Obesity: Impact On Our Lives

Well, if you're wondering how obesity can ruin your life or what harm it can cause, let me enlighten you step by step.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as the excessive presence of fat in the body. It can be measured using a scale called Body Mass Index (BMI). If the BMI exceeds 25, the person is considered overweight, and if it exceeds 30, they are classified as obese.

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Obesity is one of the common problems worldwide, with a prevalence of 42%. Males are more affected by obesity compared to females and children. The highest prevalence of obesity is observed in the United States, where severe obesity cases account for 9 to 10% due to the influence of fast food chains.

Factors Leading to Obesity

Now, let's delve into the factors that cause obesity. Imagine obesity as a tree, and its roots are the primary causes. The first and most important factor is your diet, such as the consumption of processed products and the intake of calories, including cholesterol and different types of cholesterol. According to the guidelines provided by the American Heart Association, men consuming more than 2800 calories per day and women consuming more than 2200 calories can lead to obesity. However, these numbers can vary based on individual factors like bone mass and requirements.

The second factor is your lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle with minimal physical activity can contribute to obesity. If you spend your entire day in one place without engaging in any physical activity or hobbies involving movement or sports, it can contribute to weight gain.

The third factor is genetics, which you have no control over. If obesity runs in your family, there is a high chance that you may also be affected by it. However, there are ways to manage its impact, which I will discuss later.

The outer body of the tree represents secondary factors, which are like branches growing from the tree. The more secondary factors there are, the more the branches will grow, meaning obesity will increase. These secondary factors can include underlying diseases or disorders that contribute to obesity. For example, hyperthyroidism is a frequent disorder that can cause weight gain. In women, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also lead to weight gain. Additionally, certain medications used to treat these conditions can have weight gain as a side effect. Surprisingly, even certain contraceptives used for birth control can cause weight gain temporarily. Emotional factors like stress, depression, and lack of sleep can also contribute to weight gain, as many people tend to overeat when under stress. Socioeconomic factors, such as limited access to nutritious food, can also play a role in obesity.

How Obesity Does Cause an Impact on Our Lives?

Now, let's move on to the second part, which is about how obesity can impact our lives and the associated risk factors. There are numerous risk factors associated with obesity. The major risk is cardiovascular diseases. Obesity increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, hypertension (high blood pressure), and atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of cholesterol patches in the blood vessels, leading to blockages. Apart from cardiovascular diseases, obesity can compromise respiratory functions, such as decreasing lung function and causing fatigue in lung muscles. It can also lead to type 2 diabetes and significant fluctuations in lipid levels, posing a high-risk factor.

Obesity is also linked to several types of cancers, including pancreatic, ovarian, breast, and colorectal cancers. Obesity can negatively affect joint health, especially weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and ankles, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. Additionally, it can lead to fatty liver disease, which can further progress to liver infections.

In women, obesity can cause hormonal imbalances, affecting fertility and reproductive health. It can disrupt menstrual cycles and lead to complications during pregnancy.

Furthermore, obesity can have a significant impact on mental health. It can result in lower self-esteem, self-doubt, and emotional distress. Sleep apnea, a condition associated with obesity, can disrupt sleep patterns and affect energy levels, functionality, and mood. The financial impact of obesity can be substantial, considering the costs of doctor visits, gym memberships, potential work absences, and specialized treatments.

To conclude, if you are seeking treatment for obesity, it involves various aspects. You need to incorporate regular exercise, follow a proper and nutritious diet that is low in cholesterol and rich in protein, among other considerations. However, it's important to remember that each individual's approach to obesity and its treatment is unique, taking into account their BMI, requirements, and overall well-being. It's recommended to adopt a holistic approach rather than relying solely on medications, considering the potential side effects.

I hope this story, like the one mentioned earlier, motivates you. The next success story could be yours.

References:Stats and data sources

Soource 1:https://www.statista.com/topics/1005/obesity-and-overweight/#topic Overview
Source 2:https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/does-birth-control-make-you-gain-weight#:~:text=There%20are%202%20methods%20of,the%20implant%20without%20gaining%20weight.
Source 3:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136584/