Klikwarta.com – Obesity and overweight have experienced a significant increase in recent years. The prevalence of obesity in Indonesia has increased drastically, especially among children and adolescents. So, did you know obesity can cause premature death?
Obesity is a condition where fat in the body accumulates because more calories are consumed than are burned. It cannot be allowed too long because obesity can be a source of deadly diseases.
A few weeks ago, in June 2023 to be precise, the people of Indonesia were shocked by the news of a 26 year old young man named Fajri who had to be evacuated using a forklift, because he was suffering from obesity and weighed up to 300 kg. After receiving special treatment for obesity at the hospital, the young man was declared dead due to septic shock which originated from an infection of his feet and lungs due to his obesity.
There was also the obesity case of Arya Permana, a resident of Cipurwasari Village, Tegalwarung District, Karawang. This caught the public’s attention in 2017. At that time, Arya was obese, weighing 192 kilograms at the age of 10, which caused her to experience shortness of breath when walking.
This condition has become a scourge of one of the causes of death due to obesity in Indonesia. There are several factors that can lead to obesity, including an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, genetics, and environmental factors. However, basically, obesity occurs when you consume more calories that are put into the body.
The Ministry of Health stated that there were at least two factors behind the higher obesity triggers, one of which was related to the lack of physical activity in urban areas with minimal public space for exercise.
Not to mention, modern high-tech facilities are the reason many teenagers start not being active, especially those in urban areas. In fact, obesity can trigger various complications.
Why is obesity dangerous?
Reporting from the Ministry of Health, being overweight can increase the risk of various serious health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, respiratory problems, increased fat in the blood and uric acid, to cancer. In addition, obesity can also affect your overall quality of life, both physically and mentally.
Being overweight, especially around the abdomen, will cause many adverse metabolic effects that affect the kidneys. Excess weight can activate the body’s sympathetic nervous system, or ‘standby response’ which can raise blood pressure. Being overweight impairs the body’s ability to move sugar (glucose) from the blood to the cells. As a result, it is more difficult for the body to excrete excess sugar in the blood, which in turn causes diabetes.
Dr. Alex Chang’s study from the Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania, said, when compared with adults who are slightly overweight, people with severe obesity (very fat) are twice as likely to experience impaired kidney function. Meanwhile, people who are not too obese have a 18 to 69% higher risk of developing decreased kidney function. That is, obesity is bad for the kidneys.
It is important to realize that obesity is not just a physical problem. This is a serious health problem and can shorten a person’s life expectancy. Therefore, it is important that you take the necessary actions to overcome obesity and maintain good health.
One of the best ways to deal with obesity is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips that you can apply:
First, Healthy Diet. Start by eating a healthy and balanced diet. Choose foods that are rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid processed foods that are high in sugar, saturated fat and salt. Reduce consumption of fast food and sugary drinks that contain saturated fat and high calories. Also avoid sugary drinks that contain added sugar. Choose water, herbal teas, or low-calorie drinks as alternatives.
Second, Portion Control. It is important to control the number of portions you eat. Avoid overeating and use small plates to help control your food intake.
Third, try physical activity. Try to be more physically active. Do light exercise such as walking, cycling, or swimming for at least 30 minutes every day. Physical activity will help burn calories and increase your metabolism.
Fourth, enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is also important in managing weight. Lack of sleep can affect the hormones that regulate your appetite, so you tend to overeat. Try to sleep 7-8 hours every night.
Fifth, consult a doctor or nutritionist. If you have serious weight problems, it is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist. They can help you design a safe and effective weight loss program.
Overcoming obesity is not an easy process, but consistent small steps can make a big difference. It’s important to remember that every change you make to live a healthier life is a long-term investment in your own health and quality of life.
So, let’s face obesity by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Start now and make small steps towards a healthier life and free from the dangers of obesity. Don’t let obesity shorten your life.
Author: Salsa Dwi Novita Student of Publishing Study Program (Journalistic) Jakarta State Polytechnic.
2023-07-15 17:31:30
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