Cart is emptyHello and welcome to my book on Obesity and Diabetes. I hope you enjoy and find this book useful.
Obesity is a complex disease involving having too much body fat. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It’s a medical problem that increases the risk of many other diseases and health problems. These can include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea and certain cancers.[1]
Here are some key facts from the World Health Organization’s website on worldwide Obesity and Overweight[2]
- In 2022, 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity.
- Worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled.
- In 2022, 2.5 billion adults (18 years and older) were overweight. Of these, 890 million were living with obesity.
- In 2022, 43% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight and 16% were living with obesity.
- In 2022, 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight.
- Over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight in 2022, including 160 million who were living with obesity.
[1] Mayo Clinic, “Obesity,” (2024).
[2] World Health Organisation, “Obesity and Overweight.”
Is it possible to reverse obesity? Yes, provided it is not genetic in origin. To achieve this, it is crucial to eliminate carbohydrates that break down into glucose (blood sugar) and calorie-dense snack foods primarily composed of refined sugar. The combination of these two “foods” disrupts and overloads the body, eventually leading to the development of Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Obesity is a significant risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes, and the two conditions are closely interconnected. Approximately 80–90% of individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight or obese. Excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance in muscle and tissue cells. This phenomenon is attributed to various factors, including alterations in adipose tissue biology, cellular function, and multi-organ insulin resistance.
Weight loss can enhance glycemic control by augmenting insulin sensitivity and facilitating glucose uptake. Regular physical activity also contributes to weight loss and insulin sensitivity. It is imperative to convey the message that non-genetic obesity is reversible and preventable.
