Nursing officer at the 37 Military Hospital, Reginald Avornyo has highlighted genetic factors as a possible cause of obesity in several individuals.
With the prevalence of overweight and obesity cases, it is projected by the World Obesity Federation’s 2023 atlas that 51% of the world, or more than 4 billion people, will be obese or overweight within the next 12 years. The rise especially in youth obesity cases has raised numerous concerns and health professionals are working effectively to reduce the rates.
Speaking on Campus Exclusive, Reginald Avornyo mentioned that having a family history of obesity increases your likelihood of inheriting the condition. He also underscored the need for individuals from such families to pay crucial attention to their dieting.
“When you have a family history of obesity it means that you can inherit it from the genes of your parents. When you go into science, we have the first philia generation and the second philia generation. If your immediate parents are very obese your chances of being one are very high unlike those with an extended family. It plays a very significant role in obesity. Some families are known to be filled with people who are overweight and such people are advised to watch their diet and exercise regularly.”
However, the Founder of HealthDesk Africa, Alhassan Seidu Bakwori stated that although some individuals are at high risk of obesity due to genetic factors, it does not necessarily mean that they can be called obese.
According to him, although genetics can contribute to the risk of obesity, it is not the sole determining factor. Other aspects like diet, health conditions, and physical activity levels also play a significant role in contributing to obesity.
“We must understand that your genes are not your destiny. The fact that you are predisposed does not mean that you are automatically going to be obese. That is where your environment comes in, in terms of your diet and your physical activities. Every cell has a DNA and it tells them what to do. If the activity of a cell which is meant to help the body use glucose is altered, excess glucose will remain in the human system. All these functions of the cells are altered when excess fat is built up in the system making movement quite uneasy and leading to low use of energy produced by the body.”
Meanwhile, Reginald Avornyo further urged individuals to be mindful of their food consumption and physical activities. He also indicated some actions that healthcare providers take up to raise awareness on obesity and its effects .
“To the young ones out there let’s be mindful of what we take in, especially the concoctions that lead to a lot of kidney diseases. In terms of obesity let’s keep exercising, watching our diet and trying as much as possible to engage in exercises that can burn calories in the body.”
“As health care professionals we volunteer ourselves to educate the masses and go on outreaches to do regular screening to help curb the situation.”
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Story by: Michelle Lartey | univers.ug.edu.gh