Obesity is a condition in which an excessive accumulation of fat leads to potentially adverse health conditions. High blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, stroke, and even cancer are more prevalent in obese people. While several factors may contribute to obesity, certain lifestyles and dietary changes may alleviate the condition.
Obesity is common, affecting between 10 and 14 percent of adults worldwide. It is defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that can affect health. Given the secondary health complications, obesity is considered an urgent medical problem.
The risks associated with obesity include heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer, respiratory problems, and kidney and liver disease. Losing even some of the excess fat, as little as 10 percent, can significantly reduce the risk of many of these secondary diseases.
While obesity is ultimately a condition caused by an imbalance between caloric intake and daily energy expenditure, several factors can contribute to such an imbalance. In addition to overeating, several other factors such as genes, surrounding culture and infrastructure, amount of sleep, and even some medications can lead to unwanted weight gain. While some of these factors are beyond a person’s control, lifestyle habits, and food intake can be adjusted to make this condition less likely or to help someone lose the excess fat they have already gained. As caloric imbalance is the main cause of obesity, correcting it can go a long way. One can restore the right energy balance by increasing physical activity (burning more calories) and reducing food intake (taking in fewer calories). At Nestlé Health Science, we are actively engaged in the development of nutritional therapies to improve conditions such as obesity and the quality of life of patients with such conditions.
