Dr. A.R.V. Murthy, (MD)
Vol. 6, Jul-Dec 2018
Abstract:
The number of obese people in the world is on the rise. Obesity is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide, with increasing prevalence in adults and children, and authorities view it as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. It significantly shortens the life span (Ayushohrasa) & is associated with increased incidences of a multitude of major & minor illnesses. If a middle aged man is 10kg over weight he is expected to die roughly 4 years earlier than one of normal weight, due to severe hazards which are associated with overweight. According to WHO 1.2 billion people worldwide are officially classified as overweight. This is probably the most sedentary generation of people in the history of the world. In the Indian scenario, even with the growing awareness about health and fitness, more than 3 percent- about 3 crores of the Indian population is obese. Obesity is from the Latin root obesitas which means “stout, fat, or plump.” Csus is the past participle of edere (to eat) with ob (over)added to it.