Bariatric Surgery | Gastric Bypass Surgery | Gastric Banding | Obesity | After Surgery

Contrary to popular belief, obesity is not just caused by eating too much. Rather, it is caused by an imbalance between the amount of calories consumed by an individual and the amount of calories burned through body functions and physical exertion. Obesity is a leading preventable cause of debilitating illnesses such as heart diseases, diabetes and stroke. It also affects a person’s job, relationships and self-esteem.

The good news is that obesity can be prevented and efforts to do so must be carried out very early in life, as early as infanthood. Individuals, families and communities can work hand in hand to stop this silent killer in its tracks:

• At home, parents should make it a point to create activities which are mentally stimulating as well as physically engaging for themselves and children. Watching television and playing video games all day are what make up sedentary behaviors, so parents should encourage regular physical activities outdoors instead.
  
  
• Schools should pay attention to the meals that the cafeteria serves, and must ensure that they meet the standards of nutrition. The food served in schools must be low in sugar, calories, and fats. Physical education and regular exercise routines must be part of schools’ curriculum.
  
  
• Workplaces must be equipped with amenities for exercises and leisurely activities. The food industry also has its role to play in preventing obesity. The food industry should maintain reasonable serving sizes and balanced portions of fruits and vegetables along with healthy, low-calorie food and beverage.
  
  
• Finally, playgrounds, sports clinics, courts, biking trails, parks and the like must be built for individuals in the community so that they may have worthwhile ways to perform physical exercises on a regular basis.