Walk the fat off

“Today childhood obesity is on the rise. We had no obesity epidemic in 1970 when children were consuming more soda than they do today,” says Dr Shashank Shah, bariatric surgeon Wockhardt hospital and Ruby Hall clinic.

The one factor in our diets that has increased dramatically is cheese consumption. The dairy industry would have you believe that soda is to blame. Says Shah, “When it’s cold, we tend to cut back on subtle calorie-burning activities such as short walks and light outdoor chores. These caloric expenditures may only add up to 1001 calories burned per day; but this translates into a 3-4 pound weight gain during the winter months.”

Some people are particularly sensitive to light deprivation, caused by the decrease in daylight hours during the winter, particularly in the northern third of the country. About 5 percent of the population becomes markedly depressed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). About one-fifth of us are affected to some degree, prompting increased food cravings and weight gain in susceptible people. These food cravings may be a result of the seasonal changes in the brain chemical serotonin. Eating more healthful carbs - such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables-increases serotonin levels. And that cuts cravings and helps keep you from putting on pounds.

Increase your exposure to sunlight. The amount of needed daylight varies for each individual. Go to the gym, walk in malls and rake stairs instead of escalators. Get some good walking shoes, and if you drive to work, park several blocks ‘away; if you take mass transit, get off one or two stops early. Walk to the grocery, to the movies, to the library—even if it takes 45 minutes. Move!

Make some dietary changes. Try eating more protein—it can help reduce the cravings for cakes, cookies, chips and other fatty carbohydrates that can be caused by light deprivation. Wholesome protein sources include soymilk and low-fat dairy products,Shah adds.

Shah also points out that bariatric surgery is not a cosmetic procedure done by the rich and affluent, but it is a life-saving procedure and most of the ill effects of obesity can be reversed by laparoscopic weight loss surgery. “Moderate dieting and exercise can address overweight problems, but morbid obesity only calls for surgical intervention. Obesity related co-morbidity is also on the rise which includes infertility and only surgery can address the problem,” he says.

A WHO survey has concluded that morbid obesity will create tremendous economic burden on India. The need of the hour is to increase public awareness about morbid obesity, its complications and most importantly that it can be treated. Morbid Obesity is leading to other diseases like coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, knee joint problems, sleep apnea,,gall bladder stones, cancer and even infertility and which is why there is a urgent need to start a mass awareness programmes about ill effects of obesity.

Morbid obesity, also referred to as clinically severe obesity or extreme obesity, and defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 37 and more has been recognized the world over as a chronic disease The health effects associated with morbid obesity are numerous and can be disabling. Often, individuals with morbid obesity suffer from more than one health effect, creating a situation that can shorten life span and negatively impact quality of life. Known to cause depression as well, some individuals with morbid obesity have low self-esteem and other psychological difficulties attributed to feeling shunned, insulted and ridiculed by outsiders.