Concerning observation in our country: one in five Belgians is obese. This excessive accumulation of fat can lead to many health problems. The advice to combat this disease is traditional: eat balanced meals, avoid ultra-processed products, engage in physical activity. However, dieticians advise not to deprive oneself entirely.
Body mass index is the main indicator of obesity. “We take the weight, divide it by the square of the height, and we get a number that is 22, a number really within what we call normality,” notes Erika Moelter, a referenced nurse at the obesity clinic at CHRSM. “If you exceed this number, you are in the overweight stage, and then you reach obesity, even morbid obesity.”
Against obesity, diet is essential at 70%: opt for a balanced plate with half fruits and vegetables, a quarter carbohydrates, and the rest proteins. Labels are also good indicators, specialists recommend a maximum of 5 ingredients in the composition.
“It’s really the sugars that interest us, where we generally try to stay below 10, even 15 grams, which can be tolerated. In terms of fats, there are usually saturated fatty acids, which are really more harmful to health,” details Laure Denis, a dietician.
Identify commercial slogans as well. For example: sometimes a yogurt labeled as hyperprotein contains the same nutrients as a more natural product. “The ‘hipro’ is still a more processed product. When we read the list of ingredients, we find ourselves with many additives again, which are acidity correctors, flavors, sweeteners, etc. Whereas in skyr, we have a much more natural product,” analyzes the dietician.
There are now more obese children than undernourished children in the world: and in Belgium?
Physical activity is also essential: the World Health Organization recommends 7000 steps per day. “The components to take into account are the person’s weight, their wishes, what activity they would like to do. The activities with the highest energy expenditure are swimming, football, and cycling. We work for 30 to 40 minutes to tap into fat stores,” analyzes Fabienne Deboutez, chief physiotherapist at CHRSM.
Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease by the WHO, which can lead to long-term disability or premature mortality.
