Tackling the Obesity Health Crisis

Tackling overweight and obesity is critical not only to improve the health and well-being of the society. However, obesity has not been paid enough attention, making most obese people struggle with the battle to lose weight.

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What is Obesity

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. It is typically determined by calculating a person's body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of weight in relation to height. BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

A BMI over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese. Obesity can result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Factors that contribute to obesity include excessive calorie intake, a sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions, certain medications, and socioeconomic factors. The issue has grown to epidemic proportions, with over 4 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese in 2017 according to the global burden of disease.

Obesity is recognised by the World Health Organisation and the American Medical Association as a chronic disease requiring long-term treatment because obesity causes a lot of dangerous complications, affecting people's health. Obesity adversely affects all health problems, reduces life expectancy, causes many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea syndrome, degenerative joint disease, fatty liver, and reduces quality of life. Measures to prevent and treat being overweight and obese and maintain long-term weight control can improve health status and reduce complications for patients.

Obesity is on the Rise in Vietnam

Obesity is one side of the double burden of malnutrition, and today more people are obese than underweight in every region. Once considered a problem only in high-income countries, overweight and obesity are now dramatically on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has been on the rise due to changing dietary patterns, sedentary lifestyles, and urbanization.

According to data from the World Population Review based on 2020 estimates, the adult obesity rate in Vietnam was around 2.1%. A survey in Vietnam in 2021 showed overweight and obesity rates in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City made up 18% of the country’s total number of overweight and obese people.

Obesity in Vietnamese adults, as in adults globally, can have various consequences on both physical and mental health. Here are some potential consequences of obesity:

• Increased risk of chronic diseases: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing various chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (such as heart disease and stroke), hypertension (high blood pressure), certain types of cancer (such as breast, colon, and kidney cancer), and respiratory problems.

• Metabolic disorders: Obesity can lead to metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels), insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, which are characterized by a combination of factors like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat.

• Joint problems: Excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, leading to an increased risk of joint problems and osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.

• Respiratory issues: Obesity can contribute to respiratory problems, including sleep apnea, asthma, and decreased lung function.

• Psychological and social effects: Obesity can have significant psychological and social consequences. It can lead to low self-esteem, body image issues, depression, anxiety, social stigmatization, and discrimination, which can impact overall well-being and quality of life.

• Reduced fertility: Obesity can affect fertility in both men and women. It can lead to hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and reduced sperm quality and fertility in men.

• Increased healthcare costs: Treating obesity-related health conditions can be expensive, placing a financial burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems.

Vietnam Takes Move to Curb Obesity

Vietnam's Ministry of Health has issued its first specialised guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of obesity in response to the increasing obesity rate in the last decade. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of obesity promulgated under Decision No. 2892/QD-BYT dated October 22, 2022, are applied at medical examination and treatment facilities across the country. According to guidelines, the management and treatment of obesity involve not only simple weight loss but also reducing the risk of complications and improving health. These goals can be achieved through appropriate weight reduction, improving the nutritional content of the diet, and engaging in moderate levels of physical activity and exercise.

Prevention and management of obesity for Vietnamese adults involve a combination of healthy lifestyle practices, dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and behavioral changes. Here are some strategies that can help:

• Balanced diet: Encourage a balanced and nutritious diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit the consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-calorie snacks. Consider traditional Vietnamese cuisine that is rich in vegetables, herbs, and lean proteins.

• Portion control: Pay attention to portion sizes and avoid overeating. Use smaller plates and bowls to help control portion sizes. Focus on mindful eating and listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues.

• Physical activity: Engage in regular physical activity to promote weight management and overall health. Encourage at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with strength training exercises. Encourage activities that are enjoyable and fit into the individual's lifestyle, such as walking, cycling, dancing, or traditional Vietnamese martial arts like Vovinam.

• Behavioral changes: Help individuals develop healthy habits and behavioral changes. Encourage mindful eating, stress management techniques, and strategies to cope with emotional eating triggers. Encourage setting realistic goals and maintaining a positive mindset.

• Education and awareness: Increase awareness about the consequences of obesity and the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Provide education on nutrition, portion sizes, and healthy lifestyle practices through community programs, schools, and healthcare facilities.

• Support networks: Foster support networks and social connections to encourage healthy behaviors. Encourage participation in group activities, fitness classes, or support groups where individuals can share their experiences, challenges, and successes.

• Healthcare support: Encourage individuals to seek medical advice and support from healthcare professionals who can provide personalized guidance, monitor progress, and address any underlying medical conditions related to obesity.

Remember, prevention and management of obesity require long-term commitment and lifestyle changes. It's essential to approach weight management in a holistic manner, considering physical, psychological, and social aspects of an individual's well-being.

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