WHAT Everybody SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OBESITY
Obesity is a term we hear a lot, especially in the United States. Obesity is often misunderstood as simply being overweight. Obesity, on the other hand, refers to a lot more than just being overweight. Being aware of the risks associated with obesity and what you can do to maintain a healthy weight is critical to your health and wellness.
What is the definition of obesity?
The first thing to understand about obesity is that it is a medical condition. This implies that it goes beyond the extra weight. Obesity raises the risk of other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What is the procedure for diagnosing it?
The BMI (body mass index) is used to diagnose obesity (BMI). Obesity can be diagnosed if your BMI is 30 or higher. However, because BMI does not directly measure body fat, people with a lot of muscle mass may have a higher BMI but not be considered obese.
What is the root of the problem?
Obesity develops when you consume more calories than you burn through exercise and normal daily activities. Genetics, hormones, and metabolism are all factors that can influence body weight.
Other risk factors include aspects in daily life, such as an unhealthy diet, in addition to genetic risk factors. Fast food, high-calorie drinks, and large portion sizes are all part of an unhealthy diet. Whole foods, portion control containers, and eating calories rather than drinking calories are all examples of healthy changes. This entails making an effort to drink more water and avoiding high-calorie beverages like soda and alcohol. Sedentary behavior is another risk factor. This is problematic because it does not burn any calories, which is related to obesity's root cause. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator and going for a walk during your lunch break could be a healthy change.
Quitting smoking, not getting enough sleep, and stress are all factors that can contribute to weight gain and obesity. When you stop smoking, you may develop coping behaviors to replace it, such as eating in some cases. Sleep deprivation can result in hormonal changes that increase your appetite. Finally, when you're stressed, you're more likely to choose simpler foods (think fast food), which are typically higher in calories.
Pregnancy and previous attempts to lose weight are two other lifestyle factors that can lead to obesity. Many women struggle to lose weight after giving birth. Breastfeeding is recommended by experts as a way to lose weight in this situation. If you've tried to lose weight in the past and experienced a rapid weight gain, your metabolism will be slowed, making it more difficult to lose weight now.
Why Should You Be Concerned?
Obesity can lead to heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, digestive issues, gynecological and sexual issues, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis, among other serious health issues. Obesity may have a negative effect on the quality of life in addition to causing severe health issues. Depression, injury, shame, social alienation, and lower job achievements are all issues that can affect one's quality of life.
What are your options?
No matter what your current health situation is, there are measures you may take to avoid obesity. The "healthy switches" mentioned earlier in the article, such as exercising and eating well, will be included in these steps. Making yourself aware of times when you are prone to overeating is another step you can take. It will be easier to control these situations if you are aware of them. Furthermore, in order to achieve long-term success, you must be consistent with these suggestions.
