ICMR Study: One in every four Indian couple is getting obeseImage Credit Source: Chirayu/E+/Getty Images
Obesity in Indian couples: Obesity is a condition when excessive fat accumulates in the body and body mass index (BMI) is higher than normal levels. Usually, BMI is above 23, it comes in the category of obesity for Indians. There are many reasons behind this such as poor lifestyle, excessive intake of fast food, lack of physical activity, sleep disturbances and increasing stress. According to the study of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), one of every four married couples in the country is struggling with obesity. Especially in people with urban areas and property, its percentage is increasing rapidly, which has also increased the risk of lifestyle diseases.
Obesity is not only limited to increased weight but has a serious effect on the body. This increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, fatty liver and many types of cancer. Weight gain puts pressure on joints, causing normal knees and back pain. Obesity can also give rise to sleep obstruction i.e. sleep problem problem and mental health problems such as depression and lack of confidence. Apart from this, obesity reduces the energy of a person, which makes you feel lethargy and tired in everyday tasks. This is the reason that doctors consider it to be a “gradually increasing danger”, which can take a serious form if it does not control in time.
What is the reason for the weight gain of couples?
ICMR’s study suggests that after marriage, the problem of weight gain in couples is becoming common. The biggest reason behind this is a common lifestyle i.e. often husband and wife adopt each other’s food habits. Consumption of outside food, late night dinner, calorie-rich snacks and sweet drinking things increases. In the early years of marriage, the social life of couples is also more active, which includes unhealthy eating habits during parties and gate-togers.
Apart from this, there is a lack of physical activity due to responsibilities, it becomes difficult to take time for workouts and exercise. Lack of sleep and stress also play an important role in weight gain. The study also found that this problem is more visible in urban and financially rich couples, as their lifestyle patterns are often associated with less physical hard work and more calories.
How to protect it?
Adopt a balanced diet:
Eat homemade healthy food and keep distance from junk food.
Take exercise time:
Workout or walk at least 30 minutes daily.
Keep eating time fixed:
Avoid eating food late at night and eat at regular time.
Put healthy habits together:
The couples together set a fitness goal so that the motivation remains.
Pay attention to stress and sleep:
Get enough sleep and do meditation or yoga to reduce stress.
Keep getting health checkups:
Keep checking your weight and BMI from time to time.