Obesity
Hello, my name is Ishaan Sekhon. I’m a first year student at UC Berkeley, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology. The following blog post will discuss obesity and how it impacts the Punjabi community.
Obesity in the Punjabi Community
Recent studies have found that South Asians generally have a greater obese population than other minorities within the USA. Our community also has a greater distribution of fat between muscle groups, within abdominal cavities, and within the liver in comparison to other races within the U.S. Traditional Punjabi food and South Asian food are calorie dense. Additionally, Punjabi culture often prioritizes education and hard work over health and wellness. This might cause many in the community to ignore taking care of their body.
Why Should We Care?
Obesity occurs when our bodies store more calories than we burn. This causes us to develop fat on many parts of our bodies. Obesity is linked to several health problems, such as type II diabetes and heart diseases. These illnesses can undermine day-to-day activities and also endanger lives.
Solutions
The two most common solutions to obesity involve frequent physical activity and healthy diets. Activities such as walking, running, or participating in sports will help burn calories. Consuming healthier foods, such as fruits and vegetables, or simply consuming less calorie dense food will also help reduce obesity. Although it’s difficult to change our dietary habits due to our cultural connection to food and its difficult to spend time exercising for people who have demanding jobs and also have to take care of family members, however, it’s still important to take care of ourselves and to do our best to protect our bodies as much as we can.
