Diet and Obesity

Health officials in Iran state that Golestan Province ranks second in obesity in the country. According to Mehr News Agency, Taghi Riahi, the head of Golestan Medical University, announced on Tuesday, April 20, that the consumption of high-calorie foods is one of the main reasons for obesity. Simultaneously, Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi, the Minister of Health, has also stated that over 50% of the Iranian population suffers from obesity. In this context, Abbas Sadaqat, Deputy of the Golestan Health Center, identified the use of ready-made and fast food as one of the significant causes of obesity. Regarding the impact of fast food on obesity, Radio Farda asked Sepideh Rashid, a nutrition expert in Paris: "Fast food and instant foods can be effective. The ingredients added to them tend to have higher sugar and salt content, and their fat content can also be higher. In Europe, they have reduced fat, sugar, and salt levels, but this may not yet be implemented in Iran. These are factors that can be effective. The preservatives used in food production can also contribute to weight gain. The quality of the ingredients used is often not very high, and to prevent spoilage, they must add preservatives that enhance flavor but may have side effects. Additionally, the salt content is high, and the sugar and fat levels are also significant. While salt does not cause obesity, it can lead to other issues, such as increasing blood pressure, which affects the heart more. When asked if traditional Iranian foods contribute to weight gain, Rashid stated that Iranian food is good. Historically, obesity was not as prevalent. There should be a reduction in frying and an effort to decrease the use of fried ingredients in stews, not to reduce stew consumption. The method of preparing stews should change, with a reduction in fat content. Cooking time should also be decreased to preserve the quality of the ingredients used in the food. An important point that is usually mentioned alongside nutrition is the need for physical activity. To what extent does the lack of an exercise program alongside a dietary plan affect obesity? It can be about 50% effective. Poor eating habits and lack of movement are both factors contributing to obesity. When these two factors combine, obesity increases. Therefore, it can be said that physical activity is as effective as proper nutrition.