Don't let weight overburden you: Obesity, India's growing problem amongst the millennials

Unhealthy habits have made millennials prone to diseases related to cardiovascular problems, cancer, high cholesterol, strokes and so on. This creates a negative effect on your body and people who are overweight have a greater risk of developing serious conditions.

Although millennials may think they are in the prime of life, they are the most affected by obesity-problems today. And you know what? They don’t even know about it. The fearless attitude that is reflected in their approach towards health, perhaps creates an influx of choices they make. Many of them tend to believe that they are fit and strong, irrespective of their lifestyle choices, but who’s listening? Obesity is a problem which goes unchecked for many years and you wouldn’t even know about the long-term changes/impact unless it affects the organs of the body.

Unhealthy habits have made millennials prone to diseases related to cardiovascular problems, cancer, high cholesterol, strokes and so on.This creates a negative effect on your body and people who are overweighthave a greater risk of developing serious conditions. They are known as the silent killers of our generation. Nearly two out of three deaths in India take place due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country, says a Senior Associate Health, RTI International India. 

Taking action

Young adulthood is a time of emerging independence. However, they fail to understand the serious impact of being overweight and tend to ignore it, making it very difficult to get back on track. World Obesity Federation has predicted that the number of obese people will reach to 27 million in India if no action is taken. In order to control the increasing number of obesity issues, it’s time for millennials to do something about it!While this is important, let’s also understand what the millennials are doing wrong. Due to the environment and lifestyle changes, every individual needs to choose their own

comfortable routine as per their body type. Millennials today, are bound to do a 9am-5pm job with long working hours, sitting at a computer desk. This can lead to bad posture and lack of movement. Another factor is the rise of food-ordering apps. With a variety of food options available, millennials tend to order what they desire, be it an unhealthy meal too. A lack of regular exercise is also a huge contribution to obesity. It is very difficult for adults to maintain a healthy weight without working out or doing some physical activity. In an era where the so-called-good perks of life is easily available a click away has changed the behaviour of people.Bringing about a changeDespite people following the trends that help them fit in, it’s time to pick on the healthy option. This is why awareness has to start early. People with knowledge and skills at a vulnerable age will need efforts, not only from millennials but schools and families too. Conducting health camps or workshops in schools or including health education as part of the curriculum will be a huge advantage.Millennials need to start noticing and keep note of their eating patterns and try to avoid cravings for high-calorie foods. 

Here are some tips that can help to avoid obesity:·       

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle·

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains·       

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day or play a sport·       

• Cut down on junk and fatty food consumption

So jog a little more, eat a little less — and do what you have to do to maintain a healthy BMI.It’s time for India to say YES to eating healthy is cool!