by admin-blog-kh | June 1, 2026 12:31 pm
The world has already reached a stage where our children will have shorter lifespans due to the food they consume and their sedentary lifestyle. Many countries have seen the prevalence of obesity double or triple in the past 30 years.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is a growing global concern:
These facts indicate that obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges today, but the good news is that by making smart and healthy choices, we can turn things around and improve our quality of life.
WHO describes obesity as “a chronic, complex disease defined by excessive fat deposits that can impair health”. A body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m² is classified as overweight, while a BMI of ≥30 kg/m² is classified as obesity. Obesity is classified as (based on BMI): class 1 (30-34.9 kg/m²), class 2 (35-39.9 kg/m²) and class 3 (40-49.9 kg/m²).
Urbanisation, lack of physical activity, high-fat and high-sugar food consumption, and sedentary lifestyles are contributing factors to obesity. The alarming increase in obesity among adults and children[1] is concerning as the risk of heart disease, joint problems, mental health problems and diabetes increases significantly.
It has come to light that the drivers for the obesity epidemic are not limited to individual choices; the extent is much broader, as discussed below:
Obesity affects individuals and society at multiple levels, as discussed below.
Obesity-related diseases: Individuals who are obese as children continue to be so in adulthood and are prone to obesity-related non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, cancer and coronary artery disease at a relatively young age. People with class 1 obesity lose approximately 4 years of healthy, disease-free life, while those with class 2 obesity lose about 8 years, compared to individuals with a healthy weight.
Economic impact: Compared to people with a healthy weight, the direct medical costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of obesity and its related diseases increase by 30% to 40%. Reduced productivity and loss of pay owing to absence from work contribute towards indirect costs.
Job opportunities: People with obesity experience discrimination and bias at work, leading to underemployment or limitations at work due to their excess weight.
Physical health and functioning: Excess body fat increases the risk of diabetes, raises cholesterol levels, blood pressure and damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. People with obesity may be incapable of performing the required tasks both at work and home. Obesity causes muscle and joint strains, causing pain, limiting daily activities. Breast, colon and uterine cancers are common in people with obesity.
Mental health: The way society idealises being thin, worsens the psychosocial challenges, which are more prominent in women than in men with obesity. This contributes to anxiety, depression and social isolation, exacerbating mental health issues.
Life expectancy: Obesity significantly reduces the average life expectancy. A study revealed that people with obesity at the age of 40 had their expected lifespan reduced by 6 to 7 years. This reduction in lifespan almost doubled in people with obesity who were also smokers.
Quality of life: Obesity negatively impacts sleep quality[3], energy levels and sexual health, lowering quality of life.
Other challenges: The stigma surrounding obesity prevents people from seeking care at the right time to prevent complications. This is an additional burden on the healthcare system to manage the obesity-related diseases that could have been easily avoided if a preventive and comprehensive healthcare system were in place. According to nutritionists, other factors associated with obesity include the mother’s weight during pregnancy, baby’s weight at birth, nutrition in the first three years of life, growth pattern in the first year and whether the child was breastfed or bottle-fed.
The collective action of governments, schools, families, and individuals is required to tackle the obesity epidemic. The actionable steps that we as individuals and communities can take are discussed below.
Mindful eating: According to nutritionists, limit intake of processed foods and include fruits and vegetables in your diet. Instead of being carried away by attractive packaging, read the nutrition labels and watch for hidden fats and sugars. Prefer home-cooked meals and control the portion size.
Physical activity: Try to incorporate at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, such as walking, dancing, playing a sport or biking. Play outdoors, take the stairs instead of the elevator and walk to nearby places. Limit screen time and keep reminders to move around for a few minutes every hour.
Prioritise sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Poor sleep can trigger hunger and lower energy levels, increasing body weight.
Underlying causes: If you are struggling to lose weight or are unable to control your diet or establish a healthy routine, consider seeking professional help. Poor metabolism, medications or mental health issues may be contributing factors.
Model healthy behaviours for your children so that they eat healthy and stay fit from a young age. Prioritise cooking at home with healthy ingredients and encourage playing outdoors. If a family member is struggling with obesity, support them in their weight loss journey—prepare foods that are low in fat, high in protein and have a low glycaemic index (prevents the sudden surge in glucose levels).
One can also follow the traffic light diet, with foods being classified as green, yellow and red based on their health benefits: green (free and frequent consumption of nutrient-rich and low-calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables), yellow (moderate consumption, lean meats, refined grains and dairy products and red (limited consumption or completely avoided as they are high in fats, sugars and sodium, processed foods[5]).
In your local community, advocate for safe and well-lit play areas and walking spaces and access to healthy foods. Speak up against weight stigma, whether at school or the workplace, so that people are not hesitant to ask for help and take preventive action.
People must urge policymakers to encourage schools to support healthy lunches and outdoor and indoor games. Neighbourhoods should be designed to create safe, well-lit walking and biking paths.
Clear food labelling should be mandatory so that people can make healthy food choices. The Food and Drug Administration has issued regulations instructing the inclusion of calorie and nutrition labelling in all food products.
Strategies such as imposing taxes on unhealthy foods and offering subsidies for healthy foods can encourage the public to adopt healthy eating habits and prevent obesity. Taxes on sugary beverages have been successfully implemented.
People with obesity often encounter conscious or unconscious bias in healthcare settings. Sometimes, healthcare providers can blame the patient for the obesity, negatively impacting the quality of care. Healthcare providers must be educated on the causes of obesity, how weight bias can harm quality care, focusing on the overall well-being of the patient and not just their weight and citing examples of people who are successful despite their obesity.
The obesity epidemic is a public threat and is affecting people from cities to villages, all age groups, and all income levels. The root cause of obesity is not limited to individual choices but extends to environmental, genetic, social and metabolic factors.
Fighting the obesity crisis requires awareness, commitment, and compassion towards others and ourselves. Every step taken by an individual, community, healthcare providers or policymakers can pave the way for a healthier future.
If you or a loved one is struggling with obesity, expert help is available. The multidisciplinary team at Kauvery Hospital offers personalized obesity management and support at our branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy. Take the first step towards a healthier future today.
What are the main causes of obesity?
Obesity is caused by a combination of factors, including unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, genetics, poor sleep, stress, certain medications, and environmental influences. It is rarely caused by a lack of willpower alone.
Why is obesity considered a serious health problem?
Obesity increases the risk of several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea, joint problems, and certain cancers. It can also affect mental health and overall quality of life.
Can obesity affect life expectancy?
Yes. Studies show that obesity can shorten life expectancy by increasing the risk of serious health conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight can help improve long-term health outcomes and reduce disease risk.
What is the best way to lose weight safely?
The safest approach combines a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and professional guidance when needed. Sustainable lifestyle changes are generally more effective than crash diets or extreme weight-loss methods.
How much exercise is recommended to prevent obesity?
Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, or sports can help maintain a healthy weight and improve overall fitness.
When should I seek medical help for obesity?
You should consult a healthcare professional if excess weight is affecting your health, daily activities, or emotional well-being, or if you are struggling to lose weight despite lifestyle changes. A doctor can identify underlying causes and recommend personalized treatment options.
Where can I get obesity treatment in Chennai, Trichy, Salem, Hosur, or Tirunelveli?
Kauvery Hospital offers comprehensive obesity management services[6], including medical evaluation, nutrition counseling, lifestyle guidance, and multidisciplinary support across Chennai, Trichy, Salem, Hosur, and Tirunelveli to help patients achieve sustainable weight management goals.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Radial Road & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 6111 6111 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 68011
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