Obesity is a risk factor for numerous conditions such as Diabetes, Hypertension (High blood pressure), High cholesterol, Stroke, Heart diseases, some types of cancers and Arthritis which amount to the common Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
According to the World Health Organization (WHO,2018), Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally. Each year 15 million people die from an NCD between the ages of 30 and 69 years and over 85% of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries where Uganda as a country lies. Cardio-vascular diseases account for most NCD deaths(17.9 million people) annually followed by cancers(9.0 million) ,Respiratory diseases (3.9million) and Diabetes(1.6 million)
Reduction of deaths due to NCDs through reduction and treatment is WHO sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.4 and can be done by reducing factors associated by NCDs, one of which is Obesity. These NCDs are largely due to risk factors like physical inactivity, obesity, excessive tobacco smoking and alcoholism. Prevention of NCDs through effective body weight management can be achieved through the following strategies: –
- Physical activity by doing regular aerobic exercises such as riding on treadmills, jogging among others for at least 30 minutes.
- Lowering calorie intake by eating more plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Reduce processed sugar intake
- Behavioural and lifestyle modifications such as reducing or avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Drinking warm water especially before meals and in the morning.
- Use modest amounts of healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados and nuts.
- Self-monitoring and feedback on the strategies that could be yielding the best results in weight management for your body.
- Consult your pharmacist on the weight loss supplement formulations available in pharmacies.