CONNECTOR.AE 36 CONNECTOR.AE 37 Health and Wellness Health and Wellness Tips To Tackle Obesity Obesity is one of the most common health issues that many people around the globe struggle with. Although many associate obesity with physical appearance and seek to tackle the issue to look a certain type of way, it can lead to many health complications that can affect the individual’s quality of life over time. Obesity is not only common in adults but also in children, and according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), during the National Health Survey conducted from 2017 to 2018, found that 27.8% of adults in the UAE have obesity. The survey also showed that 17.35% of children aged between 5 years to 17 years old have obesity. According to Dr Sreela Nair, Clinical Dietitian at Mediclinic City Hospital, “Obesity is basically a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat and is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.” Every year, World Obesity Day is held on 4 March to increase awareness of the health issue, advise individuals to get checkups, and either take preventive measures or seek treatment. The main way for individuals to find out if they are obese is through the body mass index, which is done by dividing the weight of an individual by their height. pression, anxiety and other mental disorders • Body pain and difficulty with physical functioning Individuals that are on the borderline of obesity, where they are neither a healthy weight nor are on the verge of being obese, should seek medical help and make lifestyle changes to their routine. As most people live sedentary lifestyles, these few changes can help lead a more fuller and productive lifestyle. Mindful eating: One of the key ways to prevent obesity is through mindful eating. With it, people are able to monitor their intake and not overconsume more than the required food. Dr Sreela Nair of Mediclinic City Hospital mentioned, “Choosing healthier foods and beverages, including a healthy plate method and portion control. Mindful eating is the motto.” With the help of the healthy plate method, which consists of half of the plate served with vegetables, a quarter with protein and the remaining with food with carbohydrates in it, as well as using smaller plate sizes, individuals will be able to eat what is required rather than overindulging. Dr Fariha Anwar, General Practitioner and Aesthetic Doctor at Dubai Cosmetic Surgery said, “A body mass index over 25 is considered overweight, but over 30 is classed as obese.” Dr Sreela Nair of Mediclinic City Hospital added that there are three classes of obesity, “Class I obesity, which is a BMI of 30 to 35 kilograms per square metre Class II obesity, which is a BMI of 35 to 40 kilograms per square metre Class III obesity or morbid obesity, which is a BMI of over 40 kilograms per square metre” With obesity, the effects may not be seen immediately. However, overtime can lead to a series of health conditions that affect the body and get progressively worse. The common issues, as mentioned by Dr Fariha Anwar of Dubai Cosmetic Surgery are, • High blood pressure • High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol or high level of triglycerides • Type 2 diabetes • Coronary heart disease • Stroke • Gallbladder disease • Osteoarthritis • Sleep apnea and breathing problems • Different forms of cancer • Mental illness, including clinical de-
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