During the holiday season public health concerns grew, and Health Minister Mikhail Murashko acknowledged the weight of obesity statistics in Russia. In adults, obesity is found in about 27.4 percent of women and about 20.6 percent of men. Among children aged seven to eleven, obesity was diagnosed last year in roughly one third of that age group. These figures have intensified debate over health policy and everyday lifestyle choices. A 2023 assessment by the World Health Organization notes rising obesity rates in many regions, underscoring the need for effective prevention.
Obesity is defined by a body mass index above 30. Before that, a BMI between 25 and 30 marks the overweight range. Some individuals sit in this border zone, and estimates suggest many adults fall there. While BMI has limitations, it remains a useful, broad indicator of risk, though body composition and muscle mass can shift the picture.
The issue is not simply a matter of danger. The classic list of health problems linked to excess weight includes high blood pressure, painful joints, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. People who want to live longer and reduce medical costs often ask how to shed pounds. When body mass remains under 25, many have a healthier baseline, though exceptions exist. Attempts at weight loss through gym workouts, new diets, and social media tips are common, but without sustained changes in eating patterns, progress often stalls, and the cycle repeats. A hopeful note: steady progress is possible for those who stay committed to the process.
After the minister’s remarks, a regional deputy proposed subsidizing gym memberships for those with obesity. The idea drew skepticism, as most people discover that access to exercise alone does not automatically reduce weight without dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes. Experts stress that regular activity two or three times a week helps, but it rarely delivers lasting pounds shed by itself.
A reader shares that three pounds can appear during the early months of a fitness program. Muscle grows as the body adapts, and fat does not vanish instantly. In time, body composition evolves, and some scales show higher numbers even as fitness improves. Scientists explain that initial gains can come from increased muscle mass, changes in water balance, and metabolic adjustments, all of which can mask fat loss on the scale.
After workouts, the brain often signals a reward with food because calories burned feel earned. When workouts happen after work, the gap before dinner can be long. The common admonition to drink kefir and sleep misses the nuance; kefir contains lactose sugar, and evening indulgences can derail progress. The idea that one can outwork a bad diet through subscriptions is not a guaranteed solution.
Endocrinologist oversight is advised for sustained results. Regular testing and vitamins every one and a half to two months help monitor health and adjust plans. A decade ago, attending a doctor and paying for tests could cost around two thousand rubles, with vitamins and medications adding to the bill. Today the price of medical follow ups remains a factor to consider, but consistent medical guidance supports a steadier path toward healthier weight.
People worldwide accumulate weight over years due to more eating, less movement, and sedentary work. In Russia, that drift may translate into large changes over two decades, turning noticeable losses into conversions of pounds. The goal remains clear: lose weight with professional guidance and guard the result through ongoing physical activity. The path is not easy and rarely linear, but it offers the best odds over the long haul.
What can be done to break the cycle. The Ministry of Health can reinforce progress by promoting healthier school meals and increasing physical education, while adults benefit from clearer nutrition labeling and better access to affordable, wholesome foods. Some countries already use labeling from A to D to guide choices, and many communities are shifting away from fast food toward healthier options. Public health is strongest when healthier foods are practical, affordable, and appealing, with fewer temptations in every corner. The discussion emphasizes real action over grand promises and invites people to invest in sustainable habits rather than quick fixes.