A new report states that more than half of the world's population will be overweight or obese by 2035. If action is not taken to combat this, what are the reasons?
What are the top 10 foods associated with weight gain and obesity?
The 2023 report issued by the International Obesity Federation expects that 51% of the world (more than 4 billion people) will suffer from obesity or overweight within the next 12 years, according to Reuters.
The report found that obesity rates are rising rapidly, especially among children and in low-income countries.
World Obesity Federation president Louise Power called the data a "clear warning" and said policy makers needed to act now to prevent the situation from worsening.
Childhood obesity
"It is particularly worrying to see obesity rates rising most rapidly among children and adolescents," she said in a statement.
"Governments and policymakers around the world must do everything they can to avoid passing the health, social and economic costs onto the younger generation," she added.
The report found that childhood obesity could more than double from 2020 levels, reaching 208 million boys and 175 million girls by 2035.
The union said that the cost to society is significant as a result of the health conditions associated with being overweight.
at a value of more than $4 trillion annually by 2035, or 3% of global GDP.
However, the authors said they do not blame the individuals, but rather call for a focus on the societal, environmental and biological factors involved in these conditions.
The report uses body mass index (BMI) in its assessments, which is a number calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres.
In line with WHO guidelines, a BMI over 25 means overweight, and over 30 means obese.
In 2020, 2.6 billion people are classified in these categories, or 38% of the world's population.
The report also found that almost all countries expect to see the largest increase in obesity in the coming years, especially low- and middle-income countries in Asia and Africa.
The data will be provided to decision makers in the United Nations and Member States.
What are the causes of weight gain?
According to the World Health Organization, the main cause of overweight and obesity is the energy imbalance between the calories a person consumes and those that his body burns.
Globally, the changes that have raised rates of overweight are:
Increase the intake of energy-dense foods that contain a large amount of fat and sugar.
Increasing physical inactivity in many forms of work, changing means of transportation, and increasing urbanization.
Complications of overweight and obesity
Cardiovascular diseases.
diabetic.
Musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease of the joints that causes a great deal of disability.
some types of cancer;
Such as cancers affecting the lining of the uterus, breasts, ovaries, prostate, gallbladder, kidneys and colon.
Childhood obesity is associated with increased odds of obesity, premature death, and disability as an adult.
In addition to increased future risks, obese children suffer from breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures and high blood pressure, which are early signs of cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance.
10 foods that threaten you with obesity
These foods can contribute to weight gain if you consume them in large quantities, so we advise you to reduce or stay away from them:
1- Soft drinks
Soft drinks are high in calories and added sugar, and lack important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, according to Healthline.
Research shows that people who regularly drink sugary soft drinks are more likely to gain weight than those who don't.
2- Coffee sweetened with sugar
Rich in caffeine and a variety of health-promoting antioxidants, coffee can be a nutritious beverage.
However, if sweetened with added syrup or sugar, coffee and coffee-based beverages (such as a frappe, café latte, or frozen mocha) can contain as much sugar as soft drinks.
Like other sugar-sweetened beverages, high-sugar coffee drinks can contribute to weight gain and may be harmful to your health.
such as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
3- "Ice Cream"
Most commercially made "ice cream" is high in sugar and fat.
Since it is eaten as a dessert, it can add a lot of calories.
4- Pizza
Commercially prepared pizza is a popular prepared food, especially among children and teens.
The problem is that most types of pizza are high in fat, refined carbs, and calories.
Some items are made in large quantities with cheese and processed meats that have been cured, smoked, or salted.
Eating more processed meat has been linked to obesity and an increased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
5- Sweetened cakes and pies
Cakes and donuts often contain large amounts of sugar, refined flour and fat.
They are also usually high in calories.
For example, a single chocolate chip cookie can contain more than 220 calories, and a single donut can contain more than 300 calories.
6- French fries
French fries are a popular snack or side option, especially when eating out.
An average serving of French fries (117 grams) usually contains about 380 calories, and most commercially processed French fries also contain a high percentage of fat and salt, two ingredients that increase the risk of overeating.
7- Potato chips
Potato chips are high in fat, refined carbohydrates and salt, and studies have linked them to weight gain.
8- Corn flakes containing added sugar
Many of the types of cornflakes we eat with milk for breakfast are full of calories and added sugar, with some varieties containing as much as 13 grams of sugar per cup (36 grams).
In other words, it can be made up of 40% added sugar.
These grains are also highly processed and refined, which means they have been stripped of much of the fiber and nutrients found in whole grains.
Some research suggests that replacing refined grains with whole grains can help prevent weight gain and improve diet quality.
9- Chocolate
Dark chocolate has been linked to many health benefits, including improved heart health and brain function.
However, chocolate can be high in calories and fat.
In addition, most commercially produced milk and white chocolate are high in added sugar.
In general, this means that chocolate - regardless of the type - can contribute to weight gain if you eat large amounts of it.
10- Fruit juice
Although fruit juice is often seen as a healthy drink, most brands contain about the same amount of sugar as soft drinks.
The juice also lacks the fiber and other nutrients you get by eating whole fruit.
Drinking large amounts of fruit juice has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, especially in children.