The Hindu : Kerala News : Obesity and heart attack

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2006

Kerala

Kerala

Obesity and heart attack

<36,2,,,,,,1>Heart disease accounts for nearly half of all deaths in the developed world and 25% deaths in the developing world. It is predicted that by 2020, heart disease will be the number one killer world over and the absolute numbers will increase due to aging of the population, the increase in occurrence of obesity, diabetes and other risk factors among the younger generation. The rate of heart attack in India is on the increase and Kerala tops the list among the States.

Overweight and obesity are becoming major public health problems all over the world.

Obesity & overweight

Obesity is caused by consuming more calories than what can be used up in physical activity and daily life. Body fat is measured by measurement of waist circumference and calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI).

BMI = Weight in kilograms / Height in Meter Square.

{lt} 18.5- underweight

18.5 - 24.9- Normal

25 - 29.9- Overweight

30 - 39.9- Obesity

{gt} 40- Extreme obesity

Waist measured just above naval gives a normal value of {lt} 80 cm for women and {lt}94 cm for men. The deposition of excess body fat around waist alters the shape of the body to an apple shape as opposed to normal pear shape.

The basic energy need is around 2500 calories for men and 2000 calories for women. Body can store only fat and not proteins or carbohydrates. So, excess is turned into fat and stored. 1 kg of fat represents about 7,500 calories. Our eating habits have changed over time. From our traditional diet, we have moved to a high fat, high caloric diet pattern which in positively harmful. The excess intake of milk and milk products, sugar, high amount of carbohydrates and fried food leads to excess calories. The high carbohydrate diet leads to high triglycerides which in turn reduces the good HDL - Cholesterol. Obese people are insulin resistant and are at high risk for development of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer.

Healthy eating habits and regular physical activity are the only ways to prevent overweight and obesity.

Healthy eating:

1. Fruits and vegetables should be taken daily.

2. Whole grain products, legumes and fish are good for health.

3. Sugar and salt are to be restricted.

4. Avoid sweets, fast food items, bakery products high in calories and junts food.

5. Meat and meat products are to be avoided. Pultry can be taken in modern.

6. Saturated oils are to be avoided incl.

7. Six to eight glasses of water are to be taken daily.

8. Always eat breakfast and have food at noon and evening - small quantities.

9. Healthy cooking habits to be encouraged.

Exercise: Exercise plays a major role in avoiding obesity and overweight. Thirty minutes of brisk walking for adults daily and one hour of physical activity for children are advisable. Walking, jogging and cycling are good exercises. Isometric exercises are to be avoided.

World Heart Day on September 25, 2005 was based around the them of "Healthy weight, Healthy shape". Controlling our weight and maintaining a healthy shape are excellent ways to lower our chance to suffer heart disease and stroke.

Dr. G. Girija, MD, DM (Cardiology) Chief Consultant Cardiologist S.P. Fort Hospital, Trivandrum.

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