A Closer Look At Obesity

What is obesity? This is a medical condition that is normally associated with accumulation of excess body fat in a way that has a negative effect on health. It can result in increased health problems and reduced life expectancy.
Various Health Problems
It can result in various health problems which include the following.
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Cancer
Causes Of This Condition
- Excessive intake of food energy
- May also be caused by genes.
- Psychiatric illness
- Endocrine disorders
- Medications
Treatment Of This Condition
- The main treatment methods for this condition are exercising and dieting.
- One has to reduce the consumption of energy-dense foods especially those high in sugars and fats. Increased intake of dietary fiber is also advised.
- Various medications can also be taken to decrease fat absorption and reduce appetite.
- Gastric balloons are also very effective and help in instances where surgery has been performed to reduce the volume of the stomach . It also assists in weight loss.
- The gastric balloons also help in reducing the ability to absorb various nutrients from food.
More Information About The Condition
- This condition is a major cause of death worldwide. It is however preventable if detected at an early stage.
- It was once seen as a symbol of fertility and wealth in various parts of the world.
- The American Medical Association classified this condition as a disease.
Classification
- It is a condition which excess body fats have accumulated to an extent that results in adverse effects.
- It is normally defined using the body mass index normally written as the (BMI ).
- It can also be evaluated in terms of fat distribution . BMI is related to the total body fat and the percentage body fat.
- When it comes to adolescents and children, it is defined In relation to a historical normal group.
- To get the BMI, all you have to do is take that subject’s weight and divide by the square of their height.
- BMI is normally expressed in terms of kilograms per square metre .
- 30 to 35 kg/m2 is class I , 35 to 40 kg/m2 is class II while 40 kg/m2 is class III .
Effects On Health
- At BMI of 20 to 25 kg/m2, the mortality rate is very low.
- Generally, this condition reduces the life expectancy by six or seven years.
- This health condition also increases the risk of many mental and physical conditions. Medical disorders associated with the condition are high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus type 2 , high triglyceride levels and high blood cholesterol.
- It is also known to cause a condition which is called survival paradox. A study showed that as people lose weight, they become more and more ill.
Factors Resulting In This Condition
- Insufficient sleep is believed to be a major cause of this condition.
- Endocrine disruptors like environmental pollutants are known to interfere with metabolism of lipids.
- Decreased rate of smoking since smoking is known to supress appetite.
- Increased use of medications that results in weight gain.
- Pregnancy at an early age is also a factor that causes this condition.
Some health tips like exercising and reducing the consumption of energy-dense foods can greatly prevent this condition.