According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over the past 35 years, the number of cases of obesity has doubled: 1.9 billion adults - over 18 years of age - are overweight of which 600 million are obese.

About 13% of the world's adult population were obese in 2014, of which 11% were males and 15% were females.

39% of people over 18 in 2014 were overweight  : a figure not to be overlooked  !

1. Define overweight and obesity

Overweight and obesity are defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat which is harmful to health.

To estimate overweight in adults, we use a simple measure called the Body Mass Index (BMI). It corresponds to the weight divided by the square of the cut, expressed in kg / m2.

BMI = Weight (kg) / Height squared

For example, a person who weighs 60 kilos and is 1.64 meters tall, his BMI = 60 / 1.64 2 = 22.30

So his BMI will be located in  : HEALTHY WEIGHT

However, it gives an approximate indication because it does not necessarily correspond to the same degree of adiposity from one individual to another.

2.   The causes of obesity and overweight  

The main cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and expended.

-        The calories consumed increased due to the high consumption of caloric foods high in fat

-        And the calories expended  decreased due to a lack of physical activity (sedentary, changes in modes of transport, etc.)

3.   The consequences of overweight and obesity  

A high BMI is a risk factor for chronic diseases such as  :

-        Cardiovascular diseases which were the leading cause of death in 2012

-        Diabetes

-        Hypertension

• Cancers

• Cirrhosis

• Sleep Apnea

• Hypercholesterolemia or dyslipidemia

• Heart or breathing problems

• Dementia

• Infertility or fertility problem

• Erectile problem

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Premature death

• ...

For children too, the number of obese people has continued to increase for 35 years. Obesity in children is associated with disability in adulthood and an increased risk of premature death.

4.   The benefits of a healthy diet

Scientific studies confirm it  : have a diet  balanced and varied helps to stay healthy.

The benefits of a healthy diet are as follows  :

• Lowers the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart and respiratory problems

• Promotes fertility 

• Improves and increases energy

• Strengthens the natural defenses of our body 

• Knowing about long-term weight loss 

• Increase longevity

• Decreases the risk of depression

• Promotes a good sex life

• Increase the quality of life

• Provides physical and mental well-being

• ...

We can all prevent overweight and obesity  :

you just need to choose your foods well and exercise regularly  .

In terms of food , choose healthy foods, limit your energy intake from the consumption of total fats and sugars. Eat more vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains.

Regarding physical activity, ideally 60 minutes per day for a child and 150 minutes per week for an adult over 18 years old.

Healthy eating is the key to the proper functioning of the body.