Obesity major public health concern: Experts.

ISLAMABAD -- Referring to 'World Obesity Day' which is observed every year on 4th March, health experts and advocates in Pakistan have raised alarm bells on the growing crisis of obesity in the country and called upon the government to take immediate policy measures to mitigate the situation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is a major public health concern and a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. Over 2.2 billion people are now classified as overweight or obese. Trends among children are especially concerning. Worldwide, an estimated 340 million children aged 5-19 years are now classified as overweight or obese - a tenfold increase over the past four decades.

Dr Abdul Basit, Secretary General of the Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP) said that Pakistan is facing a growing obesity crisis that is affecting the health and well-being of its citizens. According to the National Nutrition Survey 2018, obesity and overweight collectively increased in women of reproductive age (WRA) from 28% to 38% from 2011 to 2018. Likewise, the number of overweight children doubled in Pakistan from 2011 to 2018. STEP survey (2014-15) also estimated that 41.3% of adults in Pakistan are obese or overweight He said that one significant factor contributing to the obesity epidemic in Pakistan is the consumption of sugary drinks.

Studies have shown that high consumption of sugary drinks is linked to weight gain and obesity, especially in children. Sugary drinks, such as soda, energy drinks, sweetened fruit juices, flavoured milk, squashes, syrups, and iced teas etc. are one of the leading sources of added sugar in liquid form in the diet. The liquid sugar absorbs quickly and alters the body's metabolism resultantly causing obesity and several chronic diseases. Basit said that drinking just one soda a day increases the likelihood of being overweight by 27% for adults and 55% for children. A single can of soda contains about 9 teaspoons of sugar, which exceeds the recommended daily intake of added sugar for an adult.

Excessive sugar consumption from sugary drinks can lead to weight gain and obesity, as well as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and liver, and kidney diseases. The World Health Organization recommends limiting free sugar intake to less than 10% of total calories and less than 5% for added health benefits. It is crucial to raise awareness about the high sugar content in sugary...