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  • Why is obesity considered as a lifestyle chronic disease ? |Chronic Disease

    Why is obesity considered as a lifestyle chronic disease ? |Chronic Disease

    what is obesityObesity – Lifestyle Chronic Disease

    Obesity is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This condition is caused by a combination of factors related to genetics, metabolism and the environment, and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. But, by understanding what makes obesity a disease, you can take control of your health and work towards a healthier future.

    What Is Obesity and Why Is It Considered a Disease?

    Obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that may impair health. Doctors use the Body Mass Index (BMI) to calculate body fat based on the height and weight of a person. If you have a BMI of 30 or higher, you are considered obese. Obesity is considered a disease due to the following reasons:

    Reasons why Obesity is considered a disease

    • Health problems: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.
    • Mental health impact: Studies have shown that people who are obese are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
    • Complex condition: Obesity is not only simply a result of overeating or a lack of physical activity. It is also influenced by a number of factors such as genetics, metabolism and the environment.

    Obesity Disease image

    ​Childhood Obesity: Understanding Obesity and its implications on Children​

    Causes of Obesity (Lifestyle Condition)

    Some of the factors that lead to obesity include the following:

    • Genetics: Evidence shows that obesity can have genetic roots.
    • Metabolism issues: Some people may have a slower metabolism, which can make it difficult for them to burn calories effectively.
    • Unhealthy eating habits: Consuming an excessive amount of high-calorie foods and drinks can lead to weight gain.
    • Lack of physical activity: Leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity.
    • Environmental factors: The environment can play a role in the development of obesity. For example, the availability of unhealthy food options and the lack of time or place to exercise can contribute to weight gain.
    • Medications: Certain medications can lead to weight gain, such as some antidepressants and steroid medications.
    • Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can slow metabolism and lead to weight gain.

    Symptoms of Obesity

    • Excess body fat: The most obvious symptom of obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat, especially around the waist and upper body.
    • Weight gain: A noticeable increase in body weight over time is a symptom of obesity.
    • Shortness of breath: Excess body fat can make it difficult to breathe, causing shortness of breath.
    • Fatigue: Obesity can cause a lack of energy and difficulty in staying active, resulting in fatigue.
    • Joint pain: Excess body weight can put pressure on the joints, causing pain and discomfort.
    • Type 2 diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes.
    • High blood pressure: Obesity can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.

    How to Control Obesity?

    Some of the lifestyle changes to control obesity are listed below:

    1. Healthy eating:

    Making changes to your diet is crucial in controlling obesity. Focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods and reducing your intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods.

    2. Increased physical activity:

    Regular exercise is an essential component of weight management. You should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, 5 days a week.

    3. Sleep:

    Getting enough sleep is important for maintaining a healthy weight. You should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

    4. Stress management:

    High levels of stress can lead to overeating and weight gain. You can try practicing stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing.

    Although obesity is considered a disease because of its associated health problems requiring medical attention, it can be managed significantly with diet and weight loss, among other lifestyle changes. With more therapeutic options available now, obesity and its related conditions are easily manageable.

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    1. Why are people tentative about calling Obesity a disease?

    In general, obesity is considered a disease as it results in a condition that may add emphasis towards treatment with surgery or medications. However, obesity can be prevented by lifestyle changes, diet and exercise.

    2. What is morbid obesity?

    People with a BMI above 40 are considered to have morbid obesity. If someone’s BMI lies between 35 and 39.9, they may have a severe health condition and are considered morbidly obese.

    3. What are the common causes of childhood obesity?

    Lifestyle factors such as consuming too many calories from food and insufficient physical exercise are the main causes of childhood obesity.

  • Types, Causes and Treatment for Obesity

    Obesity can be defined as excessive body mass. It is a major cause of disabilities and has been linked to various illnesses and conditions, including osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

    Types of obesity

    Obesity in the general population is commonly classified by medical professionals using body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing your body weight by your height. You are considered overweight if your BMI is between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m².

    Three broad categories of obesity are:

    • Class I obesity with BMI 30 to <35 kg/m²

    • Class II obesity with BMI 35 to <40 kg/m²

    • Class III obesity with BMI 40+ kg/m²

    Causes of obesity

    Obesity can develop over time if you consume more calories than you use through regular exercise and daily activity. These extra calories accumulate over time and lead to weight gain. However, there are many other causes, such as:

    • Genetics: Genes affect how your body processes food. You are probably more likely to gain weight if your parents are obese.

