Biography
Biography: Emmanuel Antwi Akoto
Abstract
Obesity has reached epidemic levels in both developed and developing countries. About one third (33%) of the world\'s population has become overweight or obese. By the year 2030, the figure is expected to hit 50% according to a 2014 McKinsey Global Institute Report. Environmental factors, lifestyle preferences, and cultural environment play pivotal roles in the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide. In general, overweight and obesity are assumed to be the results of an increase in caloric and fat intake. On the other hand, there is supporting evidence that excessive sugar intake, increased portion size, and steady decline in physical activity have been playing major roles in the rising rates of obesity all around the world. Consequently, both over-consumption of calories and reduced physical activity are involved in obesity. Overweight and obesity have significant impact on both physical and psychological health. Psychological health is fundamental to high quality of life, yet, overweight or obesity can lead to emotional disorders such as low self-esteem, depression, self-hatred and social discrimination. Could these reasons be exploited to help combat obesity in our society? I personally went on a weight loss journey not for the physical benefits but for the psychological benefits. Until now, most approaches have focused on changing the behavior of individuals in diet and exercise to regain physical health. A new approach towards regaining mental health as a result of overcoming obesity can go a long way to help curb down the obesity epidemic.