World Obesity Day 2023: Obesity And Its Impact On The Working Population: Causes And Management

Obesity, also known as the ¡®mother of all diseases¡¯, is a growing concern worldwide, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a complex condition that arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Obesity is prevalent among both the nonworking population and the working population. However, it is found to be increasingly common in the working population with the incidences being slightly higher in this group.

The global prevalence of obesity varies widely by region, with the highest rates found in North America, Europe, and some countries in the Middle East and North Africa. However, obesity rates are also increasing rapidly in many low and middle-income countries, particularly in urban areas and among higher-income groups.

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Within working populations, obesity rates may be higher among certain occupational groups, such as those with sedentary jobs or irregular work schedules that may make it difficult to maintain healthy eating and exercise habits.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In 2022, a survey on the ¡®Prevalence of obesity across India in 2016 and 2021, by gender¡¯ revealed that the percentage of women who were overweight or obese rose from 20.6 percent in 2016 to 24 percent in the year 2021. Similarly, the prevalence of overweight or obese men increased to around 22.9 percent in 2021.

Why obesity is common among working population?

The sedentary lifestyle habits of the working population are largely to blame for being overweight and obesity and its associated risks. Once people start working, they tend to sit for long hours and engage in a lot of screen time with little to no physical activity. Moreover, they may not eat food on time or may make unhealthy food choices.

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As a result, obesity becomes a real risk for these people, with many other chronic health issues developing, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or hypertension, heart disease, stroke, kidney and liver function problems, sleep apnea, knee pain, back pain, thyroidism, PCOS and fertility issues, and certain cancers.

Sedentary work

Many jobs today require long hours of sitting or standing in one place, which can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. This lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

Stress

Many jobs can be stressful, which can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating or indulging in high-calorie, high-fat foods. Stress can also lead to disrupted sleep patterns, which can contribute to weight gain.

Convenience foods

Many people who work long hours or have hectic schedules may rely on fast food and convenience foods that are high in calories, fat, and sugar. These foods can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

Lack of time

Many people who work long hours may have little time or energy to exercise or prepare healthy meals, leading to a lack of physical activity and a poor diet.

Lack of education

Many people may not have access to education about healthy eating habits and physical activity, which can lead to a lack of awareness about the risks of obesity and how to prevent it.

Addressing these factors may help reduce the incidence of obesity and promote better health in the working population.

Management of obesity

Obesity is a condition that needs to be addressed at an early stage. If left unchecked, the BMI (Body Mass Index) keeps increasing which can make it more challenging to manage. When a patient has BMI less than 25 to 30, the management is relatively easy with a few lifestyle modifications and diet restrictions. And if the BMI goes above 40, bariatric surgery may be the only option left for these people.

The first line of treatment for managing obesity is always medical management, including lifestyle modifications and dietary changes. Regular physical activity and healthy eating can go a long way in reversing obesity and improving one¡¯s overall health. By making simple changes, such as engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep, it is possible to prevent or reverse obesity. However, when a person grows morbidly obese, serious health issues can arise which can make living worse. These patients are considered suitable candidates for bariatric or weight-loss surgery.

Prevention of obesity

The working population is particularly susceptible to obesity, given their sedentary lifestyles. People are very less informed when it comes to knowing the long-term effects of binge eating followed by poor lifestyle habits such as heavy alcohol consumption, smoking tobacco and other substances, consuming fast food, sugary drinks, dairy products, processed foods, etc. Thus, it is essential to raise awareness about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and making the right choices. They should also be made aware of the life-threatening risks that are associated with obesity.

In conclusion, obesity is a chronic health concern that affects both the working and nonworking populations. Hence, a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach that involves lifestyle interventions, medical management, and wellness programs that encourage physical activity, healthy eating, and weight management can be effective in reducing the prevalence of obesity and leading to improved health outcomes and productivity.

About the author: Dr. G. Moinoddin is a Consultant - Bariatric and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, Manipal Hospital Millers Road. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.