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- Weight category: obesity may be included in the list of socially significant diseases
Weight category: obesity may be included in the list of socially significant diseases
According to statistics, a quarter of the adult population in Russia is obese. These are not just numbers, but a signal of serious challenges for the country's healthcare system and economy that require immediate attention and comprehensive solutions. One of them was proposed by the deputies of the State Duma. They recommended including obesity in the list of socially significant diseases and establishing follow-up of patients with such a diagnosis. This will make it possible to detect the disease at an early stage, monitor the dynamics and provide comprehensive care, experts say. Whether these measures will help in the fight against excess weight is in the Izvestia article.
Expanding borders
Socially significant diseases are pathologies characterized by high prevalence among the population. Such diseases can lead to a significant deterioration in the condition of patients and limit their physical abilities. The cost of treatment, as a rule, is also very serious.
Socially significant diseases, in accordance with a government decree, today include tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, malignant neoplasms, diabetes mellitus, mental disorders and behavioral disorders, as well as diseases characterized by high blood pressure.
State Duma deputies suggested that the government expand the list to include obesity. The corresponding recommendation is formulated in a resolution following the results of a round table on the problem of obesity in Russia, organized by the New People party.
"To send to the government of the Russian Federation a proposal to include obesity in the list of socially significant diseases," the document quotes TASS.
At the same time, the Ministry of Health is recommended to establish follow-up of patients with an appropriate diagnosis.
Parliamentarians pay special attention to the problem of obesity among minors. To solve it, they propose to create an interdepartmental working group to develop an up-to-date menu for school buffets.
Disturbing statistics
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight, says Maria Nichegovskaya, a family nutritionist and member of the Association of Nutritionists and health coaches. Of these, about 650 million were diagnosed with obesity.
— This means that one in three adult women and one in four men are overweight. And the upward trend continues in both rich and developing countries," the expert clarifies.
Over the past 36 years, according to WHO statistics, the number of obese people has increased by more than 50%, recalls Candidate of Medical Sciences, endocrinologist Jana Schwartz. A steady increase in the number of people suffering from this disease has been observed since the 1980s.
— According to various information, up to 36% of the world's population aged 20 and over have health problems associated with excess body weight, — the interlocutor of Izvestia draws attention.
In Russia, according to official data from the Ministry of Health and Rospotrebnadzor, approximately 25-30% of adults are overweight, and about 15% are obese, adds Nichegovskaya.
At the same time, the number of obese children is increasing at an alarming rate, Schwartz emphasizes. Over the past 40-50 years, their number has increased 10-fold.
— The development of this disease at an early age will affect a person's health throughout his life. Childhood obesity is directly related to the earlier development of cardiovascular diseases, orthopedic problems, and mental disorders, the doctor warns.
The road to recovery
Treatment of obesity is not a matter of aesthetics, emphasizes endocrinologist and nutritionist Viktor Zhilyaev. The disease is directly related to a reduction in life expectancy and an increased risk of developing serious diseases: from type 2 diabetes to oncological pathologies.
The immediate cause of obesity is a chronic calorie surplus, in which a person regularly receives more energy with food than he spends, says endocrinologist Vladimir Yakovenko. This is caused by many factors, among which he highlights the availability of high-calorie and sugary foods, large portions, sedentary work, the habit of "jamming" emotions, and so on.
The basis of obesity treatment is a steady small calorie deficit, sufficient intake of protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates, a simple and understandable diet without prohibitions on certain foods, an increase in the number of steps per day and regular aerobic and strength training, the specialist lists.
Overeating and low physical activity are often called the main causes of obesity, but this is only the tip of the iceberg, Zhilyaev draws attention. The development of the disease is influenced by eating habits, psychological factors, and genetics.
— Therefore, the simple formula "eat less, move more" rarely works. A comprehensive, individual and careful approach is needed," explains the doctor.
Do not forget about hormonal and metabolic disorders that occur, including against the background of stress and lack of sleep, adds Maria Nichegovskaya. Chronic lack of sleep and high cortisol levels are directly related to weight gain. Normalization of these factors will contribute to weight loss.
— Obesity is a chronic process, and overcoming it requires time, consistency and the support of specialists, — says the interlocutor of Izvestia.
Such patients should be treated by an endocrinologist, a nutritionist, a psychologist, a psychotherapist or a psychiatrist, a specialist in physical therapy or a rehabilitologist, Jan Schwartz is convinced. In some cases, other specialized specialists may be involved.
Drug treatment is also possible. The doctor, having assessed the risks, connects modern drugs for weight loss, if necessary, says Yakovenko.
— In severe obesity and the presence of complications, bariatric surgery is indicated — it has been proven to reduce risks and prolong life, — says the endocrinologist.
A chance to heal
The inclusion of obesity in the list of socially significant diseases is an important step that will help draw attention to the problem, raise public awareness and access to care, Viktor Zhilyaev is convinced.
Assigning obesity the status of a socially significant disease will make it possible to organize access to effective treatment methods, early prevention in adults and children, and interdisciplinary routes, Vladimir Yakovenko believes.
"There won't be any quick miracles, but systemic support will help those who need it to lose weight more consistently and reduce the number of complications and costs for the healthcare system," the endocrinologist believes.
The establishment of dispensary monitoring of obese patients will make it possible to detect the disease at an early stage, monitor the dynamics and provide comprehensive care, Maria Nichegovskaya believes. Thanks to this, people will have a better chance of receiving timely medical and nutritional support.
— But it is important to understand that even with an effective surveillance system, much depends on the person himself. No doctor can make a patient's choice in favor of a healthy diet, regular activity and self-care. Government support is a powerful resource, but the result is always born in the doctor—patient tandem," the expert concludes.
The editorial board of Izvestia sent inquiries to the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and the New People party. No responses had been received at the time of publication.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
