Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that raises the risk of other illnesses and health problems.
Did you know that obesity is now considered a disease? It’s true! According to the World Health Organization, obesity is a leading cause of death worldwide. This is because it increases the risk for many other diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
If you are overweight or obese, don’t despair. There are things you can do to lose weight and start living a healthier life. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to avoid obesity and stay healthy.
What is obesity?
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may hurt health. It’s a medical condition that raises the risk of other illnesses and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer.
Body mass index (BMI) is used to assess whether a person is overweight or obese. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared.
A BMI of 30 or more is considered obese. A BMI of 25-29.99 is considered overweight. The normal BMI range is between 18.5 and 24.9, while under 18.5 is deemed underweight.
In the United States, more than one-third of adults are obese. And the number of obese children and adolescents has more than tripled over the past three decades.
What causes obesity?
Many factors can contribute to obesity. These include genetics, hormonal problems, overeating, and a sedentary lifestyle. When you consume more calories than you burn through normal daily activities and exercise, you develop obesity. These extra calories are stored as fat in your body.
Other risk factors of obesity include:
- A diet high in calories and unhealthy foods.
- A sedentary lifestyle with little or no physical activity.
- Family history or genes.
- Certain medications, such as steroids, some antidepressants, and certain antipsychotic drugs.
- Pregnancy.
- Sleep problems, such as sleep apnea.
- Stress
What are the symptoms of obesity?
The most common symptom of obesity is having excess body fat. However, you may also have other symptoms, such as:
- Breathlessness.
- Joint and back pain.
- Feeling very tired.
- Depression.
- Skin problems, such as rashes and infections.
What are the complications of obesity?
Obesity can lead to many health problems, including:
- High blood pressure.
- Heart diseases and stroke
- High cholesterol.
- Type II diabetes.
- Certain types of cancer, such as breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer.
- Sleep apnea.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Gallbladder disease.
- Stroke.
- Heart disease.
- Infertility.
How can I prevent obesity?
You can prevent obesity by making healthy choices and changes to your lifestyle. Here are some tips on how to avoid obesity:
- Consume a nutritious diet that is low in carbohydrates and fats but high in proteins.
- Be physically active every day by walking soon after meals for 30 minutes and exercising at least 5 times a week.
- Limit your consumption of sugary drinks and foods.
- Limit your consumption of saturated fats.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Get enough sleep.
- Manage stress.
How is obesity diagnosed?
Your doctor will likely diagnose obesity based on your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.
Your doctor may also consider other factors, such as your family history, eating habits, and activity level. If you have a BMI of 30 or higher, you will be diagnosed with obesity.
A waist circumference of 35 inches or more in women and 40 inches or more in men is also considered obesity.
To assist with the diagnosis of obesity-related health issues, your doctor may order a variety of tests. These can include:
- A physical exam.
- Blood tests.
- A lipid panel.
- A fasting blood sugar test.
- Thyroid tests.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG).
- A chest X-ray.
- An ultrasound.
- A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Liver function tests.
- A diabetes screening.
How is obesity treated?
The main treatment for obesity is to change your lifestyle. This means eating a healthy diet, being more physically active, and behavior changes.
You may also need medication to help you lose weight. These include appetite suppressants, such as phentermine, and diabetes medications, such as metformin.
Surgery is also an option for some people with obesity. This includes gastric bypass surgery and gastric sleeve surgery. The number of people getting bariatric surgery is increasing. This type of surgery is the most effective and sustainable way to lose weight.
Bariatric surgery
It is a procedure that helps you lose weight by making changes to your digestive system. For example, gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of your stomach, so you feel full sooner and eat less.
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. The decision is a personal one, and there’s no right or wrong answer. The most important thing is to do what’s best for your health. If you’re not ready for surgery, or if it’s not an option for you, there are other things you can do to lose weight.
If you have obesity, it’s important to see your doctor regularly. This way, you can manage any health problems that may occur as a result of your weight.
If you are already overweight or obese, don’t despair. You can still make healthy choices and changes to your lifestyle to lose weight and improve your health. Talk to your doctor about a weight loss plan that is right for you. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can lead a healthier life.
