OBESITY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON QUALITY OF LIFE. A MAJOR CHALLENGE OF THE XXI CENTURY
Abstract:
Worldwide, there are over one billion overweight adults, more than 800 million people
suffering from malnutrition. The food too rich in sugar, harmful fat and reduced physical activity
are the main causes of obesity, which in turn is the main cause of chronic diseases such as type 2
diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and some cancers. Besides the
consequences and health risks of obesity, another relevant issue is the quality of life of patients
with obesity, by their stigma and discrimination. Evidence about discrimination against obese
people can be found in situations such as being unable to be employed in certain positions,
handicapping their education, marginalization etc. They suffer due to the attitude of health
professionals and of other people towards them. All these can have a profound impact on quality
of life of these individuals.
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