Obesity and Pakistan!

Prevalence of obesity (BMI or Body Mass Index) in 25-44 year old in rural areas was 9% for men and 14% for women; in urban areas, prevalence was 22% and 37% for men and women, respectively. For 45-64 year old, prevalence was 11% for men and 19% for women in rural areas, and 23% and 40% in urban areas for men and women, respectively. Information resource is the National Health Survey of Pakistan. In South Asia, including Pakistan, social and environmental changes are occurring rapidly, with increasing urbanization, changing lifestyles, higher energy density of diets, and reduced physical activity.

Obesity is a medical problem that kills thousands of people each year, results in more chronic illnesses than smoking cigarettes and can contribute to heart disease and diabetes. Food is the vital source of energy necessary for the human body to survive, all types of which with the exception of water contain calories. If the calorie intake exceeds the amount required for the body to function to optimum levels, the body chemistry converts and stores unused energy as fat. Obesity is calculated using a formula known as the Body Mass Index (BMI). It is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both men and women. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and one of more than 30 is considered obese. Being significantly overweight is linked to a wide range of health problems including, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, indigestion, gallstones some cancers, snoring and sleep apnea, stress, anxiety and depression, to name but a few.

According to the World Heart Federation obesity is alarmingly appearing amongst the younger generation; an estimated 22 million children under the age of five are now severely overweight. However, the fast-food industry has come to be held as one of the main culprits. Indeed there has been a real shift of change in the human diet during the last century since the advent of snack food chains such as McDonald's and KFC. Homemade food has given way to convenient high-energy or high calorie food rich in fat, salt and sugar. On the other hand, the fast food industry has become a huge international business. With a multi-billion dollar turnover in the global fast-food industry, it is no surprise that such international companies will do all they can to keep people eating and the profits rolling in, attempting to convince the public that their products are healthy.

The food marketing industry that stands accused of targeting in particular young children through provocative adverts and incentives such as free gifts with kids' meals or inside cereal boxes. Also blamed are endorsements from celebrities such as pop stars, sports personalities and TV presenters who all have considerable influence on the choice of food of both children and adults. The nature of desire as a criterion for controlling actions is such that it is constantly fluctuating, with the individual being torn between varieties of differing pleasures. The aim of satisfying desires will never bring peace and contentment to an individual and comes at great cost to both body and soul. When this concept is applied to food and drink, it leads to people enjoying these things to excess; obesity can be considered a natural outcome.

Delicious Food of Pakistan

Pakistani Food is rich in its flavor and taste. Pakistani Cuisine is very spicy and has been greatly influenced by the afghan, Iranian and Turkish cooking style. Pakistan is one of the chief producers of rice and rice forms an important part of the daily diet of the Pakistanis. It is important to note here that rice is the staple food of Pakistan. Different types of basmati rice are produced in Pakistan and are also exported to different parts of the country. Some of the delicious rice Pakistani recipes are Chicken Pulao, Coconut Rice, Green Pulao, Masala Biriyani, Afghani Biriyani, Yellow Rice, Fish Biriyani, Moti Biriyani and vegetable Biriyani. Biriyani is one of the most delicious Pakistani Foods.

Chicken is one of the most important and loved dishes in Pakistan. Chicken is cooked in different Pakistani styles and the Pakistani Chicken Recipes are simply irresistible. Some of the important Pakistani Chicken Recipes are Chicken Jalferezi, Chicken Ginger, Chicken Keema, Chicken Tikkas, Creamy Chicken Tikka Curry and Chicken Korma.
It is broad view for the foreigners but when talk about the people living in Pakistan cuisine can be divided into 4 different sections, according to the four different provinces, as every province has differences. Punjabi cuisine is perhaps the most famous Pakistani food known around the world. Many times in cook books, this is also called North Indian Cuisine. Famous dishes include: Nihari (Beef based) eating with naan, Karahai (Chicken based) eating with naan, Sri Pai (Lamb based) Head (Sri) and Feet (Pie) of the lamb. Makhaz (Lamb based) Lamb Brain, Paalak Paneer (vegetarian) Spinach and cheese, Ojri (Goat stomach), Keema walay naan (Bread filled with minced beef), Lassi (Milk based drink) can be salty or sweet, usually drunk with breakfast

All Pakistani cuisines are very popular but as people want variety so some foreign dishes are too going to be famous here which include Chicken Shawarma which is an Arabic dish. Shawarma is like the ultimate on the go meal. Thinly sliced meat, wrapped in pita bread with veggies and sauce is a delicious quick meal. In fruits mangoes are hot favorite in summer season in the entire Pakistan and in winter same serve by oranges.
Other dishes can include Keema chawal: (rice with minced meat, spices, chillis, and can also include patatoes and eggs). There are great variations according to different cities as well as households, Khechari: A minced meat pastry, Sweet dishes can include: Kheer: Made from rice, similar to rice pudding, Saweyan: Similar to noodles, but dipped in milk, Mithai: Various types, usually obtained from stores.