What Is the Link Between Technology and Obesity?

What is the Connection Between Technology and Obesity? Obesity emerges as one of the most important health problems of our time. Prof. Dr. Dilek Yazıcı, Vice Chair of the Turkey Obesity Research Association (TOAD), emphasized that our eating habits are changing very rapidly in the digital age. Prof. Dr. Dilek Yazıcı stated, "With the excessive use of smart devices, our physical activity has decreased significantly. We can see this increasingly clearly with each passing day." Prof. Dr. Dilek Yazıcı, Vice Chair of the Turkey Obesity Research Association (TOAD), provided information about obesity disease and its treatment. Defining obesity as a chronic metabolic disease that emerges with increased fat content in the body, Prof. Dr. Dilek Yazıcı explained, "We have an index called body mass index. We obtain a value by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. If this value is above 25, we classify the person as overweight; if above 30, we classify them as obese."

We Observe an Increase in Certain Cancer Types Among Obese Individuals

Drawing attention to complications in obesity disease, Prof. Dr. Dilek Yazıcı continued: "Type 2 diabetes, that is, the onset of diabetes later in life, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver, gallbladder problems, reflux disease, psychological problems and depression are frequently seen in obese individuals. Joint problems can also make a person's life difficult. We also observe an increase in certain cancer types among obese individuals." Stating that genetic, epigenetic, psychological, social, societal and environmental factors are effective in obesity disease, Prof. Dr. Dilek Yazıcı said, "Many reasons can lead to obesity, such as having low or high birth weight from birth, not being breastfed, or not developing proper healthy eating habits in childhood." Emphasizing that our eating habits are changing very rapidly in the digital age, Prof. Dr. Dilek Yazıcı stated, "With excessive use of smart devices, our physical activity has decreased significantly. We can see this increasingly clearly with each passing day." Underlining that one of the barriers to treating obese individuals is stigma and discrimination, Prof. Dr. Dilek Yazıcı said, "This affects obese individuals in many areas of society and unfortunately can also cause problems in health services. Obese individuals who are afraid of this do not even want to visit hospitals; both because of their reluctance to participate in society and because they think they will face the same discrimination and stigma from health personnel. Because they are deprived of the health services they need, complications of obesity begin to develop and their health may deteriorate further."

Obese Individuals Must Be Very Careful After Losing Weight

Pointing out that obese individuals who undergo diet, medication therapy or surgical treatment must pay attention to certain points in the process after weight loss, Prof. Dr. Dilek Yazıcı continued: "After losing weight, maintaining that weight loss is truly difficult work. Many people regain their original weight after losing weight, and some even exceed their previous weight. Even among those who have undergone surgery, weight regain of 25 to 30 percent is observed later. Among the reasons for this, the slowdown of a person's basal metabolism after weight loss comes first. Beyond that, the appetite centers in the brain become active. In other words, hormones that will cause the person to feel hungry are secreted. Increased appetite, of course, makes it easier for the person to gain weight. Research shows that psychological factors are also very influential. If a person has issues related to satiety or emotional hunger that have not been resolved, weight gain is observed to be easier. On the other hand, when exercise is performed, maintaining weight loss becomes much easier. Again, one of the most important factors in preventing weight regain is receiving regular medical supervision."