Obesity: Hidden Dangers, Real Solutions
Overview
Obesity is a complex disease involving too much body fat. It’s not just about appearance. It’s a serious medical problem that increases your chances of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, certain cancers, and other health concerns. Various factors contribute to obesity, such as genetics, physiology, and the environment. Diet, physical activity, and exercise habits also play major roles in this weight-related disease.
The promising news is that even modest weight loss can reduce the health issues linked to obesity. Adopting a more nutritious diet, boosting daily movement, and making behavior changes can help. Certain prescription medicines or weight-loss procedures are also potential options.
Symptoms
Body mass index, called BMI, is often used to diagnose obesity. To calculate it, multiply weight in pounds by 703, then divide by height in inches twice. Or divide weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Many online calculators can help you find your BMI.
| BMI | Weight status |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5-24.9 | Healthy |
| 25.0-29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and higher | Obesity |
A BMI of 30 or more is usually considered obesity in most adults. But Asian individuals may have higher health risks starting at a BMI of 23 or above. Keep in mind, BMI doesn’t measure body fat directly. Some muscular athletes may have higher BMIs but lack excess body fat.
Health care professionals might also measure waist circumference. Men with a waist over 40 inches (102 cm) and women over 35 inches (89 cm) have higher odds of weight-related problems. Another helpful measure is body fat percentage, often tracked during weight loss programs.
When to See a Doctor
Contact a health care professional if you’re concerned about your weight or weight-related health problems. Together, you can evaluate risks and create a strategy for managing obesity. You can also explore diet options, exercise routines, and treatments like prescription drugs or weight-loss surgery.
Causes
Several influences, such as genetics, behavior, metabolism, and hormones, affect body weight. Obesity typically develops when you consume more calories than you burn. The extra energy is stored as fat.
Modern diets often include too many calories, frequently from fast foods or high-calorie drinks. People with obesity might feel hungry sooner or eat more under stress. Also, jobs and daily tasks have become less physically demanding. Tools like remote controls, online shopping, and drive-through services further reduce calorie burning.
Risk Factors
Obesity commonly arises from multiple causes:
- Family History: Genes shape how you store fat and burn energy. They also influence appetite signals. Families share eating and activity patterns, which can perpetuate overweight conditions.
- Lifestyle Choices: Diets high in fast food, sweet beverages, and oversized portions lead to weight gain. An inactive lifestyle makes it easy to exceed your daily calorie needs. Screen time correlates closely with weight gain.
- Diseases and Medications: Certain conditions, like hypothyroidism or Cushing syndrome, can lead to weight gain. Some medications, such as steroids or certain antidepressants, can add pounds if not balanced with healthy habits.
- Social and Economic Factors: Lack of safe exercise areas, limited healthy food options, or a social circle prone to obesity can raise your own risk.
- Age: Metabolism slows with age, and muscle mass decreases. Without compensating with diet and activity, excess weight accumulates.
- Additional Factors: Pregnancy, smoking cessation, sleep patterns, stress, and gut microbiome can also impact obesity risk.
Complications
Obesity raises the likelihood of developing:
- Heart disease and strokes: Linked to high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol.
- Type 2 diabetes: The body struggles to use insulin effectively, leading to blood sugar issues.
- Certain cancers: Examples include cancers of the uterus, ovary, breast, colon, and liver.
- Digestive problems: Greater risk of heartburn, gallbladder disease, and liver conditions.
- Sleep apnea: A disorder where breathing stops periodically during sleep.
- Osteoarthritis: Excess weight strains joints and promotes inflammation.
- Fatty liver disease: Excess fat builds up in the liver, which can lead to cirrhosis.
- Severe COVID-19 symptoms: Obesity can worsen outcomes for respiratory infections.
Quality of Life
Living with obesity can affect your overall well-being. You may avoid physical activities you once enjoyed or feel discomfort in public spaces. Social stigma and discrimination can lead to depression or anxiety. Issues like shame, isolation, or lower job performance may arise.
Remember, you can tackle many obesity risk factors through dietary changes, regular exercise, and healthier habits. Medicines, behavioral therapy, and medical procedures can also support your weight management journey. If you’re struggling, reach out to a health care professional for guidance.
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