Obesity

Overview

A condition known as obesity consists of having too much body fat. Obesity is more than simply a visual problem. It is a medical condition that increases the chance of several illnesses and conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some malignancies.

There are various reasons why some people struggle to lose weight. Obesity typically develops from a combination of dietary, physiological, and environmental factors along with exercise, physical activity, and lifestyle choices.

The good news is that even a small amount of weight loss can help or even stop the health issues linked to obesity. You can lose weight by changing your habits, increasing your physical activity, and eating healthier.

Additional alternatives for managing obesity include prescription drugs and weight-loss techniques.

Symptoms of obesity

Obesity is frequently identified using the body mass index (BMI). For the BMI formula, multiply the weight in pounds by 703, then divide the result by the height in inches. or multiply the weight in kilos by the square of the height in metres.

Asian people may be more likely to experience health issues if their BMI is 23 or above.

The BMI offers a reliable assessment of body fat for the majority of people. BMI does not, however, directly measure body fat, therefore some persons, such as muscular athletes, may have a BMI that falls into the category of obesity despite having normal levels of body fat.

Many medical professionals also take a patient's waist measurement to aid in treatment planning. Men with a waist circumference above 40 inches (102 cm) and women with a waist circumference over 35 inches are more likely to experience weight-related health issues (89 centimetres).

When to visit a doctor

Ask your doctor about managing your obesity if you have concerns about your weight or health issues caused by it. Your doctor and you can go over your weight-loss alternatives and assess your health risks.

Causes of obesity

Obesity develops when a person consumes more calories than they expend via regular daily activity and exercise, despite the fact that genetic, behavioural, metabolic, and hormonal factors all play a role in body weight. These extra calories are converted by your body into fat.

The majority of Indians consume too many calories daily, often from fast food and high-calorie beverages. Obese individuals may intake more calories before feeling satisfied, experience hunger much sooner, or consume more food due to stress or anxiety.

Now because many jobs in Western nations are far less physically demanding, people there don't tend to burn as many calories while working. Thanks to conveniences like remote controls, escalators, internet shopping, and drive-through banks, even ordinary tasks require fewer calories.

Risk elements

Obesity typically has a number of root causes and extenuating circumstances:

impacts and inheritance from family

The amount and distribution of body fat that you store may be influenced by the genes that you inherited from your parents. Your body's ability to turn food into energy, control your appetite, and burn calories as you exercise are all factors that genetics may affect.

Typically, obesity runs in families. That isn't merely a result of the genes they have in common. Families also frequently have similar food and exercise routines.

Choices of a way of life

Unwholesome weight gain is facilitated by diets high in calories, deficient in fruits and vegetables, abundant in fast food, and packed with high-calorie drinks and excessive servings.

Water calories. Alcoholic calories in particular allow people to consume large amounts of calories without feeling full. Other calorie-dense liquids, including sugary soft drinks, can significantly increase weight gain.

Inactivity. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, it's simple to consume more calories every day than you burn off through exercise and daily chores. It is sedentary to stare at the computer, tablet, and phone screens. Spending a lot of time in front of a screen is strongly linked to weight gain.

Certain ailments and treatments

Obesity in some individuals can be linked to a medical disease, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing syndrome, or another ailment. Reduced exercise might arise from medical issues like arthritis, which can also cause weight gain.

If you don't make up for the weight loss with diet or exercise, several drugs can cause it. Some antidepressants, seizure meds, diabetic medications, antipsychotic medications, steroids, and beta blockers are among these drugs.

Economic and social problems

Economic and social factors are associated with obesity. If you don't have secure places to stroll or work out, avoiding obesity can be challenging.

Similar to this, you could not have been taught good cooking techniques or have limited access to healthier foods. Additionally, the individuals you spend time with can affect your weight; having obese friends or family members increases your risk of becoming obese.

Age

Any age can develop obesity, especially in young children. However, hormonal adjustments and a less active lifestyle as you age raise your risk of obesity. Additionally, as you become older, your body tends to have less muscle. In general, a decrease in metabolism is caused by less muscle mass. Additionally, these modifications lower calorie requirements and may make it more difficult to lose weight. You're more likely to put on weight as you age if you don't carefully regulate what you eat and increase your physical activity.

Even if you have one or more of these risk factors, obesity is not something you will necessarily develop. The majority of risk factors can be lowered by altering your food, getting more exercise, and changing your behaviour.

Lifestyle quality

Obesity can make living, in general, less enjoyable. You might not be able to engage in the physical activities you formerly loved. Avoid going in public if you can. Obese people may even experience discrimination.

The following weight-related issues may also have an impact on your quality of life:

Depression
Disability
guilt and shame
social exclusion
poorer performance at work

Takeaway

Certain factors play a role in the development of obesity. Genetic traits might increase the risk in a few people.

Consuming a healthy diet that contains lots of fresh foods and getting regular exercise will decrease the risk of obesity in most people.