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Weight Gain Causes And Prevention: Obesity is no longer just a problem of increasing age, but has also become a rapidly increasing concern among the youth of 20-40 years. On World Obesity Day, it is important to be aware in time and take care of both weight and health.

Obesity was once considered a problem after the age of 45-50, but now the picture has changed. Be it Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow or even a small city, complaints of flatulence, rapid weight gain and fatigue are becoming common among youth aged between 20 and 40 years. Office chair, mobile screen and food apps have together created a lifestyle in which the body has become accustomed to sitting more than walking. This is the reason why the problem of obesity is increasing in the age group of 20 to 40. Let us know from Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Director, Department of Robotic, Bariatric, Laparoscopic and General Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi, why obesity is increasing among the youth and how it can be controlled.

Reasons for increase in obesity among youth

Today’s youth has become ‘smart’ in work, but is becoming ‘slow’ in terms of body. Desk job, staying up late at night, stress eating, sweet coffee and weekend parties, all these together gradually increase weight. There is no difference in the beginning, but by the age of 28-30, the waist size starts increasing and one starts feeling short of breath while climbing the stairs. The problem is not just obesity, there are diseases hidden behind it. Weight gain between the age of 20 to 40 is a sign of deteriorating metabolism of the body, which people ignore.

1. Sedentary life

Sitting in front of a laptop for 10-12 hours is now common. Even after returning home, the youth do not rest, but start watching mobile and OTT. We are eating more calories than the body needs and burning less.

2. Food apps and processed food

Even at 11 pm, burgers, pizza and fries reach home. These foods fill our stomach but do not provide nutrition. On top of that, soft drinks and sweet coffee have become a daily habit.

3. Lack of sleep

Today’s youth usually sleeps only for 5-6 hours. Due to less sleep, the ‘hunger hormone’ i.e. ghrelin increases and one feels hungry again and again.

4. Stress and emotional eating

Work targets, career and relationship pressure not only tire our mind and brain but also our body. In such a situation, when the brain gets tired, a person starts feeling like eating sweets and fried food more.

This is the reason why diseases which were earlier seen at the age of 50, are now being found in patients aged 30-35. Especially fatty liver and diabetes are increasing rapidly in young patients.

Diseases caused by obesity at the age of 20-40

The risk of obesity at a young age not only affects the looks, but also causes many diseases about which the youth do not even think. Increasing weight at the age of 20-40 is directly opening the way for many serious diseases, the main ones being the following-

1. Type-2 diabetes
2. High blood pressure
3.Fatty Liver
4. PCOS (in women)
5. Heart disease

Why is obesity dangerous?

Obesity is not just fat, it is a ‘metabolic disease’. Fat accumulated in the body spoils the hormones. Insulin does not work properly and this is where diabetes starts. Belly fat i.e. visceral fat is the most dangerous because it directly affects the heart, liver and pancreas. If the waist measurement is more than 90 cm in men and 80 cm in women, then it is an alarm. It is important to remember that belly fat is more dangerous than weight.

How to avoid obesity

Most people think that everything will be fine by exercising in the gym. But obesity is controlled not only by exercise but by changing the entire lifestyle. Following easy steps can be taken for this

1. Walking at least 8-10 thousand steps every day
2. Sleeping before 12 midnight
3. Stopping from sweet drinks like cold drinks, packed juices
4. Keep salad and protein on half of the plate
5. Walk for 5 minutes every 1 hour (even in office)

If BMI is more than 35 and diabetes or blood pressure is also present, then bariatric surgery can also be an option with the advice of a doctor. It is considered safe and effective today.

What is important to understand

The biggest threat facing young India is not unemployment but is becoming a lifestyle disease. The body is being left behind in the race to build a career. At the age of 25, earnings are increasing, but health is being adversely affected. If weight is not taken care of today, then by the age of 40, a life dependent on medicines may begin. Therefore, staying fit is no longer a hobby, it is a need of young India.