Obesity originates from a wide variety of factors; lifestyle, genetics, and diseases. Today many people prefer junk food because it is tasty, appealing, and affordable. Junk food and soft drinks comprise more calories which, when ingested, are converted into fat and stored (Rossen and Rossen, 62-67).
Another contributing factor is the lack of exercise. Many people take in a lot of calories but do not exercise; hence, becoming obese. This happens because more calories are being ingested, but none is being burned through exercise. The excess calories taken in are converted into fat and stored in the body (Rossen and Rossen, 70-72). The process continues and reaches a point where the body becomes obese.
Genetics also plays a role in how effective an individual’s body converts fat into energy and how the body fat is distributed and where it is stored. If obesity tends to run in one’s family, they are at a high risk of becoming obese (Rossen and Rossen, 57-58). Other than genes, family members influence a person’s feeding habits and activity level.
Certain diseases and medication can also result in obesity. Arthritis patients are prone to obesity since the condition limits their activity, and they end up gaining weight. Anti-depressants, beta-blockers, and diabetic medications can also cause obesity (Fraser, 129). However, this side effect can be controlled by compensating diet and exercise.
Diseases
Obesity contributes to and is a risk factor for cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic illnesses. Type II diabetes occurrence is significantly influenced by increased weight gain (obese). However, maintaining a healthy weight has been identified to lower the risk of diabetes (Pi-Sunyer). Obesity disrupts fat metabolism and triggers alterations to the body. These changes make the adipose tissue to release fat molecules into the blood as a result; insulin-responsive cells are affected and become less sensitive to insulin, causing type II diabetes.
Obesity is also a causative factor of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and hypertension. An obese person will require more oxygen and nutrient supply to their bodies, which will trigger a surge in blood pressure. To move a large amount of oxygen needed, the body will require more force to move the blood throughout the body (Pi-Sunyer). These changes in body activity will result in the development of high blood pressure, which will, in return, cause a heart attack in severe cases.
Obesity increases the risk of getting cancer. According to the research by the American Cancer Society, obesity results in 8% of all cancers and 7% of cancer deaths in America (“Does Body Weight,” n.p). The association between body weight and cancer is complex and is yet to be fully comprehended. However, to date, it has been documented that excess body fat increases cancer risk by multiple mechanisms. Some of these approaches include affecting the body’s immune system, hormonal levels (insulin and estrogen), and factors regulating cell growth. Everyone is therefore advised to maintain healthy body weight to keep cancer at bay.
Prevention and Therapies
Exercise regularly: To maintain a healthy weight, it is advisable to create adequate time weekly (approximately 150-300 minutes) to exercise (Rippe and Angelopoulos, 109). The form of activity done can be moderate-intense. Examples of activities that can be done during these sessions include walking, jogging, swimming, and running. To ensure consistency, an individual can register into a gym or hire an exercise trainer.
Develop a healthy-eating culture: This incorporates a low-calorie diet. The bulk of foods taken comprises of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Foods to avoid are those with saturated fats, high sugar content, and alcohol. A healthy diet would also mean that one eats three regular meals daily that is balanced. Junk food can still be consumed but should be infrequent and in minimal amounts (Rippe and Angelopoulos, 65). A healthy diet is one that promotes good weight and good health.
Monitor body weight frequently: Regular weight checks help in maintaining a healthy weight. This information helps people know whether the exercise or diet plan in use is working or not. Therefore, from the feedback obtained, they can know if their weight is okay, or they need to adjust their lifestyle exercise (Rippe and Angelopoulos, 111). It is advisable to frequently measure body weight to help individuals take quick action to prevent the occurrence of obesity.
Bariatric Surgery: This is an invasive method that is often undertaken for patients with a BMI greater than 40. The surgery helps achieve a healthy weight by either restricting food absorption in the small intestine or limiting the quantity of food ingested, or incorporating the two at the same time. There are four forms of bariatric surgery, namely: laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), restrictive gastric surgery, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass weight loss surgery (“Obesity Treatment,” n.p). These techniques are selected based on the patient’s surgical needs