Massive Number of Russians at Risk of Becoming Overweight or Obese

Move that ass, 'cause your life depend on it. At least 150 minutes a week - walk, swim, ride a bike. Here's the lowdown:

The Russian Minister of Health, Mikhail Murashko, threw some serious shade on obesity during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), stating that it knocks a whopping 10 years off your life if you're obese, and 2 to 4 years if you've got some extra pounds. Yikes! He also mentioned that around 40 million Russians are battling the bulge, equaling to 27% of the population.

Obesity ain't just about extra weight, it's a modern curse that leads to a slew of health issues like hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Not only does it cut your life short, but it also puts a strain on healthcare systems.

Now, here's something you might want to calculate - Body Mass Index (BMI). It's a measure that compares weight to height. Divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters, and voilà, there's your BMI. Want a shortcut? Use an online calculator to ease the math.

BMI values go like this: less than 16 - severe weight loss; 16-17.9 - underweight; 18-24.9 - optimal (normal); 25-29.9 - excess weight (pre-obesity); 30-34.9 - obesity grade 1; 35-39.9 - obesity grade 2; 40 and above - obesity grade 3. BMI is an average indicator, although it might not reflect the picture accurately in bodybuilders where the extra weight comes from heavy muscles, not fat.

But hey, BMI ain't the only thing that matters. There's your body's reserves - the internal "safety buffer" - which your organism stores to help you adapt to stress, diseases, and loads. Oksana Drapkina, a physician-therapist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, and the main out-of-staff specialist in therapy and general medical practice, shared the deets on these reserves with KP.RU.

The reserves our organism stores are physiological, biochemical, immunological, and psycho-emotional. The robustness of this reserve buffer depends on genetics, lifestyle, and the environment. These reserves can be spent gradually under the influence of chronic diseases, an improper lifestyle, and constant stress, or suddenly in case of severe injuries, acute infections, or surgical interventions. It's important to know that the body's reserves can be partially restored, but they don't return to their original state completely.

So, what's the deal with these silent threats that gradually destroy our health? Here they are: chronic stress, which knocks off 10-15 years of life due to heart wear and tired immunity; smoking, which steals 7-10 years, poisons lungs, and increases cancer risk; and obesity and sedentary lifestyle, which shorten life by 5-8 years and overloads the body. And guess what? These health threats amplify each other, so if you combine them, your chances of long life plummet.

Don't panic! You can do something about it. Here's what Dr. Oksana Drapkina advises:

Move: At least 150 minutes a week - walk, swim, or bike.
Eat Right: More veggies and fruits, less fast food.
Quit Smoking: Every day without a cigarette is a step towards health.
Manage Stress: Find a hobby, try meditation, or get some support during "work and family storms."

Lastly, regularly undergo check-ups and see your doctor. Regular check-ups can help catch problems early while reserves are still available. Studies show that even starting to take care of yourself at 40-50 can add 10-15 active years.

Stay healthy, my friend!

Science highlights the detrimental impact of chronic diseases, such as obesity and sedentary lifestyle, on health and wellness, with studies suggesting these conditions can reduce life expectancy by 5-8 years.
In the realm of mental health, chronic stress is another significant silent threat, knocking off 10-15 years of life due to heart wear and tired immunity.
Health-and-wellness experts advocate for homeostasis through fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and quitting smoking to combat these health challenges and boost longevity.
When it comes to nutrition, choosing more fruits, vegetables, and a reduced intake of fast food can contribute to improving one's overall medical-conditions.