What causes obesity and how can it be prevented?
According to the American Journal of Public Health, overweight and obesity can worsen the working environment for employees, with those who sit for long periods or work in non-engineered work environments being described as at risk. Obesity can lead to occupational asthma, neurotoxicity, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), vibration injuries, and cardiovascular diseases.
But is there a foolproof way to know if you are dealing with overweight or obesity? It's simple. If your BMI is higher than 25 kg/m2, it means you are overweight. On the other hand, people with a BMI higher than 30 kg/m2 become obese.
Once we know which side we are on, we can work together on this issue. If you are an employer, you can provide your employees with ergonomic office furniture and accessories to make their work life healthier. In addition, it is important to encourage healthy living inside and outside the office. Going for a walk during lunchtime can make your brain more active and refresh you.
Of course, everyone is responsible for controlling their weight, avoiding all harmful activities, and living a balanced life. As you read this article, you will learn the causes of obesity, how to avoid weight gain, and how to lose weight for those who are already obese.
Causes of Obesity
1. Sedentary Work
Given the nature of many employees today, they spend a lot of time working at their desks, sitting for at least 8-9 hours a day. According to the Mayo Clinic, a sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common causes of obesity among office workers, which accumulates a burden on the spinal cord and can also lead to other health problems.
2. Unhealthy Eating Habits
The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine states that people with obesity lack vegetables and fruits and often consume high-calorie foods, leading to overweight. Therefore, everyone should develop healthy eating habits.
3. Lack of Quality Sleep
At night, working in a stressful environment that makes it difficult to fall asleep can put you at risk of obesity. Conversely, if you sleep too much, your body's hormones may change, your appetite may increase, and you may crave foods containing carbohydrates and calories, all of which can lead to weight gain.
4. Preventing Obesity
Having obesity does not mean death. Many studies have proposed ways to prevent it. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity causes 2.5 million deaths annually, leading to an epidemic. To win this battle, you need to be very careful about what you eat and do.
5. Food
We recommend that you follow healthy eating rules to prevent obesity.
We can prevent changes in obesity through some daily eating habits.
Eat 5 times a day
Eating 5 to 7 servings of vegetables and fruits daily can boost the body's immunity because fruits are rich in nutrients. The World Health Organization (WHO) also confirms that this is one of the keys to a healthy and fulfilling life. Vegetables and fruits are not only low in calories but also contain nutrients that reduce insulin resistance and the risk of diabetes. In addition, they contain dietary fiber, so you can feel satisfied with fewer calories.
Avoid Processed Foods
You can also prevent obesity by avoiding processed foods like snacks and white bread. If you can maintain self-discipline, we recommend avoiding them and not succumbing to the temptation of intermittent eating.
Reduce Artificial Sweeteners
Did you know that artificial sweeteners are linked to diabetes and obesity? The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine reported. To prevent these health conditions, it is recommended to use natural alternatives such as honey.
Other preventive measures include:
Eat until you are full.
Eat home-cooked meals.
Go to bed early and wake up early.
Avoid sports drinks and energy drinks.
Try to eat vegetarian.
Reduce sugar intake.
How to Get Rid of Obesity
Those who suffer from obesity need to know that it never ends. How to get rid of obesity? You can start with daily habits, such as buying ergonomic products – a standing desk – for home and work.
Standing Desk
In a sedentary workplace, buying a standing desk is a shortcut to weight management. There are many types of standing desks, but the recommended one is a "lifting desk," which allows you to easily switch between sitting and standing positions. You don't have to worry about spinal strain or body aches. In addition, a lifting desk keeps you focused on work and improves productivity.
