We are currently in the middle of a pandemic – but we’re not talking about COVID-19.

Since 1975, the obesity rate has nearly tripled. In 2016, over 2.1 billion people are overweight or obese.

We live in a culture of blame, where people are quick to point the finger at others rather than take responsibility for themselves and their own health. It is the same with obesity.

People categorise the obesity epidemic as a condition that is beyond your control. This puts more pressure on government to find solutions, such as taxation laws or public health initiatives.

Does it hold true that some people are just destined to be overweight? Is it more about taking responsibility for our own health?

Take a deeper look into the causes and effects of obesity and learn what you can to do regain some control.

Why is it important to talk about obesity?

The World Health Organisation (WHO), for adults, defines a BMI greater or equal than 25 as being overweight and greater or equal than 30 as being obese. 1

Around 90% of those with type 2 diabetics are overweight or obese.

Around 65-75% risk of high blood pressure is associated with obesity.

Worldwide, an estimated 38.2 millions children aged under five are overweight or obese.

Experts estimate that by 2030 almost 60% of people in the world could be overweight or obese.

It’s hard to read these facts, but they must be acknowledged.

Overweight can reduce your life expectancy, as well as increase your risk for cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. You may also be at greater risk for dementia, Alzheimer’s and depression.

Multiple factors can impact the cause of obesity, even though the physiological causes are almost always the same. This includes mainly genetic, environmental, and social factors. They will affect our behavior and whether or not we act in a manner that leads to obesity.

Obesity reduces life expectancy up to 10 years.

Am I genetically predisposed towards obesity?

It is said that your genes may load the gun but it’s your lifestyle and the environment which pulls the trigger.

There is some truth in the idea that genes can affect how we use our energy and adapt to periods when we are over or underfed. Parents teach us attitudes towards food and exercise. Also important are psychology, inequality and our environment.

Mental health problems are also genetically linked, and the modern culture encourages us to use foods and drinks as coping mechanisms. This, of course, compounds the obesity problem.

Many people have genes that place them at risk for everything from Alzheimer’s to breast cancer, but they will not develop these diseases without lifestyle and environmental factors.

You may be genetically predisposed to obesity, but if you adopt the right lifestyle, you will not become overweight.

The Law of Thermodynamics says that we can’t create energy from nothing. It is therefore scientifically impossible for someone to not lose weight if they are in a constant calorie deficit. The factors that we have mentioned above can make it more difficult for some people to lose weight.

We must accept some responsibility for our unhealthy choices, even if we do nothing about them.

Lose weight by creating a consistent deficit of calories through increased physical activity and reduced energy intake.

What is the cause of my environmental problems?

Humans are products of their environments. The message of “overconsumption” is heard everywhere.

Food and beverage companies invest millions to get you to buy their products. They do this in increasingly creative ways. We have apps that let us order food and get it delivered to our door within 15 minutes.

Families with low incomes and those living in deprived areas are more likely to choose cheaper, less nutritious foods. The easy choice can be the worst choice, and in some cases the rational choice.

The sugar tax and regulations against food advertising to kids are small but positive steps.

We cannot ignore the individual (and parental) responsibility when we discuss obesity. Nobody is physically forced into overeating and being less active.

Our environment is becoming more ‘obesogenic,’ but we must all take responsibility for our own health and well-being.

Who is responsible for the crime?

In order to become healthier, people need an environment which encourages them to change their eating and exercising habits. This includes education and guidance.

We are a blame-culture, which means we tend to look for faults in others before taking a hard look at our own behaviours and ourselves. Obesity is often more than just a poor choice of food, but this does not make it a serious disease.

Although losing weight isn’t easy, we can still control it.

We should take responsibility for our bad health decisions, no matter what the reason is, and reverse them.

We should not shrug and wait for the government or food and beverage industry to come up with a’magic remedy’.

Learn how Ultimate Performance client Dan regained control of his health after struggling with obesity for 20 years and lost 53kg.

What can you to do to regain some control?

It is always an imbalance in the amount of calories consumed and those we burn that causes obesity or overweight.

Weight loss and fat reduction can be achieved by adopting a healthy lifestyle and sticking with it.

• Exercise and diet can create a deficit in energy.
• Make sure that the majority of what you eat is whole, nutrient-dense foods. Lean proteins, fibrous vegetables and fruits, and healthy fats are all part of a healthy diet.
• You can increase your daily activity level by increasing your movement throughout the day. A good place to start is to measure your step count, and then try to go up from there.
• Regular exercise 2-3 times per week. Resistance training can burn calories, increase muscle mass and reduce inflammation.
• Sleep quality and quantity should be your top priority. Aim for an average of 7-9 hours per day.
• Use relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to manage your anxiety instead of food and drinks.

Take-home message

Obesity does not make a person bad. The judgement is not directed at YOU. It is not healthy and we should never accept it.

You are not alone in your fight against obesity. But the first step to a healthier life is to accept that you need to make changes.

You can get support and guidance if you want to, but you have to make the decision.

Are you struggling to lose weight and find motivation? Discover how Ultimate Performance can assist you in getting back into shape.