World Obesity Awareness Day: Engaging and Offering Support
World Obesity Day, an annual campaign initiated by the World Obesity Federation, aims to address the global obesity crisis. The day of action and discussion takes place on March 4 each year, but the campaign runs throughout the year.
Obesity is a chronic health condition that can cause serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, colon, kidney, gallbladder, and endometrial cancers.
The aim of World Obesity Day is to help people worldwide achieve and maintain a moderate weight. Managing obesity involves reducing calorie intake from fats and sugars, increasing healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and nuts, getting regular exercise, and attending weight management programs.
Key ways to get involved with World Obesity Day include raising awareness through community outreach, media campaigns, and educational events. Participating in global and local events, such as the Global Obesity Forum and Obesity Awareness Week, provides platforms for discussion, networking, and sharing best practices in obesity prevention and treatment.
Supporting or initiating community-based campaigns that promote healthy eating, increased physical activity, and reduced sedentary behavior is another way to contribute. Engaging healthcare providers and schools to integrate obesity prevention efforts is also crucial.
For resources and support related to obesity, the World Obesity Federation website offers training and events such as their premier Global Obesity Forum. It is a useful hub for scientific information, policy developments, and professional support. National and regional health agencies often provide materials for obesity awareness, prevention, and management, alongside local community organizations.
My Obesity Team offers a free social network for people living with obesity, providing a supportive community for those dealing with the condition. The World Obesity Patient Portal can help people with obesity find local communities and organizations for support.
In some cases, people may need additional help beyond lifestyle changes to lose weight. In these cases, they can work with a healthcare professional to discuss medication and surgery options.
People can visit the World Obesity Day website for resources and further information on getting involved. The website offers specific resources for people living with obesity, healthcare professionals, employers, policymakers, and youth.
In the United States, overweight or obesity affects nearly 70% of adults aged 20 or above, and obesity affects almost 1 in 5 people between 2-19 years old. It's important to remember that people with obesity may face shame and blame due to a lack of understanding of the root causes of obesity.
Strategies to prevent obesity include placing restrictions on marketing around foods and drinks high in sugar, salt, and fats, ensuring equal access to affordable, healthy foods, and prioritizing safe spaces to walk, cycle, and exercise.
[1] World Obesity Federation. (2023). World Obesity Day 2023: Changing Perspectives: Let's talk about obesity. Retrieved from https://www.worldobesity.org/world-obesity-day/ [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Preventing Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/prevention/index.html [3] World Obesity Federation. (n.d.). Global Obesity Forum. Retrieved from https://www.worldobesity.org/global-obesity-forum/ [4] Obesity Action Coalition. (n.d.). Get Involved. Retrieved from https://www.obesityaction.org/get-involved/
- World Obesity Day aims to combat the global obesity crisis, with a focus on helping people achieve and maintain a moderate weight.
- Obesity is a chronic health condition that can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
- Managing obesity involves reducing calorie intake from fats and sugars, increasing healthy foods, and getting regular exercise.
- Raising awareness through community outreach, media campaigns, and educational events is key to getting involved with World Obesity Day.
- The Global Obesity Forum and Obesity Awareness Week provide platforms for discussion, networking, and sharing best practices in obesity prevention and treatment.
- Supporting or initiating community-based campaigns promoting healthy eating, increased physical activity, and reduced sedentary behavior is another way to contribute.
- Engaging healthcare providers and schools to integrate obesity prevention efforts is essential in tackling the issue.
- The World Obesity Federation website offers resources such as the Global Obesity Forum and training for scientific information, policy developments, and professional support.
- Local community organizations, like My Obesity Team, provide a supportive network for people dealing with obesity.
- In some cases, medication and surgery may be necessary for weight loss, and working with a healthcare professional is crucial.
- Nearly 70% of adults and nearly 1 in 5 children in the United States are affected by overweight or obesity, and it's essential to address root causes of obesity.
- Strategies to prevent obesity include placing restrictions on marketing around unhealthy foods, ensuring equal access to affordable, healthy food, and prioritizing safe spaces for physical activity.
