Obesity and its Managements.

Definition

Obesity is the state where there is generalized accumulation of excess fat in the body, leading to weighing 20% more than the desirable weight.

It is important to maintain a healthy weight because:

·         Obesity has several adverse health effects and can even lead to pre-mature death.

·         Obesity leads to high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, heart diseases, diabetes, gallstones and certain types of cancer.

Causes of Obesity

·         Poor exercise and sedentary life style are the main causes for obesity.

·         Obesity and being overweight are caused by a chronic imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure.

·         High intake of dietary fat also causes obesity.

·         Complex behavior and psychological factors also causes over weighting and, thus, lead to obesity.

·         Metabolic errors in energy utilization, may favor fat accumulation. 

·         Obesity in childhood and adolescence can leads to adult obesity.

·         Genetic factors can also play a causal role in obesity.

Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk

Assessment of weight and health risk involves using three key measures:

·         Body mass index(BMI)

·         Waist circumference

·         Risk factors for diseases and conditions associated with obesity.

Body mass index

The most commonly used measure of ideal body weight is Body Mass Index (BMI). It is computed by dividing a person’s weight in kilogram by the square of her/his height in meters (weight (kg)/height (m)².

 The result is interpreted as follows:

BMI < 18.5 under nourished

BMI 18.5-24.9 normal

BMI 25-39.9 overweight

BMI >30 Obese

BMI has certain disadvantages:

·         It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build (muscles weight more than fat).

·         It may underestimate body fat in older persons and other who have lost muscles.

Waist circumference

The risk for obesity related conditions and diseases increases with a waist size that is greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men. To correctly measure your waist, stand and place a tape measure around your middle, just above your hip bones. Measure your breath just after you breathe out.

Risk factors associated with Obesity

Along with being overweight or obese, the following conditions will put you at greater risk for heart diseases and other obesity- related conditions.

·         High blood pressure (Hypertension)

·         High LDL cholesterol (Bad cholesterol)

·         Low HDL cholesterol (Good cholesterol)

·         High triglyceride

·         High blood glucose (Sugar)

·         Family history of premature heart disease

·         Lack of physical activities

·         Cigarette smoking

Treating Obesity

Talk to your doctor to check whether you are overweight or obese, and whether you should lose weight. Your doctor will evaluate your BMI< waist measurement and other risk factors for heart diseases and other obesity related conditions.

The good news is, even a small weight loss (between 5 and 10 percentage of your current weight) will help lower your risk of developing those diseases.

Obesity treatment strategies vary from person to person. Beginning treatment early is an essential part of success and it is important to talk to your physician before beginning any weight loss program. 

There are several methods for treating obesity, such as behavior modification, physical activity, non-clinical weight management programs, medically managed weight loss and surgical treatment.

Behavior Modifications

·         Changing eating habits

·         Increasing physical activities

·         Becoming educated about your body and how to nourish it appropriately. 

·         Engaging in a support group or extracurricular activities.

·         Setting realistic weight management goals.

Physical activities

Increasing and initiating a physical activity program is an important aspect in managing obesity. Today’s society has developed a very sedentary lifestyle and routine physical activity can greatly impact your health. Set realistic goals and make sure to consult with your doctor or a physiotherapist before initiating any exercise program.

Medically managed weight loss

Medically managed weight loss program provide treatment in a clinical settings with a doctor. These programs typically offer service such as prescription of weight loss medications, nutrition education, physical activity instruction and behavioral therapy.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical treatment of obesity is an option for those who are classified as morbidly obese. Morbid obesity is defined as a patient having a BMI of 40 or greater, or weighing more than 40 kgs over their ideal body weight. In addition, a patient with a BMI of 35 or greater, with one or more obesity-related diseases, is also classified as morbidly obese.

Tips to reduce weight

In order to reduce your weight in a healthy manner:

·         Eat less fried foods

·         Eat more fruits and vegetables

·         Eat more fiber rich food items (such as whole grains, grams and sprouts)

·         Do regular exercises to keep the body weight within normal limits

·         Slow and steady reduction in body weight is advised

·         Enjoy a variety of foods needed to balance your physical activity

·         Eat small meals regularly, at frequent intervals

·         Cut down sugar, fatty foods and alcohols

·         Use low fat milks

·         Eat foods rich in protein and low in carbohydrates

·         Avoid severe fasting and fad diets