Growing obesity of ‘great concern’

OBESITY IS recognised worldwide as one of the most dangerous and serious diseases of the 21st century with 27.8 per cent of adult Cypriots diagnosed obese, the Cyprus Association of Dieticians and Nutritionists said yesterday.

In a press release to mark World Day against Obesity today, the association noted that obesity has taken on epidemic proportions with one in two Europeans registered as overweight and almost one in three considered obese. The disease represents one of the major risk factors for chronic and metabolic diseases.

According to a three-year survey carried out by the association, obesity is of great concern in Cyprus where it is estimated 27.8 per cent of Cypriots aged 20-80 are categorised as obese, 36.1 per cent overweight and 29.6 per cent normal.

The survey, completed in 2009, found that 2.1 per cent of men and 10.5 per cent of women are underweight, 22.2 per cent of men and 36.6 per cent of women have normal weight, 46.9 per cent of men and 26 per cent of women are overweight, while 28.8 per cent of men and 26.9 per cent of women are obese.

“Obesity is arguably the most important nutritional disease in developed countries and can affect both the quality and length of life of sufferers, as it is now scientifically proven to be associated closely with a number of serious health problems that can lead to even death,” said the association.

According to the World Health Organisation, some 1.6 billion people worldwide over 15 are overweight and at least 400 million are obese, while at least 20 million children are estimated to be overweight.

Obesity was characterised in 1948 as a chronic disease by the WHO, which set October 24 as the World Day against Obesity. It is estimated that by 2015, 2.3 billion people will be overweight.

The association advises people to adopt dietary rules to ensure a healthier life. The rules entail targeting a healthy weight loss programme, where you lose between half a kilo and one kilo a week, following a diet that includes no less than 1,000-2,000 calories a day.

Other recommendations are to exercise daily, eat a variety of fruit and veg daily, reduce your sugar and salt intake and for those who drink alcohol, do it in moderation.

A final piece of advice shows it’s not all bad, “enjoy your favourite foods periodically and in moderation”.

 

 

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