By Lubna Abdel-Aziz The "jolly" season is upon us, and not a moment too soon. It has been a long tedious, testy year, taking us on an endless roller-coaster ride, of highest heights and deepest depths. Now that it is finally winding down, we could all do with a little cheer. Even the economic "Grinch" cannot steal any Christmas season. Developed, over-developed and under-developed countries are feverishly decking their 'halls with boughs of holly', a little mistletoe, and an abundance of sparkling lights. Bells are ringing, carolers are singing and parties are popping everywhere. As we "don our gay apparel", we get ready to indulge in all that is pleasurable, which is our due. We better watch out, and we better not forget that even the after-effect of seasonal binging, accumulates with time, and with every indiscretion our fat cells increase. As their number grows, so does their appetite. Even if a diet starves them, they lie down waiting for the next binge, to fill up and multiply. As our bodies expand and our weight increases, serious damage is done to our major organs, such as heart, liver, kidneys and even our largest of all organs, our skin. No effect is immediately felt, but in time the wear and tear of constant abuse starts to show. You may have never suffered from overweight, but that is no guarantor that you never will. Even if you may not be genetically predisposed, a kilogram here, a kilogram there and soon a little pouch develops, a few bumps appear and you succumb to the middle-age syndrome. Now however, the problem has reached epidemic proportions. Researchers concluded that Western societies have witnessed a rapid acceleration of obesity, in the last quarter of the 20th century. Within a decade, western lifestyles became global, so did the obesity epidemic. Since 1980, obesity rates have risen three-fold or more in the US, Canada, Eastern Europe, Australia, the Middle East, the Pacific Islands and even China and Japan. In developing countries, the increase is often faster. Societal changes and worldwide nutrition propensity for fast foods are what is driving this dangerous epidemic. In the end our progress is our undoing. Modernisation, urbanisation and globalisation of food markets are shared by all 7 billion of us. We practically eat the same foods. Is there a child anywhere who has not savored a paper bag of oily French fries? The economic crisis is partially responsible. Two-income families are growing, and no one is cooking at home, carefully planning the family's well-balanced nutritious diet. If only they knew of the health hazards of obesity. Consider cancer, a virus hereditary in most cases, and has no relation to obesity. Wrong! Obesity increases the risk of cancer of the breast, colon, prostate, endometrium, kidney and gall-bladder. A World Health Report concluded that obesity causes 68% of diabetes, 29% heart diseases and 8 to 42% of certain cancers, globally. A study in the UK found that 60% of macular degeneration or sight loss is caused by diabetes. So, this is not an appropriate subject for this time of year, you say! As you get ready to head for your next reception or cocktail-party, laden with scrumptious, toothsome morsels, remember that every mouthful may be detrimental to your health. Your health matters at all times. Because of booming economy and the increase of average income in China, its hard --working, bicycle-loving population is experiencing a higher percentage of obesity. The sedentary TV and lap-top lifestyle has afflicted the Chinese whose obesity rate has now reached 27.3%. Surely you have heard of the "apple and pear" theory, or have you? In a 10- year study of Chinese adults, which appeared in the American Journal of Hypertension, apple-shaped people are at a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes than pear-shaped ones. Which shape are you? Have you ever stopped to assess that? Dr Chen Huan Chen of Yang Ming University in Taipei, Taiwan concludes that those who carry most of their excess weight around the middle, or whose waistline expands over the years, are at greater risk of high blood pressure, which leads to strokes and often death. Abdominal obesity predicts future hypertension, regardless of body weight or current blood pressure. After following 2377 men and women 30 and up for 10 years, Dr Chen recommends that if health matters, we should prevent abdominal obesity, not just obesity. Obesity was once desirable, way back when. At one time or another, the 'Venus' figure, and the 'Rubenesque' woman, have been symbols of health, strength, status and fertility throughout history. Perceptions of beauty have undergone drastic cultural changes, and now the obese body-shape is widely regarded as unattractive. That is not what drives us to avoid it. Obesity is a medical condition; it is a disease in its own right, which attracts many other deadly companions. Worst of all it is an epidemic of global proportions, and must be checked, mostly by us Have we managed to spoil your appetite or check your desire to indulge without care in this season of seasons? Then we have done a good deed. Our food consumption is our personal responsibility which could well start during childhood, and becomes a habit hard to break. As doting parents are lovingly wrapping gifts for their children with the Santa Claus jingle ringing in their ears, they had better watch out, because Santa Claus may be followed by an unwelcome visitor. I eat to live, to serve, and also to enjoy, but I do not eat for the sake of enjoyment. -- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