    • Unhealthy eating habits: Consuming fast or processed foods that are rich in sugars, unhealthy fats, and low in nutrients.

    • Sedentary lifestyles: Lack of physical activity is one of the major causes of obesity, next to unhealthy eating habits.

    • Hormones: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that disrupts the balance of female reproductive hormones in women, causing weight gain.

    • Hypothyroidism: It leads to a low metabolic rate and causes weight gain

    • Cushing syndrome: It causes high cortisol levels in the body, which cause an increase in appetite, leading to weight gain.

    • Certain medications: Steroids, anti-depressants, and birth control pills, for example, can increase your risk of weight gain.

    • Eating conditions such as binge eating and night eating syndrome.

    Diagnosis of obesity

    Healthcare professionals frequently use BMI to classify obesity in the general population. Despite its shortcomings, BMI is a simple indicator that can help you identify the health risks associated with obesity.

    Other precise methods of calculating body fat and body fat distribution include:

    • Skinfold thickness test: measures the distance between the underlying muscle and the fat layer.

    • Waist-to-hip measurements: the circumference of the waist is divided by the circumference of the hips to obtain a ratio. The ratio should be 0.8 or less for women and 1.0 or less for men.

    • Screening procedures like MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds: also determine the fat content in the body

    To diagnose the health risks associated with obesity, your doctor might also recommend a few tests, such as:

    • Blood tests to measure sugar and cholesterol levels

    • Liver function tests

    • A diabetes examination

    • Thyroid test

    • hormone screening, especially in women

    • Heart examinations, like an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

    Precautions and treatment of obesity

    Treatment methods for obesity differ from person to person, focus on various issues, and are typically dependent on underlying medical conditions. Some lifestyle changes can help you lose weight in a healthy manner and significantly improve this complex disease. If you have a high BMI, you should prioritise your health by choosing a healthy lifestyle.

    Lifestyle changes

    • Eating a healthy diet: Discarding all processed and high-carb foods is important to lose weight. Focus on including proteins and healthy fats with minimal carbs when starting a weight loss journey.

    • Keeping track of calories: You must consume fewer calories than you burn to lose weight.

    • Exercise regime: Exercise is a crucial part of leading a healthy lifestyle. To get started with a healthy lifestyle, walk 5,000 steps or do 15 minutes of exercise each day to start. Include weight training to prevent the loss of muscle mass that occurs while dieting.

    Medications

    In some cases, medications are recommended to combat obesity. Remember that not everyone should take these medications. A few of them have adverse effects. You must also continue the diet and exercise changes mentioned above.

    Appetite suppressants like phentermine, diethylpropion, and semaglutide and medications for binge eating disorders like lisdexamfetamine dimesylate are usually recommended in some cases.

    Weight loss surgery

    If you are diagnosed with class III obesity, you may consider bariatric surgery. It is a drastic but incredibly effective way to lose significant amounts of weight over the long term. This procedure involves cutting the stomach to create a pouch that can only hold a small amount of food. This surgery is not recommended frequently and is only considered in certain exceptional conditions, which include:

    1. When your BMI is greater than 35

    2. When you have severe type 2 diabetes

    3. In certain cases in which dietary modifications haven’t worked

    Bariatric surgery includes sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic gastric band, and gastric bypass.

    Myths related to obesity

    Obesity is a disease of lethargic people.

    To some extent, obesity occurs due to poor lifestyle choices, but it is often a symptom or a cause of an underlying disease. Factors including stress, poor sleep quality, hormonal changes, and underlying health conditions like thyroid disease, medications, genetics, and others, have also been linked to an increase in obesity.

    Weight loss will cure obesity.

    Losing weight too quickly slows your metabolism and increases muscle loss. Additionally, it may result in nutrient deficiencies, sleep disorders, gallstones, and other health problems. One must always focus on fat loss rather than simply losing weight.

    Complications of obesity

    Various health issues, some of which can be fatal if untreated, have been connected to obesity:

    • Cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease, heart attack, and hypertension.

    • Type 2 diabetes

    • A fatty liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis

    • Chronic kidney disease

    • Gall bladder stones

    • Osteoarthritis

    • Chronic back pain

    • Some cancers like breast, endometrial, and colon cancers

    • Infertility

    • Psychological issues like depression

    Numerous diseases have obesity as a cause as well as a symptom. To manage this condition, lifestyle changes, surgical procedures, and occasionally medications are used.

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