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Approximately 127 million adults in the U.S. are overweight. Obesity is related to approximately 280,000 adult deaths each year. Being overweight may be due to poor eating habits and lack of exercise. The following conditions can contribute to obesity.
- Genetic- Obesity tends to run in the family suggesting a genetic cause. Most families share a diet or certain lifestyle that will contribute to becoming overweight.
- Environmental- Environment issues include types of food consumed and level of activity
- Psychological – Many people eat in response to their emotions such as sadness, anger, boredom, depression.
- Medical Illnesses – Hypothyroidism (decreased activity of the thyroid gland) Cushings Syndrome (disorder caused by excessive cortisol) and certain neurological problems can contribute to becoming overweight.
- Prescribed Medication – Certain medications such as steroids and antidepressant medication can contribute to weight gain.
People who are overweight / obese put themselves at a greater risk of developing certain medical conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Stroke (cerebral vascular accident)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Gall bladder disease
- Sleep apnea (interruption of regular breathing during sleep time)
- Cancer (breast, colorectal, kidney, uterine)
- Osteoarthritis (degeneration of cartilage and bone of the joints)
Obesity is also associated with:
- High cholesterol
- Complications with pregnancy
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Stress incontinence (urine leakage caused by weak pelvic muscles)
- Depression
- Increased complications during surgical procedures
There are ways one can reduce the chance of becoming overweight remember these helpful tips:
- Healthy food consumption
- Regular exercise (consult with a physician before any type of exercise program)
- Diet (consult a physician before you start any type of program)
- Eat more fruits / vegetables
- Avoid fatty meats
- Drink plenty of water
Childhood Obesity:
Approximately 1 out of every 5 children is overweight. Research suggest that children are spending more time in front of the television or playing computer games than enjoying outdoor physical activities Obese children have shown an increase in type 2 diabetes also known as adult onset diabetes.
The most devastating thing to a child who is suffering from being overweight / obese is social discrimination form their peers. Most overweight children tend to turn into overweight adults. Children who are ridiculed or teased will start to develop:
- Low self esteem
- Depression
- Eating disorders
Parents can reduce the risk of their child becoming overweight by:
- Give children healthy snacks such as fruits / vegetables
- Get children involved in outdoor activities
- Prepare properly balanced meals
- Drink water / juice rather than soda which are high in sugar
- Turn off the television (children watch approximately 3-5 hours of television a day)
Consult a trained medical professional either your personal physician or a food nutritionist for the best course of treatment to lose weight. |
