Obesity Overview

Obesity means such excess amount of fat in the body that your health is in danger. It is, in fact, one of the most glaring nutritional disorders in the developed world. According to a survey by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994), in the US, between one-third and one-half of men and women aged 20 years and older are overweight, and nearly one-fourth are clinically obese. It is often a lifelong problem that affects more women than men.

Obesity is not mere a cosmetic concern, it affects a person’s physical and emotional well being and causes many severe health problems like heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, sleep apnea and hypertension. Obesity is generally calculated through a formula called Body Mass Index or BMI which is based upon height and weight of a person. A person with BMI below 18.5 is considered as underweight; a BMI ranging 18.5 to 24.9 is considered as normal; 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30 and higher is obese.

One of the main symptoms of obesity is a BMI of 30 or higher, though one exception in this case is the BMI of athletes. Since athletes are muscular in their physical build, their BMI can be higher but still they do not fall in the category of obese. This is because obesity is not the direct measure for body fat. A person should see a doctor if he/she is concerned about his/her weight related problems, and thinks that he/she is too fat to lead a normal and healthy life.

There are various causes of obesity like inactive lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, pregnancy, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovaries syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome and arthritis. Along with these diseases, our genes and our hormones are also responsible for our weight but the main culprit behind obesity is our lifestyle and, to a great extent, our medical conditions.

Obesity can be prevented by following healthy habits like eating right kind of foods with a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fat in them. Home cooked meals are the best meals for controlling weight. Raw vegetables, soups, salads, fruits, whole grains and sprouts are the foods that are filling and yet with low calories and high nutrition. Along with right foods, right kind of exercises are also important to maintain a healthy weight. Cardiovascular exercises like swimming, running, brisk walking done for three times a week for 30 minutes can go a long way in maintaining your weight and keeping you fit and energetic.

The diagnosis of obesity consists of a general physical examination, blood test for cholesterol, thyroid, blood sugar, etc, calculating your BMI, measuring your waist circumference, etc. The information on all these parameters help your doctor to determine the amount of extra kilos you need to shed and the health conditions which you are prone to fall ill from.

There are a host of treatment methods but the best treatment method for you will depend on your level of obesity, your overall health and well being and your willingness to participate in the weight loss program. The treatment methods include dietary changes, inclusion of exercises, prescription weight loss medicines, behavioral changes and, in extreme cases, weight loss surgery. Keeping a track of your meals and following an exercise regimen sincerely is the best way to keep the weight at bay. If you are keen to include some alternative therapies for effective weight loss then it is advisable that you include yoga asanas and acupuncture in your treatment for obesity reduction.

In extreme cases, the doctor may prescribe surgery or may give you medicines, but in the long run, medicines and surgery will be effective only when you eat right and exercise well throughout your life. Your will power and right guidance can help you overcome obesity and lead a happy and healthy life.