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Obesity: A complex problem that needs comprehensive solutions.
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Cristina Redondo
Mr. Building Manager
Nov 21, 2024
Obesity is not just a public health issue, but a multifaceted problem that affects millions of people around the world and threatens to severely impact the global economy. According to the World Obesity Federation, since 1975, obesity rates have tripled, and by 2035, more than half of the global population will be living with overweight or obesity. This represents an economic burden of $4.32 trillion, nearly 3% of global GDP. So, how do we confront this growing health crisis?
Challenges in treating obesity.
Addressing obesity is fraught with complexities. Patients, facing both physical and psychological issues, often find themselves forced to navigate a fragmented healthcare system, where each specialist only addresses one part of the problem. This disconnection is not only inefficient but also discourages patients, who abandon weight loss treatments, with dropout rates between 30% and 50%. Additionally, the cost of these comprehensive treatments – which can reach 300 euros a month – becomes a significant barrier for many people needing to lose weight.
Opportunities for improvement: Science and technology as allies.
Despite these hurdles, the landscape of obesity is also filled with opportunities. The emergence of drug treatments like GLP-1 has proven to be very effective, with an additional weight loss of 15% compared to other methods. However, these advances only work in the long term if accompanied by continuous monitoring and habit change that allow the patient to maintain the benefits achieved over time. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence and smart devices, promises to be a crucial resource in this fight. Technological tools can provide automatic monitoring of progress, thus optimizing the work of specialists and encouraging patient adherence to treatment.
An integrated and personalized approach, supported by technology and a coordinated medical team, offers the best hope for effectively addressing obesity.
This problem is not simply a matter of willpower; it is a deeply rooted biological and social issue. We need to understand the individual and systemic causes that promote it and work towards innovative and coordinated solutions. Only through a joint effort between science, technology, and healthcare systems can we expect to make a significant and lasting difference in the lives of those affected by this condition. Obesity is a global challenge that demands practical and innovative solutions. To address it, it is necessary to transform traditional approaches and invest in comprehensive, accessible, and sustainable strategies that integrate scientific advancements, cutting-edge technology, and connected health systems. At Byld, we are dedicated to developing disruptive solutions in the field of Health & Wellness. If you want to explore new ways to tackle challenges such as obesity or discuss innovative ideas in this area, let's talk.
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