One of the biggest problems facing the Africa and other
developed countries is obesity. Obesity is a condition in which abnormal or
excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissue impairs health. Obesity is one of
the most visible and, until recently, mostly neglected public health problem.
Body weight is influenced by energy intake (from food) and
energy expenditure (needed for basal metabolism such as keeping the heart
beating) and for physical activity. If a person regularly consumes more energy
(calories) than they use, they will start to gain weight and eventually become
overweight or obese. If a person regularly consumes less energy than they use
they will lose weight. Extra energy is stored in the blood as fat. Balancing
energy intake and output to maintain a healthy weight has many benefits,
otherwise, there are many risks involved if you don’t keep your weight in
check.
One of the risks is diabetes. Obese people also have a
higher risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes develops when the body cannot use
glucose properly. On 2014, around 1.4 million people in the world were
diagnosed with diabetes. In addition, there are a large number of people who
may have unrecognized diabetes.
Eating a healthy balanced diet, taking regular physical
exercise, and maintain a healthy body weight can help to prevent or delay the
onset of type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes should try to maintain a healthy
weight and eat a diet that is low in fat (particularly saturated fats) and
salt, but that contains plenty of fruit and vegetables (at least five portions
a day), and starchy carbohydrates foods such as bread, rice and pasta
(particularly wholegrain versions).
