Nearly 32% of first-graders in our country are overweight, and 20 percent have central obesity.
The study covered over 15,000 children over a period of 15 years, and the alarming statistics were announced by Prof. Dr. Veselka Duleva from the National Center for Public Health and Analysis on “This Morning“ on bTV.
Endocrinologist Assoc. Prof. Yavor Asyov pointed out where Bulgaria is on the “obesity map“, and Prof. Milena Georgieva from the Institute of Molecular Biology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences explained how stress and insomnia affect the cellular level.
Psychologists Mladen Vladimirov and Detelina Stamenova, and trainers Sami Hosni, Ines Subashka and Ivan Georgiev provided valuable practical advice on how to change our perspective on nutrition and exercise.
Former Minister of Education Sergey Ignatov and clinical nutritionist Derya Hussein from the reality phenomenon “Life on the Scale“ reminded that obesity is not only a personal, but also a social problem that can only be solved with joint efforts.
The problem of obesity affects different generations.
Television personalities also joined the campaign with inspiring personal messages and examples. “Don't delay any longer, take the first step! "Training affects not only our appearance, but also our health. It depends on many factors and we should not ignore any of them," said Zlatimir Yochev.
“The first step towards health is to listen to our body and its needs,“ added Svetoslav Ivanov. Natalie Trifonova, Petar Bakardzhiev, Nikoleta Madanska, Stanislava Tsalova and Nedelya Shtonova reminded that it is never too late to change old habits and that discipline brings not only results, but also satisfaction.
To set a personal example, Zlatimir Yochev increased his water intake, Petar Dochev soaked himself in an icy river, Olya Malinova started a regimen with a trainer, Mityo Marinov entered the CrossFit gym with ultramarathoner Krasi Georgiev and did a series of workouts, and Beste Sabri took dance lessons.
Within the framework of the “First Step to Your Health“ campaign, proven experts provided useful and accessible information on proper nutrition, physical activity and prevention.