Obesity, the pandemic of our times – Health news
According to the 2023 report from the UK-based non-governmental organization World Obesity Federation, the impact of overweight and obesity on the global economy is predicted to reach $4.32 trillion annually by 2035.
Dr. Faculty member Erdal Kan, obesity; He stated that it is a disease caused by several factors, including biological, mental health, genetic risks, environment, access to health services and access to ultra-processed foods. Especially when we look at the most recent statistical information in the world, it is clear that obesity is not a personal problem, but a social problem. Although it is predicted that there will be 2.7 billion overweight and obese adults worldwide by 2025, it should be known that this is one third of the total world population. In addition, childhood obesity is expected to increase by 100 percent between 2020 and 2035.
“HEALTH LEAVED DISEASE”
Noting that overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that can harm health, Erdal Kan continued his words as follows:
“Whether someone is obese or not can be determined by measuring the Body Mass Index. It is defined by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m2). Obesity needs to be treated. This treatment should also have a multidisciplinary perspective. Because obesity; It is an important risk factor for the formation of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke and many diseases with vascular occlusion), breast, prostate, gynecological problems and colon cancer, especially type 2 diabetes. In addition, obesity plays a role in the formation of many diseases, including joint disorders, gallstone formation, reflux, varicose veins, menstrual irregularities, infertility, birth problems, sleep apnea syndrome, sleep disorders and depression. Obesity contributes to many diseases that can be considered a cause of death.”
“CAUSES LABOR LOSS”
“In today’s world, obesity has a major effect on the rise of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Professor Erdal Kan said: “For example, while the incidence of diabetes in our country was 5 percent in 1980, it has risen to 20 percent in recent years. Diabetes also indirectly causes job losses, especially if it occurs at a young age. This situation can place an economic burden on society. Since obesity also reduces the speed of movement, independent of the additional diseases it brings, it can lead to a loss of labor or a decrease in the quality of work. These, in turn, can have negative effects on the economy. Obesity can also cause reproductive problems in the long run. This, in turn, could lead to a fall in birth rates in the future, and thus a fall in the young population, i.e. the working-age population. This is one of the factors that will negatively affect the economy,” he said.
“REASON FOR OBESITY MUST BE DISCOVERED”
Erdal Kan stated that the first treatment for obesity is to learn healthy eating habits and get more exercise, saying:
“However, in some diseases, diet and exercise may not be enough to treat obesity. For this reason, every obese person should be physically examined. The Body Mass Index of the individual should be determined, the waist should be measured. In addition, hereditary, hormonal and metabolic secondary causes that may lead to obesity and the findings of diseases such as obesity-related high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea syndrome, fatty liver and musculoskeletal disorders should be appropriately evaluated. In addition, thyroid hormone tests should be done along with blood sugar, liver, and kidney function tests. Sometimes additional tests can be done to find the cause. While laboratory testing in obese individuals is not standard practice, it is recommended to measure fasting blood sugar and blood fat levels, as well as evaluate liver and kidney function and thyroid dysfunction, which is common in the community. After the anamnesis and the examination, if necessary, additional examinations can be carried out in addition to the regular examinations.
“WE HAVE TO WAIT AT LEAST 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE SURGERY”
Dr. Lecturer Erdal Kan stated that the frequency of bariatric surgery has increased and said, “Usually, medical treatments can be recommended under the supervision of a physician along with the examinations applied to individuals who are followed by lifestyle change, appropriate diet and exercise program for 6 months and cannot lose 5% of their original weight. However, it should be remembered that no drug or product can achieve weight loss without the contribution of the individual. In recent years, the treatment of obesity has become increasingly bariatric surgery is more common. However, it is important that people are under the supervision of specialists in endocrinology and metabolism for at least 6 months before these surgeries are performed. So surgery should not be the first option right away. If specialists in the field of endocrinology and metabolism deem it appropriate, mo food surgical procedures are applied.
“THE NUMBER of morbid obesity is estimated to reach 177 million by 2025”
Erdal Kan added that obesity is a pandemic of our times and concluded his speech as follows:
“The obesity epidemic is also increasing chronic problems such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. In recent years, obesity in both children and adults has continued to increase rapidly in low-income and developing countries. According to information from the World Obesity Federation, it is estimated that the prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the past decade and that the number of people suffering from morbid obesity will reach 177 million by 2025. For this reason, the rapid application of treatment methods to reduce this burden is gaining importance, both for public health and loss of personnel.