It seems everywhere we turn, we are confronted with the obesity epidemic. The dangers, the statistics. In today's society with the age of technology, convenience foods, less time, less physical activity, is there any hope of winning the battle against overweight and obesity?
Obesity puts us at risk for a variety of medical conditions that negatively affect our bodies and our mental health. Severe obesity, which is characterised by a body mass index of 40 or higher, is particularly harmful as it can lead to cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.
So, if you thought that a massive waist circumference resulting from excess body weight is nothing more than a physiological issue that can be resolved through diet pills or crash diets, think again. The effects of obesity are long term and even fatal, especially if it is not addressed immediately. Learn about the dangers of obesity and how to reach a healthy weight in this article.
What is Obesity?
Obesity occurs when a person gains excess weight as a result of excessive accumulation of body fat. The last few decades have seen a steady rise in obesity in adults and children alike. As a matter of fact, data released by the South Australian government indicates that 70% of Australian adults and 26% of overweight children are obese. When you carry excess body fat and gain weight that meets the criteria for obesity, you put yourself at risk for conditions like:
- Coronary heart disease
- Diabetes
- Fatty liver disease
- High blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Sleep apnoea
- Some types of cancer
Source: Health Buzz
To determine if you are obese, you need to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index) by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres. Overweight children and adults have a BMI over 25 and have an increased risk of obesity, while individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese.
What Causes Obesity
There are a number of factors that are causing an epidemic in obesity around the world. Some risk factors include a family history of obesity, certain medical conditions, and medications. However, studies have shown that eating unhealthy food combined with physical inactivity is one of the major factors contributing to the development of obesity.
- Environmental factors are believed to be the primary reason for excessive weight gain. There are many more foods available today than there were in our grandparents' day, and being constantly exposed to them causes weight gain and increases rates of obesity. Fast food, convenience store foods, and highly processed foods that are high in sugar, sodium, and trans fats are among them. We seem to have moved away from real food to packaged ones.
- Whilst modern technology has made your life easier, it has also made it more sedentary. Lack of exercise, such as driving to your destination instead of walking, sitting at the computer instead of performing daily activities that require physical exertion, leads to the extra weight.
- Many of the 'nutrients' you consume today may not trigger your internal weight regulation mechanisms as facilely as natural foods do
- Socioeconomic factors also propel obesity rates. People with a lower level of education and lower incomes are generally at a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese. They also may have less opportunity to consume healthy foods.
What is the Impact of Obesity?
Aside from increasing your risk of developing a chronic disease, being obese can trigger mental health disorders as well, such as depression, negative body image, and low self-esteem, among others, due to feelings of not being accepted. According to research, obese children are more likely to be bullied than those with healthy weights, which reduces their motivation in class. Bullying has serious long-term effects. Bullying may cause overweight children to miss opportunities and make wrong decisions later in life.
Obese adults also face stigma. The World Health Organization (WHO) found in a recent study that 38% of individuals with severe obesity suffer from obesity stigma from employers, the media, and the general public.
How to Make Healthy Choices to Achieve a Normal Weight
By making healthier choices, you can avoid becoming part of the obesity epidemic and enjoy longevity. Here are some guidelines:
- Stay active
- Schedule exercise into your daily routine
- Spend less time doing sedentary activities
- Make healthy food choices from lean meat, fish, poultry, fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds
- Choose the correct portion sizes
It is also important to work with health professionals who specialise in weight management, such as nutritionists and personal trainers, to maintain your motivation. If you are at risk of becoming obese, a mental health professional, such as a counsellor or hypnotherapist, can provide guidance on how to identify the underlying cause of your problem.
Originally published on Jul 15, 2015
