Obesity 1.0
General Info about Obesity
Obesity is a condition in which a person has excess of body fat. When a person is 20 percent or more over their ideal body weight or if their Body Mass Index is 30 or over they are considered obese. Obesity increases an individual’s risk for various diseases, disability, and death. Obesity has, in the recent years become a global phenomenon. This has serious implications, particularly in countries like India, where one fourth of the population is diabetic. Childhood obesity too has raised grave concerns world- wide. A large overweight.. There has been a lot of discussion proportion of the world population is overweight about the exact definition of the terms overweight and obesity that can be applied universally. The National Institute of Health’s definition, seems to be most acceptable. Overweight is defined as BMI of over 27.3 % or more for women and 27.8 % or more for men. If it touches 30 a person is considered obese. cells. Initially, when a person gains A normal person has about 30 and 35 billion fat cells. weight, the fat cells grow in their size but later on, if the weight is not controlled the number of fat cells start increasing. Weight loss results in decrease in size of the cells but not their number. The normal fat cells are 0.4 to 0.6 microgram in weight; the cells of an obese person can weigh as much as 1.2 micrograms. discomfort, an obese individual is at a risk of developing Besides physical discomfort, diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, depression, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis and fertilityrelated problems. Genetics, family history, sex and age determine the ‘size’ of the individual. The rate at which a person metabolizes food and his Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) are determined by his genetic factors. A family history puts him naturally on a risk. Women are more predisposed to obesity than men and older people are at a greater risk of weight gain compared to younger individuals. Certain medical conditions, like hypothyroidism, leads an individual to gain weight.
Physical inactivity, changes in food habits and lifestyle has been a major reason for the obesity epidemic worldwide. A conscious effort to alter diet habits and a changed lifestyle are the best methods to manage obesity. For the morbidly obese prescription pills, non- invasive treatments and weight loss surgeries are also available.
2.0 Causes of Obesity i)
Age: This is most prevalent in middle age and can occur at any stage of life. Socio-economic: In developing countries it is more prevalent in the wealthy society, whereas in fully developed countries it is more common in lower-socioeconomic groups. Heredity: Obesity tends to run in families. A clearer role of genetics helps in prevention of obesity on those who are most vulnerable. Eighty percent of the offspring of two obese parents become obese. Endocrine factors: Abnormal influence or imbalance can be one of the causes of obesity. Obesity in women commonly begins at puberty, during pregnancy or at menopause. Drugs: The use of steroids, oral contraceptives and insulin is commonly followed by weight gain.
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3.0 Symptoms of Obesity Patient's appearance is sufficient to arrive at a diagnosis in most cases. Obesity is determined based on an individual's body mass index (calculated with reference to the person's height and weight). The following are the most common symptoms that indicate an adolescent is obese. However, the patient's appearance is sufficient to arrive at a diagnosis in most cases, determined by the persons BMI (body mass index) depending on weight to height, though each adolescent may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:• • • • • • • • •
Large body frame. Difficulty in doing daily activities. Lethargy Breathlessness Disproportionate facial features Big belly (abdomen), sometimes marked with white or purple blemishes Early arrival of puberty Flabby fat in the upper arms and thighs Knock-knees (Genu valgum) is common
The symptoms of obesity may resemble other medical problems or conditions. Psychological disturbances are also very common as well as stress, social pressure and doing developmental chores. Always consult your adolescent's doctor for a diagnosis.
4.0 Treatment of Obesity
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Eat a low calorie or carbohydrate diet. Small frequent meals. A high fiber and a low fat diet. Regular exercise improves the fitness of obese people and their feeling of well-being.
5.0 Advantages of exercise: i) Most obese people are capable of moderate aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, gardening, dancing, provided it does not exceed their cardiovascular capacity. ii) Because of their heavy weight obese people expand more food energy than lean people doing exercise of this type. iii)Regular daily exercise will help in reducing than exercising once in a while.
There are various appetite suppressing drugs but should be taken only on recommendation by the doctor. Surgery also may be an option but usually as a last resort, only recommended in case of morbid or gross obesity.
6.0 Frequently asked questions about Obesity Does obesity cause complications? Yes. Obese patients are at a risk of developing Diabetes mellitus, Cardiovascular diseases and Hypertension in the long term. Does a low calorie diet help in losing weight?
Yes. Weight reduction can be achieved by reducing food intake and by regular exercise. A low calorie diet should constitute a low carbohydrate, high fiber, moderate protein and a low fat diet. What are the methods in surgical treatment? 1. Wiring the jaws together to prevent eating has been used to treat those who have found it impossible to adhere to a low calorie diet. 2. Although this usually results in marked loss of weight, many patients regain weight when the procedure is reversed. 3. An alternative and fairly safe operation (major) is to reduce the size of the stomach, for e.g. by stapling, which can be undone. 4. Small intestine bypass, aimed at inducing mal-absorption, has been undertaken in some centres for the treatment of severe "morbid" obesity, but complications can be severe and sometimes fatal. 5. It should be emphasized that surgery should be considered only for those with gross, intractable obesity.