• A person is defined as obese if he/ she has Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.

Every year, 4th March is observed as the World Obesity Day all over the world. The day is observed to promote practices among people that can help them in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. World obesity day encourages practical solutions to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight, undertake proper treatment, and reverse the obesity crisis.

Obesity is one of the leading diseases prevalent in almost every corner of the world. It is a major risk factor for numerous fatal non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, cerebrovascular stroke, diabetes mellitus (type 2), cancers, etc.

It's no hyperbole to state that obesity is a pandemic as people of all ages and both developed and developing countries are affected by obesity.

• By some estimates, over 800 million people around the world are affected by obesity. 

According to the esteemed global health body World Health Organization, the rate of obesity has tripled globally since 1975. It has increased almost five times in children and adolescents, affecting people of all ages from all social groups in both developed and developing countries.

So obesity is a worldwide problem and needs to be dealt with on a priority basis. To tackle the disease it's vital to create a society that supports healthy food choices. According to WHO, this global challenge requires a global response to transforming food systems & access to healthy food for all. Governments must adopt an integrated, equitable, comprehensive, and person-centered approach to addressing obesity.

People especially youth must be encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles which include low-fat diets, regular exercise regimens, and taking good care of their mental health. There is a lot we can do, including restricting the marketing to children of food and drinks high in fats, sugar, and salt; taxing sugary drinks, and providing better access to affordable, healthy food. In our cities and towns, we need to make space for safe walking, exercises like cycling, and recreation. We must teach our children healthy habits from early on and educate them regarding the repercussions of an unhealthy lifestyle.