“The body is the baggage you carry throughout your life. The heavier it is, the shorter the journey.”

Arnold Glasgow

Every year, November 26 marks the International Day for the Prevention and Management of Obesity. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies obesity as a modern non-communicable epidemic, posing a significant threat to global health. According to WHO estimates, over 1 billion people worldwide are overweight, making this issue pervasive across all social strata, professional affiliations, geographic regions, age groups, and genders. In economically developed countries, nearly 50% of the population is overweight, with 30% classified as obese. Alarmingly, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is rising annually. WHO recognizes obesity as a global epidemic, impacting millions of individuals and necessitating urgent attention. World Obesity Day serves as a platform to advocate for healthier lifestyles. Scientific evidence highlights that human health is profoundly influenced by dietary habits. This observance emphasizes the importance of both preventive measures and effective treatment strategies for combating obesity.

With the advancement of civilization, humanity gained access to an abundance of refined and diverse food, giving rise to the art of cooking. This culinary tradition originated in Asia, eventually spreading to Rome via Greece and subsequently disseminating across the globe. The earliest recorded medical guidance on addressing excess weight is found in an Egyptian papyrus from approximately 1550 B.C., which advised obese individuals to consume wheat grains and okra fruits.

The issue of obesity was recognized in ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, widely regarded as the “Father of Medicine” (ca. 460–370 B.C.), emphasized the importance of dietary regulation in his work Dietetics. Similarly, Avicenna (980–1037 A.D.), in his treatise On the Mode of the Body of Man, Whose Nature is Imperfect, provided practical recommendations for weight management, such as consuming foods with high volume but low nutritional content, promoting rapid gastric emptying, and taking vinegar mixed with myrrh on an empty stomach.

The advancements of modern civilization, which have facilitated access to high-calorie diets and significantly reduced physical activity, have led to a dramatic rise in obesity prevalence during the 20th century. In 1948, obesity was formally recognized as an independent condition within the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).

In 1947, French physician Jean Vague identified two distinct types of obesity: android and gynoid. Android obesity is of greater pathological concern, as it is strongly associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.

The cornerstone of obesity management is rational nutrition. Weight reduction strategies should prioritize limiting the intake of fats and rapidly absorbable carbohydrates, as these are the primary contributors to excess caloric intake. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, physical activity is strongly recommended to enhance energy expenditure. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary adjustments and increased physical activity, are highly effective in managing obesity and preventing its associated comorbidities, with success rates reaching up to 65%.

Pharmacological intervention is indicated when non-pharmacological approaches fail to achieve the desired outcomes. Two classes of medications, sibutramine and orlistat, are supported by evidence-based medicine for their efficacy in obesity treatment.

Fundamental Principles for Preventing Obesity

·       Minimizing Alcohol Consumption: Alcoholic beverages stimulate appetite, leading to increased food intake. Reducing alcohol consumption can help mitigate this effect.

·       Engaging in Regular Physical Activity: Incorporating exercise into daily routines, even for as little as 15 minutes, promotes calorie burning and supports overall physical fitness.

·       Managing Chronic Conditions: Regular medical check-ups and the proactive management of chronic diseases are essential for maintaining health and preventing weight-related complications.

·       Monitoring Caloric Intake: Adopting a balanced diet by limiting high-fat, high-sugar, and refined carbohydrate foods is crucial for maintaining an appropriate daily calorie intake.

·       Regulating Hormonal Health: Monitoring and maintaining hormonal balance can help prevent disorders of the endocrine system and associated complications.

·       Stress Reduction and Sleep Regulation: Managing stress and adhering to a structured sleep and rest schedule enhance metabolic processes, thereby accelerating fat-burning mechanisms.

Department of propaedeutics of children’s diseases

translated by Ismoilov R.