Overweight and Obesity
Obesity is an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat in adipose tissue that impairs health. In most cases, it is the result of energy consumption exceeding energy expenditure over a period of many years. It is defined in adults as a body mass index (BMI) over 30.
Obesity is no longer a disease that only affects more developed, affluent nations. It is currently a worldwide public health problem, affecting all ages and socioeconomic groups. People with obesity face stigmatization and discrimination in many areas of their lives, and it has been assumed that their psychological well-being will be compromised as a result.
Causes of Obesity: Factors that contribute to being overweight and obesity
In general, obesity is often the result of an individual consuming more energy than they need; This is called positive energy balance. This is common in today’s society, where there is an abundance of cheap, high-energy foods, and in which both our work and leisure time becomes increasingly sedentary.
In addition to social influences, such as food availability and sedentary lifestyle, genetics also play a role. For example, there are good correlations between the obesity levels of parents and their children, and between siblings, especially twins.
Genetic influences on body size and shape should not be used as an excuse to ignore active dietary and lifestyle advice to help maintain a healthy weight.
How healthcare professionals determine overweight
Healthcare professionals use a measurement called body mass index (BMI) to find out if a person is overweight. BMI is a calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate how much body fat you have.
BMI = weight in kg / (height in meters) 2
Body mass index (BMI) is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category.
After calculating your BMI, your doctor or nurse will plot the results on a BMI chart. This allows health professionals to compare your body weight.
(Under 18.5) – Underweight
(18.5 to 25)- Desired or healthy level
(25-30 )- Overweight
(30-35 ) – Obese (Type I)
(35-40 ) – Obese (Type II)
(Over 40) – Fat Diseased or severe obesity (Grade III)
BMI varies with age. That’s why your doctor should plan and track your BMI over time.
Health effects of being overweight and obesity
Being overweight or obese can have the following impacts on these systems of your body;
Nervous system: Being overweight or obese greatly increases the risk of stroke, where blood stops circulating to the brain. Obesity can also have a profound effect on your mental health. This includes a higher risk of depression, low self-esteem and body image problems.
Respiratory system: Fat around the neck can make the airways too small, making it difficult to breathe at night. This is called sleep apnea. Breathing can actually stop for a short time in people with sleep apnea.
Digestive system: Obesity is associated with a higher risk of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastro-esophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus.
Additionally, obesity increases the risk of developing gallstones, which is when bile builds up and hardens in the gallbladder, It requires surgical intervention.
Fat can also accumulate around the liver and lead to liver damage, scar tissue, and even liver failure.
Cardiovascular and Endocrine system: In people with obesity, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood around the body. This leads to metabolic cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or hypertension. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke.
Reproductive system:
Obesity can make it harder for a woman to get pregnant. It can also increase a woman’s risk of serious complications during pregnancy.
Skeletal and muscular system: Obesity can reduce bone density and muscle mass. This is called bone loss obesity. Skeletal obesity can lead to a higher risk of fractures, physical disability, insulin resistance, and poorer overall health.
The extra weight can also put too much pressure on the joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
Skin system: Rash can occur in places where there are fatty skin folds on the body. A condition called acanthosis nigricans may also occur. Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by discoloration and thickening of the skin in the folds and wrinkles of your body.
Other effects on the body: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of many different types of cancer, including endometrial cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, esophageal and pancreatic cancers, and several other cancers.
As your body mass index (BMI) increases, so does your risk of developing cancer.
Benefits of losing weight
It is difficult to measure how much quality of life is improved if you lose some weight. Many people feel better and have more energy. Some people notice an improvement in their self-esteem. But there are also definite health benefits from losing some weight.
As explained above, many diseases are more common in obese and overweight people and you are less likely to develop them if you lose some weight. If your BMI is between 25 and 35, much of the health benefits come with losing the first 5-10% of your weight. (For example, if you weigh 90 kg and you lose 9 kg, this would be 10% of your original weight.). If you lose it, you are much less likely to develop the health problems listed above, such as diabetes.
If you already have problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, or diabetes, these are likely to reduce when you lose weight. If you are taking medication for these problems, you may be able to take a reduced dose. Your chance of dying at any given age is also reduced, this is mainly because you are less likely to die from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or obesity-related cancers.
If your BMI is more than 35, you are more likely already to have health problems related to being overweight. You will probably need to lose between 15-20% of your original weight to have sustained improvements in these health problems and other health conditions.
Preventing Obesity
You can help to prevent becoming obese or overweight by:
• Following a healthy eating plan
• Doing 150 minutes of physical activity a week
• Spending less time being sedentary (for example, less time in front of your computer or watching TV).
• Weighing yourself from time to time so that you become more aware of your weight and you can do something about your weight if you start to put some on.
• Encouraging a healthy lifestyle for your whole family.
Conclusion
Being overweight has far-reaching and profound consequences on overall wellbeing, affecting not only physical health but also mental and emotional resilience. The repercussions of excess weight can be debilitating, impairing daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. So the choice is yours to make, remain obese? Or loose some weight? Choice wisely.
