World Digestive Health Day is celebrated every year on May 29 around the world. The holiday provides resources and tools for gastrointestinal (G.I.) diseases to help more people in the general public make better decisions about their health. Awareness can lead to the early diagnosis and treatment of G.I. diseases, including cancer. It should also be known that G.I. diseases can lead to obesity. It also creates more understanding and better support for patients experiencing digestive diseases when their issues and conditions are better understood by the general public.
History of World Digestive Health Day
World Digestive Health Day was officially established in 2004 to mark the 45th anniversary of the World Gastroenterology Organization’s founding. There are over 100 member societies and 50,000 individual members in the organization all over the world. Each year, a theme is selected by the World Gastroenterology Organization. This year’s theme is colorectal cancer. Examples of previous themes covered include inflammatory bowel disease and viral hepatitis.
World Digestive Health Day timeline
About 45% of American adults are recorded to be overweight or obese
World Digestive Health Day is established.
A study shows that about 1.9 billion adults in the world are overweight.
About 650 million adults worldwide are estimated to be obese
World Digestive Health Day FAQs
What factors can be responsible for obesity?
Obesity is a multifactorial disease with genetic, hormonal, metabolic, or behavioral components.
What illnesses can be caused by obesity?
Obesity can lead to several severe and even fatal diseases, including cancer, heart disease, type 2 Diabetes, and gynecological/ sexual problems.
Does obesity affect the bones?
Obesity can lead to muscle and bone disorders such as osteoarthritis.
How to Observe World Digestive Health Day
Take a glimpse
This day is full of events. There are seminars held at various locations. There is also training and infomercials that help spread the word and teach people. Be there, you’ll learn a lot.
Get a check-up
Get a check-up for your digestive system. While you’re at it, you could get a general check-up for common diseases too.
Plan a healthy diet
Along with exercise, this is a great way to maintain not only your digestive health but also your whole body. Not sure how to start, there are some great resources online to help begin the process.
5 Facts About Obesity You Should Know
On the rise
The rate of obesity has almost tripled between 1975 and 2016 worldwide.
Children
In 2019, about 38 million children were overweight or obese.
Obesity kills
Obesity leads to many deaths around the world.
Cardiovascular diseases
Obesity is a proven cause of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke.
Prevention
Obesity is a condition that can be prevented with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
Why World Digestive Health Day is Important
It saves lives
Spreading research and useful medical information about symptoms and treatments of various diseases is an enormous benefit. People who spot illnesses earlier can get the needed treatment and be saved.
It helps professionals
The holiday supports medical research which helps professionals learn more. More knowledge about digestive health improves the health sector as a whole.
It encourages good health
The campaign encourages more people in society to lead a more healthy lifestyle. They are encouraged to eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly.
World Digestive Health Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 29 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 29 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 29 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 29 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 29 | Monday |
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