There are several causes of obesity. Some people don't have access to supermarkets with healthy foods. Obesity may also be genetic. Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or underactive thyroid may be prone to obesity. Other causes of obesity are psychological or emotional factors. People may eat more when stressed, upset, or bored. Fortunately, there are several ways to combat obesity.
Obesity is a disease and it is also a symptom of several disorders - Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya
What is Obesity?
In general, excess weight is associated with an imbalance of calories in the body compared to the amount burned. Today's busy lifestyles make it challenging to get enough physical activity. And not all communities have accessible parks and other places to exercise. But small bouts of increased physical activity can improve your health and well-being. Obesity affects the hormones that signal hunger and fullness. Obese people have a higher risk of developing many of these diseases.
Although doctors refer to obesity as a disease, it's a symptom of several disorders. The definition of obesity varies according to weight, height, and other factors. For example, an obese linebacker can be significantly overweight and have relatively low body fat levels compared to an average athlete. The same is true of a sedentary person with a low body-fat percentage but with very little muscle mass.
Even though obesity is a disease, it remains a stigmatized condition that can cause serious health problems. Many people mistakenly believe that having a high BMI is the only way to find out if you're obese. If your BMI is in the overweight range, ask for more reliable methods of determining your BMI. Excess weight is hard on the body and can lead to various health issues, so it's essential to get your doctor's advice on addressing your obesity problem.
Causes
Most of us think about our diets when we think about obesity, but there are other causes of excess weight gain. For example, we may have a disorder called hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone, slows metabolism, and increases weight. The good news is that blood tests can tell us what hormones are in our body, but some conditions can cause excess weight gain. Cushing's syndrome, which results from excessive adrenal gland production of cortisol, causes extra fat to build up in some distinct body regions.
Other factors may contribute to your weight, including a lack of physical activity and diet. Some health conditions can also increase your risk of obesity, including arthritis. Arthritis can limit your ability to exercise, which may contribute to extra weight. In such cases, your body will naturally respond to stress by craving carbohydrates and fat. You will be more likely to overeat if you don't feel well or are stressed, so make sure you eat healthy foods and do not skip meals.
Socioeconomic conditions may also contribute to your risk of becoming obese. Living in an area with poor access to fresh produce may make it more expensive to eat healthily. Fresh produce may also be more challenging to obtain than white pasta. But chain pharmacies are increasingly selling healthy foods. Moreover, a lack of physical activity increases your risk of obesity. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to stay active and eat healthily, and you can start today!
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Symptoms of Obesity
The symptoms of obesity are varied and include increased body fat, a sedentary lifestyle, and health concerns related to skin and sleep. The weight may also affect the spine, pelvis, knees, and joints, causing pain and tightness. These may exacerbate fatigue. Additionally, obesity can lead to excessive sweating; a condition called hyperhidrosis. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.
People with a BMI over 30 are considered obese. Usually, this measurement is determined by dividing weight by height. However, if the measurement is higher, you may have a medical condition other than obesity. Your doctor can help you determine whether you are obese or not by taking your height and waist measurements. They can also prescribe the proper diet and exercise programs.
Besides being uncomfortable to look at, obesity can also cause cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and other health issues. The weight can also lead to other medical conditions, such as fatty liver and gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, and infertility. Obesity also raises inflammatory levels in the body. Additionally, it can lead to depression and social isolation. It is essential to seek medical care as soon as possible if you suspect you are suffering from obesity.
The Effects of Obesity on Your Body
There are many adverse health effects associated with obesity. Over 40% of the U.S. population is overweight or obese, which increases your risk of serious medical issues. Obesity increases the risk of heart failure and stroke, both medical conditions in which blood flow is interrupted. Additionally, people who are obese have the lower lung capacity, which puts them at risk for respiratory infections and asthma, both of which are linked to being overweight or obese. Obesity also leads to high blood pressure, a leading cause of stroke.
Obesity is a significant health threat for both men and women. Overweight people are at risk for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer. Obesity treatment typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. For example, if you are obese, your doctor may recommend weight-loss surgery or other medical procedures to help you lose weight.
Excess weight negatively affects your life in every aspect. It reduces energy levels, leads to fatigue, and decreases mobility. Excess weight is also linked to a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer. It also hurts your self-esteem and body image. Furthermore, it has been linked to migraine and implicated in Alzheimer's disease.
Risk Factors
Many factors can contribute to obesity. One of these is the diet a person eats, which tends to be unhealthy and full of added sugars, trans fats, and saturated fats. Other factors can contribute to obesity, including lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle. Finally, social factors, such as poor diet quality and living in an area where unhealthy foods are readily available, can lead to obesity.
The Western diet is high in red meat, processed carbohydrates, and sugary beverages. But it lacks certain foods that help prevent chronic disease and obesity. Television viewing is another vital risk factor, as is being exposed to food advertisements for long periods.
Lack of sleep is another factor. Although it is not always possible to eliminate all causes of obesity, studies have shown that sleep deprivation is associated with higher obesity rates.
Lack of physical activity is one of the most common factors for obesity. Many people are stuck in offices and use their cars for transportation, so they don't get any exercise. Because they do not get enough exercise, they don't burn extra energy from food and store it as fat. If this continues, a person can suffer from severe health problems. This condition has serious consequences and may even lead to a heart attack.
Complications of Obesity
Obesity can lead to several complications, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, pulmonary blood clots, esophageal reflux, gallstones, and sleep apnea. Other potential complications include fatty liver and gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, and infertility. Coronary heart disease (CHD) can occur due to plaque buildup in the arteries. This causes poor blood flow and can lead to heart attacks and strokes. In addition, abnormal body fat can lead to blood clots and can lead to high blood pressure.
Aside from these common medical conditions, obesity is associated with several sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes. Obesity also affects the respiratory system, increasing the risk for pulmonary embolism, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These conditions can affect the quality of a person's sleep and can lead to premature death.
Because of its prevalence and long-term complications, obesity is an increasing threat to children. While obesity is not a life-threatening illness, it does cause several other health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Some of these health issues only develop in adulthood, and the obesity epidemic has raised important questions about the health and lifespan of children. Doctors should address these issues, so they can help prevent serious complications.
Prevention
Here are some ways to prevent obesity for adults and children:
For adults:
- Eat less processed foods and less sugar
- Eat a lot of fiber
- The whole family joins your journey
- Learn how to budget for food and prepare meals
- Combine weight training
- Eat foods with a low glycemic index
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Consume more good fats and less bad fats
- Participate in regular aerobic activity
- Daily stress relief
Healthy eating is the best way to prevent obesity for both children and adults - Photo by Lino Ogenio
For children:
- Build an early relationship with healthy food
- Breastfeeding infants, when possible
- Limit your child's device time
- Know what your kids are eating outside the house
- Feed your growing child-appropriate portions
- Encourage eating slowly and only eat when hungry
- Make sure everyone gets enough sleep
- Eat healthy food as a family
- Combine fun and enjoyable physical activity
- Limit unhealthy foods in the family
