Imagine walking into a crowded room and realizing that nearly 2 out of every 5 people are battling obesity. It’s not just a personal struggle. It’s, a global health crisis affecting over 650 million adults worldwide. Obesity doesn’t just impact how you feel or look; it’s linked to life-threatening conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. But how did we reach this point where obesity is so common, and what can we do to turn it around?
How Did We Get Here?
For most of human history, people have struggled to survive against challenges that, by today’s standards, seem distant and not present anymore. Problems like hostile environments, recurring and infectious diseases, droughts, and food shortages were the downfall of societies.
With the Industrial Revolution, world leaders realized body weight was linked to overall health. Health became a key factor in determining a nation’s military and economic power—healthier populations meant stronger soldiers and more productive workers.
In the 20th century, as populations from more developed and economically successful countries reached their growth potential, they also started to gain more weight than height proportionally and became a heavier population overall. By the end of this century, in the 2000s, humanity hit a historical record when, for the first time, being overweight overtook being underweight.
Understanding Obesity
Obesity, as we all know, is defined as excessive body fat in the body. Until the 1970s, obesity was measured by referencing “ideal body weight” tables created by health and life insurance companies, which found an association between increased body fat and early death.
In the 1980s, the Body Mass Index (BMI) was introduced and replaced the previous weight approach. BMI established the now commonly used cutoff limits for normal weight (BMI 19 – 24), overweight (BMI 25-30), and obesity (BMI >30).
Even though BMI is used worldwide, it is recognized to have many limitations which has led to the search for alternatives. Studies suggest abdominal circumference may be a better correlate for type 2 diabetes risk. But the lack of practical methods to measure visceral fat in routine exams limits its use as a screening tool. Developing ways to measure body fat compartments is a priority for obesity research and clinical trials.
The Balance of Diet and Exercise in Modern Life
Energy Intake
According to thermodynamics, the only way to gain body weight is to take in more energy than you expend.
In the United States, where obesity rates are among the highest in the world, there has been a significant increase in the number of calories people consume daily. Over the last 20 years, the average daily caloric intake has increased by around 200 calories per person. A big chunk of this comes from sweetened beverages like sodas and energy drinks, which now make up almost 25% of the daily calories of young adults.
Cheap, high-calorie foods are also more widely available than ever before. Fast food, processed snacks, and sugary drinks are more accessible and affordable than ever. This change in our diet is a major contributor to the rising obesity rates in the country.
By understanding how these changes in our food environment contribute to the problem, we can start making healthier choices and reverse the obesity epidemic.
Energy Output
For a long time, the US population’s lack of physical activity has been a growing concern. Research shows that less than 30% of people are active enough, 30% are somewhat active but not enough to balance their calorie intake, and the rest are sedentary.
Studies also show a sharp decline in physical activity starting from a young age. For example, the percentage of children who walk or bike to school has dropped dramatically—from 42% in 1969 to 16% in 2001.
Additionally, simply reducing calorie intake is not the solution. With the low levels of physical activity, many people have today, even a small excess of calories can lead to weight gain. So, addressing obesity requires more than just diet—it also requires increasing physical activity to balance energy intake.
A Well-Rounded Approach to Managing Obesity
Addressing obesity requires a comprehensive approach that balances both calorie intake and physical activity. While making dietary changes is essential, increasing physical activity levels is equally important in the fight against weight gain and related health conditions. The path to a healthier lifestyle can be challenging, but you’re not alone on this journey.
Are you struggling with obesity or weight-related health issues? Join our clinical trials, and you will not only have access to new treatments but also help move the research forward for many others. Contact us today to find out how!