Obesity: The Silent Epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

Obesity has emerged as a global epidemic, significantly contributing to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. India, with its unique obesity trends and increasing childhood obesity, is grappling with the socio-economic and health consequences of this condition.

About Obesity:

A chronic disease characterized by excessive fat deposits impairing health.
Criteria: Diagnosed using Body Mass Index (BMI):
- Overweight: BMI > 25 kg/m²
- Obesity: BMI > 30 kg/m²
- For Asia-Pacific regions, obesity starts at BMI > 25 kg/m² (WHO).
Global Statistics: Adult obesity has doubled since 1990, while adolescent obesity has quadrupled.
The Indian Context: 13% of Indians are obese, higher than many middle-income countries. India ranks third globally in obesity prevalence, after China and the USA.
Variants of Obesity in India:
- Normal Weight Obesity: High body fat despite normal BMI.
- Sarcopenic Obesity: High BMI or waist circumference with muscle mass loss.
- TOFI (Thin Outside Fat Inside): Increased waist circumference with normal weight; 65% prevalence among men and women.
Health Impacts: High rates of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
India ranks second globally for obese children.
Global Death Toll: Overweight and obesity cause 3.4 million deaths annually.

About Body Mass Index (BMI):

It is a simple calculation that uses a person’s weight and height to estimate body fat.
It is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²).
BMI is commonly used to classify individuals into categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese.
However, it does not differentiate between fat, muscle, or water, making it less accurate in predicting overall health risks like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

About Diabetes:

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose.
Hyperglycaemia, also called raised blood glucose or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Criteria	Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)	Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)
Cause	Autoimmune disorder where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.	Insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production by the body.
Onset	Typically develops in childhood or adolescence.	Usually develops in adulthood, often linked to lifestyle factors.
Insulin Dependence	Patients are insulin-dependent for life as the body cannot produce insulin.	May not initially require insulin; managed with oral medications and lifestyle changes, though insulin may be needed in later stages.
Prevalence	Less common, accounting for about 5-10% of all diabetes cases.	More common, accounting for about 90-95% of all diabetes cases.