Lecture No 09-4
Lecture No 09-4
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Overweight and Obesity: A Global
Challenge
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A Global Crisis:
• Overweight and obesity are defined by Body Mass Index (BMI), a
measure that considers height and weight. A BMI of 25 to 29.9
indicates overweight, while 30 or higher signifies obesity. It's
important to note that BMI has limitations and shouldn't be the sole
indicator of health. A healthcare professional can use other measures
and personal history for a more complete assessment.
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Causes of Overweight and Obesity
• Unhealthy diet: Consumption of high-calorie, processed foods, sugary
drinks, and excessive portion sizes.
• Physical inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles with limited physical activity
contribute to weight gain.
• Genetics: Genes play a role in predisposition to weight gain and fat
storage.
• Other factors: Certain medications, sleep problems, and stress can also
influence weight.
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Global Burden of Overweight and Obesity
• A growing global pandemic: Over 1.9 billion adults are overweight,
with over 650 million living with obesity [World Health Organization]
• Rising in all regions: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is
increasing in both developed and developing countries.
• Significant health and economic costs: Obesity is linked to several
chronic diseases, leading to increased healthcare costs and reduced
productivity.
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Health Consequences of Overweight and
Obesity
• The health consequences of overweight and obesity are significant.
They increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart
disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, some cancers, and musculoskeletal
disorders. Obesity can also have negative psychological and social
impacts, leading to depression, low self-esteem, social stigma, and
discrimination.
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Strategies for Prevention and
Management
• Promoting healthy eating habits: Encouraging diets rich in fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting processed
foods and sugary drinks.
• Increasing physical activity: Regular exercise, including moderate-
intensity cardio and strength training, is crucial for weight
management.
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Hidden Hunger: The Silent Threat of
Micronutrient Deficiency
Hidden hunger, also known as micronutrient malnutrition, is a
widespread yet often neglected global health issue.
Hidden hunger arises from a lack of essential micronutrients,
including vitamins and minerals, in the diet. These deficiencies often
go unnoticed in the early stages, as they don't always cause immediate
physical symptoms.
However, hidden hunger can have a profound impact on overall
health, development, and cognitive function. It affects people of all
ages, but children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable due
to their increased nutritional needs.
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Causes of Hidden Hunger
• Limited dietary diversity: Repetitive diets lacking essential vitamins
and minerals found in fruits, vegetables, and animal products
• Poor food quality: Consumption of processed foods often low in
micronutrients
• Deficiencies in soil: Depleted soil quality leading to decreased
micronutrient content in crop
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Global Burden of Hidden Hunger
The global burden of hidden hunger is staggering. According to
estimates, over 2 billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient
deficiencies. This issue is particularly prevalent in developing
countries, where access to diverse and nutritious foods may be limited.
Women and children are especially at risk due to their specific
nutritional needs. Hidden hunger contributes to increased illness
(morbidity) and death (mortality) rates, particularly among vulnerable
populations.
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Consequences of Hidden Hunger
Micronutrient deficiencies can weaken the immune system, making
individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Cognitive development can be impaired, negatively impacting
learning, memory, and concentration.
Children with hidden hunger may experience stunted growth and
other developmental delays.
In the long term, micronutrient deficiencies can increase the risk of
chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
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Solutions for Addressing Hidden Hunger
• Promoting dietary diversification: Encouraging consumption of a
wider variety of fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods
• Food fortification: Adding essential vitamins and minerals to staple
foods
• Biofortification: Breeding crops with naturally higher levels of
micronutrients
• Education and awareness: Empowering individuals and communities
to make informed dietary choices
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Thank You !
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