Obesity is simply not just of cosmetic concern.It is rather a complex disease which is the forerunner for innumerable health related complications.Are you worried about your body image?Lets learn why you should be worried about gaining those few pounds!
How do I know if I'm obese?
Obesity is measured by BMI or Body Mass Index.
BMI=weight in kg/height in m2.
So based on BMI,your weight assessment comes in either of the following categories:
PC: obesityaction.org
Weight related health complications are found to be more in men having waist circumference above 40 inches and women above 35 inches.
Why do I become obese?
Simply put,you become obese when your calorie intake surpasses your calorie burn.Obesity is influenced by genetic, metabolic,hormonal and behavioral factors.The risk factors may be summarised as:
1. Lifestyle choices
Under these come:
Unhealthy diet- A diet high in calories laced with oversized portions, sweetened beverages,fast food,lacking in vegetables and fruits with high oily content is bound to make you fat.
Sedentary life-This is particularly of importance in today's Scenario with work from home and other high risk jobs such as IT professionals.There are studies that prove that your screen time has a bearing on your weight!
2.Family history and influences
3.Diseases such as Cushing's disease,can make you fat.
4.Medications particularly steroids and antidepressant medications may facilitate weight gain.
5.Lack of sleep
6.Stress.
Why should I be worried of obesity?
Because of its complications of course which are but not limited to:
Diabetes
Stroke
Heart disease
Arthritis
Sleep apnea and so on.
What are my treatment options?
There are a multitude of treatment options for obesity.Consult your doctor and dietician to see which among these is best suited for you:
1.Diet
The aim of dietary modifications is sustained long term weight loss rather than quick or erratic loss of weight.Cutting down high calorie foods,oily foods and sugars are highly recommended.
2.Shake off that sedentary lifestyle!
Exercise constantly and regularly to shed off those extra fat you have gained! Brisk walking,cycling,aerobic exercises,dancing all these are helpful in the long run.
3.Medications
Weight-loss medications are meant to be used along with diet, exercise and behavior changes and not independently.Drugs such as Orlistat are proved to be efficacious but always consult your doctor first because not all medications are suited for everyone.
4.Bariatric surgery
Simply put,these are the weight reduction surgeries.But remember that these are usually the last resort and not your first answer.If you are morbidly obese or other regimens do not work for you, bariatric surgery might be considered.Consult a bariatric surgeon or gastrosurgeon at your locality to be informed of the various surgical options.
For the record,March 4 is World Obesity Day.
Always remember that your health is your greatest wealth.Shedding down those extra calories is not an easy task;it needs constant motivation and support-from oneself and from your kith and kin.Always visit your doctor and dietician if you feel you are going down on your goal.
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