March 4 is considered the day of world obesity and the theme of the campaign in 2025 was “change systems, healthier lives”
On March 4, the world met to make the population aware of one of the major challenges of public health: obesity. The date, known as World Obesty Day, tries to expand the debate on the disease, which affects millions of people globally and is associated with various complications, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity already reaches over 1 billion people worldwide and projections indicate even greater growth in the coming years. In Brazil, the latest Vigel 2023 data show that 24.3% of the adult population is obese, while among adolescents aged 13 to 17, the index already reaches 7.8%, according to the National School Health Survey (Pense).
Endocrinologist Dr. Stephanie Konzen, a healthy weight loss specialist and longevity, underlines that obesity should be treated as a chronic and multifactorial disease. “It is not only aesthetics or willpower. Obesity involves genetic, metabolic, hormonal and behavioral factors. Therefore, the treatment must be individualized, combining changes in the diet and physical exercise and the use of drugs may be necessary,” he explains.
Healthy food and habits in the fight against the disease
Weight control undergoes a balanced diet and the choice of nutritious foods that help in the functioning of the body. The expert recommends the consumption of:
- Magre proteins such as chicken, fish and eggs, which help in satiety and maintain muscle mass.
- Fiber vegetables and fruits, which help in digestion and regulation of the intestine.
Healthy fats found in oily seeds, olive oil, avocado and seeds, which contribute to cardiovascular health.
- Wholemeal cereals such as oats, quinoa and whole rice, which offer energy with a lower risk of causing blood sugar peaks.
The foods that should be avoided or consumed in moderation include:
- Refined and ultra -elaborate sugar while contributing to weight increase and can generate inflammation.
- Fried foods and fast food, as they are highly caloric products, rich in saturated fats, which usually contain a large amount of sodium and chemical additives.
- Sweetic drinks and sugary drinks, which increase blood sugar levels and favor the accumulation of fat.
The importance of the World Obesity Day
This year’s theme was “changes systems, healthier lives”. The idea was to strengthen the need to create environments that favor the healthiest choices and access to effective treatments. In addition to awareness, World Obesty Day also aims to increase public policies that promote changes in school nutrition, encourage physical activity and improvements to access to health workers.
For Dr. Stephanie Konzen, the fight against obesity must be collective and based on education. “We must break the stigma and understand that obesity is illness and that overweight is not resolved with very restrictive diets. Small changes in lifestyle, combined with an adequate follow -up medical follow, make the difference in the health and quality of life of people”, concludes.
The World Obesty Day acts as an invitation to action. Encourage each individual to reflect on their life habits and society to offer greater support to those who face this condition. The fight against obesity is not just an aesthetic question. It is an urgent need to guarantee a healthier and more balanced life for everyone every day.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
