Watch out for spoilers: Every one of us is going to die sometime. It is interesting to know what the statistics say we will die of.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation regularly publishes a report on the main causes of death and health threats in the world, the so-called "Global Burden of Disease" (GBD). This report provides a direct insight into the health trends facing our society.
The good news?
Many countries are saving lives better than ever before. This is especially true for children under 5 years of age.
The bad news?
Diseases related to obesity are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with numbers rising. Researchers are looking with concern at what the future holds.
➤ Diet plays a role in almost every 5th death!
What are the leading causes of death in the world?
Depending on the continent, the mortality rates are distributed somewhat differently. Cardiovascular diseases, tumours and infections are clearly at the top of the list. In Western Europe the statistics are similar.
The highest mortality rates in Western Europe are to be found:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Tumours
- Neurological disorders
- Infections of the respiratory system
- Diseases of the digestive system
- Diabetes
Some causes and risks are declining worldwide, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria or premature births. Other causes, such as secondary diseases of obesity, are on the rise.
Obesity and its consequences
According to the researchers, obesity in particular is increasingly preventing people from leading long and healthy lives. There are many secondary diseases caused by obesity, such as heart problems or diabetes.
- Obesity leads to heart disease:
In 2016, secondary diseases such as ischaemic heart disease were the leading cause of death with almost 9.5 million people worldwide. Ischemic heart disease is also known as coronary heart disease. It is a condition that occurs when the arteries are damaged and blood, oxygen and nutrients can no longer be transported to the heart. Deposits in the arteries and inflammation are usually responsible for the damage and can lead to a heart attack if unrestricted access to the heart is not restored.
➤ Heart disease is already the leading cause of death worldwide
- Obesity leads to diabetes:
Diabetes was responsible for 1.4 million deaths, a 31 percent increase over the previous year. This makes the metabolic disease the ninth leading cause of death in the USA, claiming more lives than AIDS and breast cancer combined.
➤ In Germany and Switzerland, diabetes is in 5th place as the cause of death, in Austria even 4th!
However, the GBD authors are concerned about how fast the rate of obesity is rising and how the impact of the disease is spreading to all socio-demographic levels - no one is immune to it.
So far, so good. But what do we do with this information now?
How to avoid the most common cause of death worldwide
The report on the most frequent causes of death is not about pessimism. Nonetheless, obesity is a major and, above all, global problem, as it is associated with many secondary diseases. Most people, however, are able to minimise the risk in a natural way and treat diseases.
It's worth the effort!
So how can obesity, one of the leading causes of death worldwide, be treated?
Change your diet - in 3 steps
1. consume more healthy fats
People who want to lose weight often avoid fats - a serious mistake! With a low-fat diet, people usually consume even more food that contains a higher sugar content or refined cereals.
Healthy fats - especially the essential omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA not only contribute to a stronger feeling of fullness, but are also full of important nutrients. Healthy fats also help the body to absorb vitamins better and balance hormones. "Natural" is the key word in this context. Foods such as avocados, butter from pasture milk, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids from wild salmon, for example, contribute to weight loss and help reduce high cholesterol levels.
With healthy fats, inflammation can be reduced, which has additional negative consequences. This is because age-related diseases such as arthritis/arthrosis, Alzheimer's or cancer are particularly prone to inflammation.
➜ Tip:Try a low-carbohydrate but high-fat diet. A ketogenic diet has been proven to offer more protection against cardiovascular disease.
2. refrain from sugar and finished products
Even if we repeat ourselves, refined sugar in all its different forms and industrially processed foods are two of our body's greatest enemies. Sugar destroys our health because it leads to obesity and increases our risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, leaky gut syndrome, inflammation and certain types of cancer.
Unfortunately, hidden sugar is found in many products: in muesli bars, low-calorie drinks, fruit yoghurt, spices and in many dishes in restaurants. Avoiding processed foods will automatically eliminate many of these unexpected sources of sugar from your diet. This significantly reduces your risk of falling victim to one of the most common causes of death.
3. consume more fibre-rich food
Of course there are also products that are enriched with dietary fibres, but it is better to get them from natural sources. Fibre-rich foods contribute to a healthy digestion, regular bowel movements and the control of blood sugar levels. Some of the best fibre-rich foods include avocados, berries, peas, black beans and nuts.
➜ Tip: To boost your digestion even more, take probiotics. This will additionally strengthen your immune system.
➤ Almost 1/4 of deaths in Western Europe are due to coronary heart disease or heart attack!
Obesity is undoubtedly one of the most worrying and common causes of death worldwide, and we can do something about it ourselves. Pay attention to your diet - it will be worth it!
Concluding remarks
- Researchers have identified obesity as one of the major causes of death in the world. In particular, they are concerned about the speed at which obesity (obesity) and related diseases are spreading in all population groups.
- You are doing your health a great favor by reducing your own risk of obesity. This can be achieved by changing your diet, getting more exercise and screening for emerging heart disease.
Sources (in English language):
The Lancet - GBD Compare. Available at: [https://www.thelancet.com/lancet/visualisations/gbd-compare]