HEALTH TALK ON OBESITY

Overweight (OBESITY) is a condition of excessive fat deposits.

Obesity is a chronic complex disease defined by excessive fat deposits that can impair health. Obesity can lead to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, it can affect bone health and reproduction, it increases the risk of certain cancers. Obesity influences the quality of living, such as sleeping or moving.

The diagnosis of overweight and obesity is made by measuring people’s weight and height and by calculating the body mass index (BMI): weight (kg)/height² (m²). The body mass index is a surrogate marker of fatness and additional measurements, such as the waist circumference, can help the diagnosis of obesity.

The BMI categories for defining obesity vary by age and gender in infants, children and adolescents.

DEFINITION

Obesity is a chronic disease that occurs when there is too much body fat. It can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Obesity can also impact quality of life, including sleep and movement. 

SIGNS AND CAUSES OF OBESITY

What are the warning signs of Obesity?

Warning signs of obesity include weight, sleep, joint pain, and fatigue. Other signs include difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, and skin problems. 

Weight 

• A waist measurement of more than 40 in for men or 35 in for women
• A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher

Sleep 

• Snoring or sleep apnea, which is when breathing stops and starts during sleep
• Daytime drowsiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Chronic pain and reduced mobility in the knees, hips, and lower back 
• Osteoarthritis, which is pain and stiffness in the joints 
• Fatigue Feeling constantly tired or having low energy and Difficulty performing physical activities. 

Other signs include:

• Excessive sweating
• Intolerance to heat
• Infections in skin folds
• Depression
• Feeling of shortness of breath (dyspnoea)
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Atherosclerosis (fatty deposits that narrow your arteries)

What are the causes of obesity?

Obesity is caused by a complex combination of factors, including genetics, environment, diet, and activity level. 

Genetics 

• Some people have a genetic predisposition to obesity.
• Some genetic syndromes, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, can cause obesity.

Environment

• The environment around you can impact your eating habits and physical activity. 
• Factors like food availability, portion sizes, and access to parks can contribute to obesity. 
• Socioeconomic factors, such as income level and access to healthy food, can also play a role. 

Diet

• Eating more calories than you burn through activity can lead to weight gain. 
• Unhealthy eating behaviors, such as eating large portions and consuming too much fast food, can contribute to obesity. 

Activity level 

• A lack of physical activity can contribute to obesity.
• Some medications can cause weight gain.

WHO’S AT THE RISK OF BEING OBESE

Key factors increasing obesity risk:

• Age: Obesity rates tend to increase with age, particularly in middle-aged and older adults due to hormonal changes and decreased physical activity. 
• Genetics: Having a family history of obesity significantly increases your risk. 
• Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive calories contributes significantly to weight gain. 
• Physical Activity Level: Lack of regular exercise or a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity. 
• Sleep Disruption: Insufficient sleep can disrupt hormones regulating appetite, increasing the risk of obesity. 
• Stress: Chronic stress can lead to increased cortisol levels, promoting weight gain. 
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism can increase obesity risk. 
• Medications: Some medications, including certain antidepressants and steroids, can have side effects of weight gain

TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY

Obesity is treated with a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Treatment plans may also include medications or surgery. 

Diet 

• Eat a healthy, calorie-controlled diet
• Eat slowly and avoid overeating
• Follow an eating plan based on your body’s needs

Exercise

• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week 
• Gradually increase the amount you exercise as you get fitter 
• Try activities like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or tennis 

Lifestyle changes Monitor your food intake and physical activity, Join a weight loss group, and Adopt lifelong healthy habits. 

Medications

• Some drugs can help with weight loss, but the benefits usually fade when you stop taking them 
• Some drugs, like semaglutide, can help with insulin secretion and blood glucose regulation 

Surgery 

• Bariatric surgery is an option for some people
• Intragastric balloons are another option for some people

Other treatments dietary or nutritional counseling, behavioral weight-loss treatment programs, and regular feedback and support from specialists. 

The goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of obesity-related complications and improve your quality of life. 

PREVENTION

• Keep a food diary of what you eat, where you were and how you were feeling before and after you ate.
• Eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily. …
• Choose whole grain foods, such as brown rice and whole wheat bread. …
• Weigh and measure food to learn correct portion sizes.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, do you know that;

• Obesity is a global epidemic that’s not slowing down. 
• Obesity is a leading cause of death globally. 
• Obesity is associated with many other health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. 
• Modest weight loss can significantly improve health outcomes. 
• Obesity can also lead to depression, mood disorders, and memory problems. 
• Obesity is a lifestyle illness that can be prevented through behavioral changes.