Obesity is a chronic disease that can have a negative effect on the body. People who are overweight or obese have a much higher risk of developing a number of serious problems, such as:
Heart disease at a very early age
Bone and joint diseases
High blood pressure
Diabetes and
Some forms of cancer
Obesity can significantly shorten an individual's life. Many other health risks are higher in people who cross the obesity threshold. These risks usually increase as the degree of obesity increases. The causes of obesity are directly related to the problems involved.
People become obese for many reasons. There are several causes of obesity and associated factors:-
Causes of obesity
The balance between food intake and energy expenditure determines a person's weight. If a person eats more calories than he can burn, then he gains weight (that is, the body stores the excess energy in the form of fat). Some of the primary causes of obesity include overeating and physical inactivity. Below are other reasons that can cause obesity:-
Genetics – A person is more likely to develop obesity if one or both parents are obese. Genetics also affect hormones that are involved in regulating body fat.
Overeating – Overeating leads to weight gain, especially if the diet is high in fat. Foods high in fat or sugar result in high calorie intake, which further serves as a cause of obesity.
Physical inactivity – People who are lethargic tend to burn fewer calories than people who are active. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (THANES) showed that physical inactivity can be strongly correlated with weight gain in both men and women.
Psychological factors – For some people, emotions influence their eating habits. Many people overeat in response to emotions such as stress, boredom, sadness and anger. Diseases like hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, Cushing syndrome, PCUS are some major contributors to obesity.
Symptoms of obesity
People who are obese usually show symptoms of obesity, the medical conditions listed above. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, breathing problems and joint pain (mainly in the knees and lower back) are common. The more obese a person is, the more likely they are to suffer from obesity-related health problems.
Symptoms of obesity include:
Breathing disorders (e.g. sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Some types of cancer (e.g. prostate and bowel cancer in men, breast and uterine cancer in women)
Coronary artery (heart) disease.
Depression
Diabetes
Gallbladder or liver disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GIRD)
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Joint disease (e.g. osteoarthritis)
Stroke
Obesity test
If your BMI falls into the obese range, your health care provider will review your medical history in detail, recommend an obesity test, perform a physical exam, and suggest some weight loss activities.
These examinations and tests generally include:
Health history study – The doctor will usually review the patient's weight history, weight loss efforts, exercise habits, eating habits, current or past medical conditions, medications, stress levels, and other issues that could serve as plausible reasons for obesity. The doctor may also check the patient's family health history to analyze the reasons for obesity.
General Physical Examination – This examination usually involves measuring the person's height; checking for signs of obesity, mapping heart rate, blood pressure levels and body temperature; listening to heartbeat and breathing; and finally examination of the abdominal area.
Calculation of BMI - Body Mass Index (BMI) determines the degree of obesity. BMI also helps determine overall health risk and what treatment may be appropriate to cure the problem.
Blood tests – There are a number of tests that help analyze a person's overall health, risk factors and current symptoms that may indicate obesity. Some common blood tests include a cholesterol test, liver test, fasting glucose, and thyroid test. Your doctor may also recommend certain heart-related tests, such as an electrocardiogram, to investigate your risk of developing heart disease as a result of obesity.
Treatment of obesity
The main goal of obesity treatment is to achieve and maintain good health. Individuals must work with a team of health professionals—including a dietitian, behavioral counselor, or obesity specialist—to understand and make the necessary changes in eating patterns and habits.
Any weight loss program requires changes in eating habits and increased physical activity. Treatment methods that are appropriate for a person usually depend on their level of obesity, overall health, and willingness to participate in a weight loss program.
Other healing tools include:
Dietary Changes – Cutting calories and following healthier eating habits requires some essential measures to overcome the problem of obesity. Although one can lose weight quickly at first, doctors recommend that losing weight slowly and steadily over a period of time is better and safer. The main key to losing weight is reducing the intake of excess calories. It is essential to review typical eating and drinking habits to see how many calories a person is normally consuming and where they can cut back.
Exercise and activity – Physical activity or exercise is an essential part of obesity treatment. Most people who are able to maintain weight loss for more than a year exercise regularly, even by simply walking.
Behavioral Changes – Making changes to your behavior patterns can help you make many significant lifestyle changes and lose weight. Steps to take include examining current habits to determine what factors, stressors, or situations may have contributed to obesity.
Prescription Weight Loss Medications – Losing weight is not easy. She requires constant changes, especially in what she eats and how much she exercises. There are several prescription weight loss medications available on the market that are safe and can be used for weight loss. However, keep in mind that weight loss medication is meant to be used along with proper diet, exercise, and behavioral changes, not in place of them. If a person fails to make changes in their life, medication is unlikely to work.
Prevention of obesity
To prevent obesity and maintain a healthy body weight, eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Prevention of obesity is important. Once fat cells are formed, they stay in the body forever. Although it is possible to reduce the size of fat cells, they cannot get rid of them.
In fact, breastfed babies are 15 to 25 percent less likely to be overweight later in life.
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