A sound mind resides in a sound body. But the definition of the sound body has changed over time. From various scientific research, we learned what is actually good for our health, which changed many age-old beliefs. Actually, the idea is still changing as new information is discovered every day. We try to get thinner to look better, ignoring the demands of our bodies. Obesity is something we should get rid of, but of course, maintaining proper rules so that our body is not lacking necessary nutrients.
What is obesity?
Due to obesity, body weight increases naturally. If 20% (or more) fat is more than the ideal weight stored in the body, this condition is obesity. To determine the excess weight of an adult, the ratio of body weight and height that is introduced is called body mass index, or in short BMI.
BMI=(body weight in kg)/( height in meter)2
In 2000, WHO gave a chart of BMI, which is given below :
Obesity is a matter of mass discussion in the recent world. Its widespread effect is worrying the world's physicians, and it’s the central point of many diseases. The diseases that may occur due to obesity are coronary heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, cancer( breast, colon), high blood pressure, stroke, liver and pancreas damage, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and many more. The brunch of medical science where the cause, effect, remedies of obesity are discussed is Bariatrics.
Causes of obesity
The main cause of obesity that has been identified at the individual level is the intake of high calories and lack of enough physical movement. If we pay attention to the social level, we can see that tasty junk food, more and more dependence on technology for transportation and other physical work can cause mass obesity. Yet, an individual can suffer from obesity for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons and causes that the medical researchers have identified are mention below:
1. Genetical: Collective genes are responsible for good metabolism and storage of fat. In 80% of cases, children of obese parents suffer from obesity. Lack of rate of metabolism and genetic sensitivity can be the cause of obesity.
2. Daily lifestyle: Obesity depends mostly on daily lifestyle. The habit of eating fatty food or food rich in calories ( burger, pizza), drinking alcohol, carbohydrate enriched desserts, not eating fruits and seasonal vegetables, etc., causes obesity. On the other hand, lack of exercise or physical movements is another main cause of obesity.
3. Emotion: Depression, frustration, anger, reluctance, inferiority complex, etc., can decrease the metabolism rate in the body and ultimately cause obesity.
4. Workplace: Most people engage themselves in desk jobs that require one to sit in one place for a long time and are devoid of any movements of limbs. During break or lunchtime, the office goer normally grabs a packet of fast food or something like that. After work, instead of walking home or cycling, people get into the car. This routine continues day after day, and the result is obesity.
5. Mental trauma: Traumatizing memories, mental and physical abuse during childhood, death of parents, marital or familial problem, etc., leads to overeating.
- Leisure: People mostly spend their leisure period sitting in front of the remote-controlled television, browsing the internet, or playing video games. So the chances of physical movement are narrow even in the leisure period.
- Gender difference: Naturally, the muscle density of a man is more than a woman. Muscle uses more calories than most other tissues( even during sleep). So more calories are burnt in a male body than a female body. Therefore if a man and a woman have the same type and the same amount of meal, the possibility of storing fat is more for the woman.
8. Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the mother gains 4 to 6 pounds of weight in maximum cases.
9. Insomnia: If a person has less than 6 hours of sleep, hormonal changes occur in the body, followed by increased hunger. Therefore he is compelled to have more food which will ultimately cause hunger.
10. Lack of proper health knowledge: Due to lack of proper health knowledge, a balanced diet, harmful effects of obesity, etc., can cause obesity.
11. Diseases: Few specific diseases can highly cause obesity. Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause obesity in the female body. Besides Cushing syndrome, Hyperthyroidism can also cause obesity.
- Medicines: Few medicines can trigger the tendencies of obesity. For example, steroids, anti-depressant, birth control pills, etc. Besides, insulin and diabetic prevention medicine can also cause obesity.
Prevention of obesity
We may or may not be at risk of obesity, but we all should be aware of obesity. To prevent obesity, the following points have to be considered seriously, practiced accordingly, and followed daily.
1. Daily physical exercise: In a week, the habit of fast walking (or swimming) for at least 150 to 250 minutes has to be built.
2. Balanced diet: Food enriched in nutrition, fruits, vegetables, fewer calorie foods have to be taken.
3. Diet control: Fatty food, carbohydrates, sweet foods have to be taken in a small amount. Alcohols have to be avoided completely. Obese people should control themselves from having delicious foods or have in a small amount. A food chart has to be made with the help of a physician considering the deficiencies and demands of the body.
4. Weight chart: Weight have to be measured at least once a week, a chart has to be made to determine the development. With patience and strong determination, lengthy results can be achieved.
5. Treatment: With the prescription of physician Orlistat (Xenical), Lorcaserin (Belviq), Phentermine (Suprenza), etc., medicines can be taken. Nowadays, doctors are also suggesting surgery for the sake of the situation.
If obesity is not cured in time, it may later give rise to many life-threatening diseases. The remedies of obesity are lengthy, and so is the prevention. With strong willpower and determination, one may get rid of obesity. It's better to take steps in the early stage of obesity because many complexities arise later. It is suggested to take the help of a doctor if the situation worsens.
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