What is obesity?
An excessive quantity of body fat constitutes the complex condition known as obesity. Obesity is more than simply a cosmetic issue. It is a health condition that raises the chance of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and specific types of cancer.
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Causes:
There are numerous causes why some people struggle to lose weight. Obesity is typically caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, and environmental factors along with lifestyle decisions regarding diet, exercise, and physical activity.
The good news is that even a small amount of weight loss can improve or avoid health issues caused by obesity. You can lose weight by adopting a healthier diet, engaging in more physical activity, and changing your behavior. Additional alternatives for managing obesity include prescription drugs and weight-loss techniques.
How to diagnose obesity?
Body mass index (BMI) is very used to diagnose obesity. To calculate BMI,you just need to multiply the weight in pounds by 703, divide by the height in inches, and divide again by the height in inches. Or divide the weight in kilograms by the height in meters squared. If the result is equal to or higher than 30, it indicates obesity.
BMI provides an estimate of body fat for the majority of people. Nevertheless, because BMI doesn't measure body fat directly, certain people, like muscular athletes, may have an obese BMI even when they don't have extra body fat.
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Risk factors:
There are numerous risk factors, ranging from poor lifestyle choices to hereditary characteristics. Low levels of physical activity, an inactive lifestyle, excessive calorie intake from fast food, soft drinks, and alcohol, stress, sleep disorders, diseases that require the use of antidepressants and antipsychotics, associated diseases like Cushing's syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome, and other treatments like insulin, beta-blockers, and steroids.
Complications:
Cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease are among the side effects of obesity. Additionally, it has been linked to several cancers, including colon, breast, and liver cancer. It can result in digestive issues, arthritis, sleep apnea, Type 2 Diabetes, sleep apnea, and possibly the potential for severe COVID symptoms. Not to mention depression, inadequacy and guilt feelings, social isolation, poorer work performance, and depression.
Even though you should always see your doctor and other qualified staff for diagnosis and treatment, keep in mind that obesity is created by consuming more calories than are burned off, and this excess is transformed into fat.
When to see a doctor?
If you are concerned about your weight or weight-related health problems, ask your doctor about obesity management. Your doctor can assess the risks to your health and discuss your options for weight loss.
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Treatment:
As was already said, a doctor should be consulted to determine the best course of action. Among the foundational elements of treatment are patient education in nutrition and health, dietary modifications, and increased physical activity, all of which should be examined by experienced people and should be gradual and patient-specific. Treatment options include medication, dietary supplements, and in extreme circumstances even surgery. Other diseases that may be indirectly contributing to obesity must also be ruled out, but it should be highlighted that even modest weight loss can produce favorable effects. Asking for assistance and starting the fight against obesity are the first steps in winning.
More information about diet and weight loss here in this video.