Day
- Raising awareness about healthy dietary patterns and risks of adopting unhealthy dietary systems.
- Raising awareness about obesity risks.
- Encouraging physical activity at least 30 minutes a day.
- Highlighting MOH’s services to lose excess weight.
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Tip:
Obesity is a disease and must be treated as one. We all have a role to play in supporting and advocating for people living with obesity. We must recognise that everybody matters if we are to build a healthier world for everybody. Be it yoga, walking, swimming, cycling, or a cardio workout, choose the one that suits your body, but keep it moving. Here are some facts:
- At least 2.8 million people die each year as a result of being overweight or obese.
- Obesity prevention requires cooperation from all community members.
- Obesity is one of the leading causes of many chronic diseases including heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, several types of cancers, and others.
- Obesity results from an imbalance between the calories he consumed and the calories he expended.
- Overweight and obesity are linked to more deaths than malnutrition.
- Women are more likely to have obesity than men.
- Environmental and societal impact is one of the most important determinants of an individual’s dietary choice.
- A healthy diet and physical activity such as walking help prevent obesity.
- According to WHO, 2.7 billion adults worldwide will suffer from overweight and obesity by 2025.
Reference Sites
- UN and other international NGO
- Non-Profits website for the observance