Worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980 and more than one in 10 adults in the world are obese, said Dr Dora Stadler in a community health seminar at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar’s monthly Medicine and U health forum.

Assistant professor of Medicine and co-director of the medicine clerkship at WCMC-Q, Dr Stadler warned that the rate of obesity in children was increasing at an alarming rate.

“Obesity and overweight are major risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, and certain forms of cancer,” Dr Stadler said. “Obesity and overweight can also cause infertility and psychological distress.”

She said health benefits of weight loss are significant but there is no magic solution to weight loss, it takes hard work and persistence.

“No diet has been shown to be more successful than others over the long-term. Overall, you have to eat fewer calories. Even small amounts of weight loss, such as 5 to 7 per cent of body weight, can significantly improve health outcomes,” she said.

“The most important thing about a diet is that it is not temporary; you will have to stick with the changes for life - therefore pick small changes and stick with them. Exercise is very important, but if you are obese, older or have other health problems talk with your doctor to develop a programme right for you.”

“Obese children become obese adults; therefore prevention of obesity is the key. Parents should eliminate junk food like chips, candy, cookies, and soda at home,” Dr Stadler added.

“Parents and children should also do physical activities together like biking, walking and playing active games, and limit amounts of sedentary activities such as computer games and watching television. - TradeArabia News Service