ISSUE 21: BRIDGING THE GAP: ADDRESSING OBESITY THROUGH EDUCATION AND ACTION
Message from Editor in Chief
The silent obesity epidemic has been steadily growing for decades, and its consequences are becoming increasingly dire. We have reached a point where addressing this issue is not just a matter of personal health but a societal imperative. The time to act is now, and the need for collective action to control and mitigate this pandemic is greater than ever before. Obesity is not merely a cosmetic concern; it is a complex, multifaceted health problem with far-reaching implications. According to the World Health Organization, worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975.In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, and of these, over 650 million were obese. Furthermore, it is not just an issue affecting adults—childhood obesity is on the rise globally. The consequences of the obesity pandemic extend far beyond individual health. Healthcare costs associated with obesity are staggering. Obesity-related illnesses strain healthcare systems and lead to lost productivity. The emotional toll of obesity, including discrimination and stigma, takes a severe toll on mental well-being. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) of 2017-18, nearly one in every five adults in Pakistan is overweight, and about 7.9% are obese. This trend is alarming and demands our immediate attention. Obesity related health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, place a tremendous burden on our healthcare system. To combat the obesity epidemic in Pakistan effectively, we must take a comprehensive, culturally sensitive approach. We need to invest in research to understand the unique drivers of obesity in Pakistan and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. There is a need to engage local communities in designing and implementing obesity prevention programs that are culturally relevant. This issue of She Matters is a special issue on obesity with the theme “Bridging the Gap: Addressing Obesity through Education and Action”. In this issue, we bring you interview of Dr. Warda Sikandar, a nutritionist, dietician and aesthetician. This issue focuses on interventions for reducing burden of childhood obesity. The issue also gives insights of community engagement interventions for tackling obesity as well as pharmacological treatments for obesity. I would like to acknowledge that launching this issue would not have been possible without the great and much appreciated contributions from the editorial and technical team. The robust intellectual support and well time contribution of content writers deserve special appreciatory applause. Our team expects similar sort of sincere dedication from the writers in near future. Enjoy reading the issue!