The Obesity Epidemic Around The World
No matter the country or the continent, obesity affects people all around the world. Obesity rates have been on the rise ever since the end of the 20th century. The expert bariatric surgeon team at Renew Bariatrics in Mexico explores the facts, statistics, and bottom line from several reputable sources to shed light on the obesity epidemic and solving it.
Did you know?: In the years 2015 to 2016, 39.8% of the adult population in the USA (roughly 93.3 million people) was affected by obesity. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Fact: More than one in two adults is obese in OCED countries. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Statistics Show: 30 percent of the world is now overweight or obese. Fox News
The Bottom Line: Obesity has almost doubled since 1980. European Association for the Study of Obesity
Reality Check: In 2011, more than 40 million children under five were overweight. European Association for the Study of Obesity
Did you know?: From a global perspective, roughly 10 percent of the world is overweight. Time Magazine
Fact: The countries with the largest population of obese children are the United States and China. Forbes
Statistics Show: At 1.2%, Bangladesh has the lowest obesity rate in the world. Forbes
The Bottom Line: The most obese country in the world is Nauru, followed by Cook Islands and Palau. Central Intelligence Agency
Did you know?: Today, the average adult is 3x more likely to be obese than the average adult in 1975. Metrocosm
The Dangers of Obesity
There’s no doubt that obesity causes severe risks. From increased blood pressure to a higher risk of cancer, obesity increases mortality in the long-run. Unlike some terminal illnesses, obesity is preventable in most cases. Taking the steps to live a healthy life can increase your lifespan. The immediate threats that root from obesity are very real and in most cases, lead to a premature death.
Reality Check: Obesity causes over 300,000 premature deaths each year in the United States. Stanford Healthcare
Fact: Higher body fat is directly linked to various types of cancers, including liver and kidney cancer. Cancer.gov
The Truth Is: Obese people are 83 percent more likely to develop kidney disease. Healthy Women
Sources Say: Half of girls obese in their teenage years will be extremely obese in their early 30’s. Healthy Women
Did you know?: Obese Americans, on average, spend $1,429 more in medical expenses than those who are not obese. Medical News Today
The Bottom Line: On average, obesity makes a person 20 times more likely to develop diabetes. Help Guide
Reality Check: Those who are obese are 55% more likely to suffer from depression. Help Guide
Fact: Roughly 2.8 million adults die each year as a direct result of obesity. European Association for the Study of Obesity
The Data Shows: In a study of 950 people, the subjects were 60% more likely to develop LV (left ventricular) dysfunctions. Cardio Smart
Did you know?: One in three obese Americans have been diagnosed with Arthritis. Arthritis.org
Proof that Weight Loss Improves your Health
If you’re overweight, the first step to getting healthy is starting a weight loss journey. While the road is long, the pay off is huge. Losing weight takes a combination of eating right, working out, and undergoing bariatric surgery. Surgery, by far, is the most effective way for obese individuals keep weight off in the long-run. After you lose weight, you have to maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep the weight off.
Reality Check: Just a 5% weight loss can lower your cholesterol and triglycerides. WebMD
Fact: Those who lose between 5 to 10% of their body weight are less likely to have cardiometabolic risk Science Daily
The Truth Is: Studies show that weight loss reduces levels of glucose and leptin (both root causes for heart disease and diabetes). National Institute of Health
Sources Say: Weight loss also helps improve B cell functions. National Institute of Health
Did you know?: Losing five percent of your body weight can improve your insulin sensitivity. NBC News
The Bottom Line: A number of people who lose weight will sleep better by decreasing sleep apnea. Shape
Reality Check: A study of 100 women who had weight loss surgery showed that many of them reported increased sexual desire and arousal. Shape
Fact: Research found that weight loss may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality. Alive by Nature
The Data Shows: Obesity puts a burden on the adrenal gland (the gland that manages allergies), so losing weight helps improve allergies. Everyday Health
Did you know?: “Losing 20 or so pounds might seem daunting, but we’ve shown that even a modest weight loss can yield heart and vascular benefits,”. Dr. De Las Fuentes at the Washington University School of Medicine
Dieting and Weight Loss
Eating right is one of the most important things when it comes to weight loss. It’s important that you meet with a nutritionist to find a diet or meal plan that works best for you. Avoiding “fad” diets that aren’t maintainable long-run is always suggested by professionals. One of the first steps to eating right is to cut out junk food – sugar, sodas, and other processed foods. Eating right isn’t easy and takes a lot of dedication.
Reality Check: In the USA alone, Americans spend more than $60 billion per year on dieting programs. Worldometers
Fact: Of those who go on diets, 95% fail and go regain weight in one to five years. Monte Nido
The Truth Is: For a majority of people, dieting does not lead to sustained weight loss UCLA
Sources Say: In the year 2016, 66% of Americans were on a diet of some sort. Women’s Marketing
Did you know?: Despite dieting, the number one reasons Americans don’t reach their desired weight is because they don’t exercise enough Calorie Control
The Bottom Line: “The sad fact is that fad diets set the individual up for failure. When the diet fails, the dieters may blame themselves and develop a feeling of demoralization and hopelessness that they are unable to lose weight.” Nutritionist Judy Penta, Everyday Health
Reality Check: Of everyone who goes on a diet to lose weight, up to 35% of them become addicted to dieting. Help Guide
Fact: Dieting is a big factor that leads to eating disorders. Dietitians Association of Australia
The Data Shows: 45 million Americans go on a diet each year. The Washington Post
Did you know?: Only 21% of adults eat the suggested amount of fruits each day. Kansas State University
Exercise and Weight Loss
Even if you have the pefect diet, it’s still vital to exercise to keep yourself in shape. Studies show that dieting is much more effective in promoting weight loss. When you eat right, you can lose weight much quicker than you would while exercising. Regardless, working out to lose weight never hurts. Not only will you lose some weight, but you’ll develop more muscle mass and keep your heart healthy.
