^{Designed in Canva}

---

Understanding Obesity

---

Whenever I ponder upon obesity, I understand it as a disease that has engulfed our society like a silently approaching tsunami. You may be thinking, what's the primary cause? Junk food or overeating? Yes, these are factors, but the major culprit is our evolving lifestyle.

We are so busy with our everyday tasks that we neglect our health and fitness. After returning from the office, university, or school, we're so exhausted that we don't consider doing anything other than watching TV or using our mobiles. Consequently, chips, samosas, or any form of junk food become our best friends.

Additionally, some people turn to food under emotional stress, which only increases their weight. This cycle continues until we realize we've fallen victim to obesity.

You should know that obesity is more than just a cosmetic concern; It's a gateway to a myriad of diseases. Heart disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure - all of these have a direct correlation with obesity. Hence, if you're obese, you're unintentionally jeopardizing your health.

Often, individuals suffering from obesity feel inferior, but this is entirely unwarranted. Your weight doesn't define your personality or capabilities. If you possess the willpower and determination to exert effort, your health goals are within reach.

---

Three Factors Contributing to Obesity

---

The problem of obesity is escalating day by day, becoming a global health issue. Excess weight doesn't just alter your appearance, but it also significantly harms your health. Let's delve deeper into the three major causes of obesity:

Unhealthy Diet

This is the first and largest cause. We are always in a hurry and we tend to choose junk food or packaged food over more wholesome alternatives. These foods have a lot of fat and sugar but not much nourishment. This leads us to feel hungry quickly, causing us to eat more. Moreover, these meals have less fibre, which slows down our digestion system.

---

_Source

---

Physical Inactivity

Our modern lifestyle is increasingly sedentary, leaving no room for exercise. Whether at school, college, or work, we're dependent on vehicles for commuting. After arriving home, we just sit in front of the TV or our mobiles. When we don’t move enough, we can’t use up the calories we consume, and they turn into fat.

---

_Source

---

Genetic Factors

Sometimes, the cause of obesity is in our genes. If your parents are obese, your risk of obesity increases. However, this is merely a predisposition. This means if your environment and lifestyle are healthy, you can avoid obesity.

---

^{Image by Freepik}

---

In addition to these three aspects, poor sleep, stress, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to obesity. You might wonder, how can lack of sleep lead to obesity? It may sound unusual, but science confirms a direct link between sleep and weight. Inadequate sleep disrupts our hormonal balance. These hormones regulate our hunger, emotional eating urges, and metabolism. Those who sleep less generally tend to carry more weight.

---

Effective Strategies for Preventing Obesity

---

We can adopt several strategies to fend off obesity. These are simple and straightforward steps that can easily help us stave off obesity if adhered to daily. Here's what we can do:

Balanced Diet:

Firstly, we must be mindful of our diet. It's crucial to limit the intake of junk food, processed food, and foods high in sugar. Instead, our diet should encompass fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods not only provide us with essential nutrients but also keep us satisfied.

Regular Exercise:

Including even a small amount of exercise in our daily routine can work wonders. It aids in burning calories and strengthens our muscles. Daily activities like a 30-minute walk or a swimming session are highly beneficial.

Regular Sleep:

Without sleep, our body cannot function properly. Lack of sleep affects our hunger hormones, making us feel hungrier. Therefore, it's essential to have a good 6-8 hours of sleep daily.

Hydrate Yourself:

Drinking water helps detoxify our body and speed up our metabolism. Plus, sometimes we confuse thirst with hunger. Drinking more water can help avoid this confusion.

Stress Management:

Stress can be a big reason for overeating. Therefore, we need to manage our stress levels. This can be done through meditation, yoga, or pursuing a hobby.

Regular Health Check-ups:

Last but not least, it's very important to have regular health check-ups. This helps us understand our health and detect any problems early.

---

By following these tips, we can prevent obesity. However, always remember, everyone is unique. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Therefore, understanding your body and acting accordingly is very important. Staying healthy is possible for everyone; it just requires a little effort and commitment.

---

I trust that you found the information in my article to be valuable. 😊

---

^{I would like to invite @malikusman1, @patjewell, @irawandedy, @radjasalman, @f2i5, @pelon53, @franyeligonzalez and @simonnwigwe to join this contest through this link, if they have not already taken part in it.}

---

^{Author: @waqarahmadshah | Date: 14-June-2023 | Achievement 1}