Obesity Epidemic: A Global Perspective

Abstract

Excess weight, body-mass index (BMI), and obesity, have become global epidemics. According to the experts, if post-2000 trends continue, the probability of meeting the global obesity target is virtually zero [1]. Several recent studies have assessed the national, regional and global, prevalence of excess weight and obesity [2-10]. Influence of modifiable risk factors, such as blood pressure, serum cholesterol, fasting glucose, and body mass index on cardiovascular disease (CVD) is well established. Each metabolic risk factor is robustly related to the progress of CVD. Global estimates indicate, considerable potential for CVD reduction, with population-wide lowering of BMI [2]. A bilateral study, between the researchers at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), and the staff at the University of Minnesota, found that compared to the US, the waist-weight ratio was significantly higher, in men and women from India [3]. These results support the hypothesis, that South Asians are particularly predisposed toward central adiposity. There is a great need to assess the role of BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratios (WHR), to see if these parameters, singly or in combination, improve CVD risk prediction, so that ethnic-specific or region-specific guidelines, could be developed for prevention strategies [5]. Chinese researchers have reported, significant association with increased WHR, with a stronger association among women [11]. Global epidemics of metabolic diseases, if not controlled soon, could cause economic disaster in many countries. A recent (2018), National Health Service (NHS), UK model indicates, that NHS Health Check programme is contributing significantly, to the improvements in health and reducing healthcare inequalities. They predict that feasible changes in the organization of the programme, could result in more than 3-fold increase in health benefits [12]. In an earlier article in this journal, we articulated the management of excess weight and obesity [13]. In this article, we will discuss three possible interventions, which may reduce or reverse the metabolic risks, associated with excess weight and obesity.