Reality Check: While both exercise and dieting are important, dieting is more effective to create a 500 to 700 calorie deficit because physical activity takes much longer. Women’s Health
Fact: “As a rule of thumb, weight loss is generally 75 percent diet and 25 percent exercise. An analysis of more than 700 weight loss studies found that people see the biggest short-term results when they eat smart”. Dr. Talbott
The Truth Is: Experts suggest 225 to 420 minutes of exercise each weak to promote clinical weight loss.. National Library of Medicine
Sources Say: By exercising 200 minutes per week or more, you can significantly lose more weight than those who exercise 150 to 199 minutes per week. National Library of Medicine
Did you know?: We can only burn between 10 to 30 percent of the weight we gain from food by working out. Vox
The Bottom Line: Out of all the members of the National Weight Control Registry, 89% lose weight by a combination of diet and exercise, 10% by just diet, and 1% by just exercise. American Council on Exercise
Reality Check: It is suggested that you perform aerobic activites three times a week for 20 minutes per session, however, you should do them for more than 20 minutes if you want to lose weight. Healthline
Fact: “You don’t need to be an athlete; walking, biking or gym cardio machines all work well. Start slowly and gradually increase to 45 minutes of activity a day, more if you are able.” Dr. Ann McTiernan, Science Daily
The Data Shows: If you have bad nutrition, no amount of exercise will help you lose weight. WebMD
Did you know?: “People don’t understand that it is very difficult to exercise enough to lose weight. If that is why you are doing it, you are going to fail”. Professor Todd Miller, Huffpost
Evidence Behind Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss
One of the most effective ways to lose weight is to have bariatric surgery. There are many types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeves, bypass, duodenal switches, and gastric bands. Studies show that bariatric surgery reduces mortality rates and is helps the morbidly obese lose weight. With advancing technologies, bariatric surgeries are extremely safe procedures and have high success rates.
Reality Check: After bariatric surgery, the rate of mortality reduces up to 89 percent. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Fact: Morbidly Obese Individuals become resistant to weight loss from dieting and working out. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
The Truth Is: 60% of diabetic patients who underwent bariatric surgery for weight loss showed signs of remission five years afterwards. Science Daily
Sources Say: Bariatric Surgery is the most effective long-term treatment options for severe obesity. Science Daily
Did you know?: In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery is known to improve heart disease, high blood pressure, gastro reflux, and type 2 diabetes. Mayo Clinic
The Bottom Line: After patients have bariatric surgery to lose weight, 80% or more “do well” afterwards. WebMD
Fact: “Bariatric surgery is probably the most effective intervention we have in health care.” Dr. Twells, NY Times
The Data Shows: More than 60% of patients see a decrease in cholesterol levels. US News
Did you know?: 50% of bariatric patients saw a decrease in high blood pressure. US News
Weight Loss and Economic Benefits
It’s no surprise that it’s expensive to be obese. From higher food costs to medical expenses, those who are obese will spend several thousands more over their lifetime. Weight loss will not only help your health, but it will also help you save money in the long-run.
Reality Check: An obese vs. a normal weight 20 year-old will save $14,059 over his or her lifetime. Obesity Society
Fact: 70% of obese adults incur $210 billion in medical costs in the USA alone. Men’s Journal
The Truth Is: “If you split all your dinners and eat 183 total meals annually, instead of 365, assuming that the cost is $5 per meal, that’s a savings of (about) $910.” Professor O’Neil, Bankrate
Sources Say: At the age of 50, the average obese will have incurred $36,278 in expenses directly related to their weight. NY Daily News
Did you know?: In the workplace, obesity cost American companies $3.38 billion in productivity costs each year. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Weight Loss and Mental Health
There is a direct link between weight and mental health. It’s proven that of people with mental health issues, more of them are overweight. Weight loss will improve both your physical and your mental health. From being more confident to lifting out of a depression, weight loss does wonders.
Reality Check: Many cases of obesity are caused by depression, binge eating disorder, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. Clinical Advisor
Fact: People with mental health issues die 25 years sooner than those without mental health issues due to obesity related issues. Psychiatry Advisor
The Truth Is: Kids with obesity face a higher risk of depression during adulthood. CBS News
Sources Say: A study of 1,300 psychologists’ patients showed that the biggest hurdle to weight loss was overcoming emotions. Mark’s Daily Apple
Did you know?: About 80% of people with mental health problems are obese. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Bottom Line: Small dietary changes that promote weight loss have a positive effect on mental health. American Psychological Association
Reality Check: People with obesity are 25% more likely to develop mood disorders like depression. Everyday Health
Fact: Over one third of obese men and women in treatment for weight loss have a mental health issue with binge eating. MentalHealth.net
The Data Shows: “Overweight and obesity are epidemic among persons with serious mental illness, yet weight-loss trials systematically exclude this vulnerable population.” Modern Medicine Network
Did you know?: “I really, strongly believe that people need to start dealing with whatever issues in their life they’re not happy with and the weight issues will be easier to deal with after that.” Promedica Health Connect
Renew Bariatrics’ Solution
The team at Renew Bariatrics aims to end obesity by providing bariatric surgery at affordable self-pay rates at the Mexico locations. If you are intersted in a consult from Renew Bariatrics for weight loss surgery contact us today.