✅ Why is it impossible to "slim down" obesity?

For years dealing with dietetics, I know the statistics of the World He alth Organization (WHO) well. They remind us that obesity has reached pandemic proportions and that complications of obesity are one of the leading causes of death in the world! For example, in the US, mortality from excess body weight causes up to of all deaths. However, in my opinion, the most important issue is the cascading increase in the number of people suffering from obesity.

According to WHO, statistically over the last 40 years the number of overweight people has increased from 330 million to 462 million. On the other hand, people suffering from obesity from 105 million to 641 million!

Obesity in historical terms

Food was a scarce commodity for most of the human population's existence. For hundreds of years, humanity has rarely sat down to its fullest. Now the situation has changed 180 degrees. It is no longer a problem to feed yourself for the equivalent of 5 euros (24 zlotys) a day. This is the hourly rate for an average paid job. Comparing it to our ancestors who had to work hard all day to earn enough food - the difference is colossal.

Obesity has accompanied humanity since prehistoric times. The first archaeological finds show the silhouettes of people with greater body weight. An example would be the Venus of Willendorf figurine. Over the centuries, people with obesity were perceived in different ways. In the Middle Ages, obesity was considered a sign of prosperity and high social status. On the other hand, in the Baroque period, people with obesity were even adored by appearing in the paintings of many prominent painters, incl. Rubens.

However, with time it was noticed that excessive body weight is not only a sign of we alth, but also a serious burden for the body. The words of the ancient thinker Hippocrates have been unearthed, who as early as 460-375 BC stated that "sudden death is more common among those who are naturally more obese than those who are thin." But only in 1650. Tobias Vanner used the term "obesity" which in Latin (obesus) means "one who has become plump after eating".

The greatest progress in understanding the causes and consequences of obesity, however, has taken place in the last 20 years, since obesity was recognized as a disease and entered into the International List of Diseases and He alth Problems by WHO. And this is due to, among others biological termsactive compounds produced by adipose tissue. An important endocrine organ (affecting the entire organism), which is adipose tissue, may contribute to the development of many diseases, especially the so-called civilization diseases.

Contemporary obesity is a complex chronic disease. It is caused by many environmental, metabolic, psychological and hormonal factors, including disruptions in the work of hunger and satiety hormones. Contemporary obesity leads to about 50 serious, other serious diseases, incl. type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, osteoarthritis. And most importantly, obesity by itself will not go away without proper treatment. Contemporary obesity is no longer a symbol of good birth, "full bowl" and "good nutrition". Obesity "takes its toll" both in rich Arab countries and in poor African countries, so far associated with hunger. And obese people, although fat, often go to doctors in a state of extreme malnutrition, with minimal amounts of nutrients in the body.

Worth knowing

What causes more and more people with obesity?

Easy access to processed, high-sugar and fat-rich foods that make you want to eat more than you really need.
Limiting the amount of traffic. A sedentary lifestyle.
Genetic changes passed down through successive generations.
Incorrect eating and leisure patterns. Children learn from their parents, observe the environment in which they grow up repeating inappropriate habits.
Not enough education. Times are changing - and they still teach the same subjects in schools, but they lack proper nutrition education.

Obesity and food

Imagine we're not talking about you here. Many people, even if their BMI (body mass index) indicates otherwise, it may seem that overweight or obesity does not apply to them. I am reminded of the story of a bus driver who claimed there was no problem until he had trouble getting behind the wheel because of his fatness! I will use the example of a person with anorexia. Anorexia, like obesity, is a disease with high mortality. However, people with anorexia do not feel sick at all! This is the biggest problem. Despite the extremely low BMI, he alth problems, and lack of energy, these people still feel fat and therefore unattractive. What many people do not know is the fact that you live with obesity and anorexia for the rest of your life. Thankswith proper treatment and intervention of specialists - dietitians and psychologists - it is possible, however, to persuade these people to change their eating habits. Directing to a new path, showing methods and appropriate tools. Nevertheless, the "old path" stays in your head for the rest of your life. It may be a little overgrown with grass, however, the anorexic woman will often get over the idea of starting to lose weight again. A person with obesity, with a moment of inattention, can also leave their mental defenses and lose control over the quantity and quality of food they eat.

Do overweight and obesity also apply to you?

If you are reading this article, you are probably on the right track. However, many people with obesity are unaware of their disease and its risks. To answer the question whether this also applies to you, it is enough to use the BMI formula. A score of 25 to 29 means you are overweight. This is called pre-obesity condition. This is a sign that you are already developing obesity for some reason. A result above 30 is obese. It is a disease entity. You may not feel this applies to you. The element of denial: " I am not obese, I only have a problem with unnecessary kilograms " is a very common feature in this case.

However, I have very good news for you. You've already done the biggest piece of work and planted a seed in your head that will sprout. Now you should know the change cycles:

1.Pre-contemplation , i.e. no intention to take any action in the near future. You think:

I don't know if I need to change.
Nothing overshadows the pleasure of eating.
Sometimes I thought about losing weight, but I lack willpower.
I don't need to change anything.

2.Contemplation,that is, noticing obesity, considering the advantages and disadvantages of change. You think:

Maybe I have a problem with these kilos?
The idea of losing a few pounds crosses my mind.
What do I really gain without changing?
I'm starting to worry about the he alth effects of being overweight.
I'm looking for information on how to get rid of unnecessary kilos.

3.Preparation for change , i.e. noticing that the list of benefits of treating overweight and obesity is longer than the list of benefits of improper eating:

It's time to make a change. Only how?
You have already taken steps to lose weight.
You know who and what can help you.
You may have already visited a specialist / agreed the date of the change.

4.Action,that is takingspecific steps to reduce weight.

I'll do it now! - it will be good and the most meaningful for me.
Losing kilograms is a pleasure and an interesting challenge for me.
I am calm about the effects.
I break all connections between eating and other activities.
I will ask my family and friends for support.

5.Maintaining and consolidating new behavior patterns .