Final answer:
The health risks of obesity can be reduced through improving diet and increasing physical activity. These lifestyle changes not only help in burning more calories but also improve overall health and reduce the risk of many obesity-related diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Besides losing weight, the health risks of obesity can be decreased by improving diet and increasing physical activity. This approach addresses both sides of the energy balance equation: consuming more nutritious, lower calorie foods and expending more calories through activity. The Let's Move! campaign, for instance, focuses on educating caregivers and children about the importance of a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while also emphasizing the need for regular physical activity.
Increased physical activity has several health benefits; it not only helps in burning more calories, contributing to weight loss or maintenance, but it also improves cardiovascular health, increases muscular and bone strength, and enhances cognitive function. Treating and preventing obesity involves creating lifestyle changes that promote a balance of healthy eating and consistent physical activity, which in turn can mitigate the risks associated with obesity such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and several forms of cancer.
Moreover, public health approaches aim to create environments that facilitate these healthful behaviors by making healthy food options more available and providing safe spaces for physical activity. Considering obesity's impact on health, it is critical to act on these lifestyle factors to improve individual and community health.