Obesity
Obesity is a chronic condition defined by an excess of body fat. Body fat has several important functions in the body, such as storing energy and providing insulation. Excess body fat, however, may interfere with an individual's health and well-being, particularly if a patient becomes morbidly obese. Not only does obesity interfere with everyday activities, it also increases the risk of developing serious medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Obesity is a serious health issue presently reaching epidemic proportions in society. It results in medical complications and early morbidity for a great many people. Other health conditions caused or exacerbated by obesity may include heart disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and asthma. The good news is that obesity is a treatable ailment and that modern medicine provides more remedies for the condition than previously existed.
Causes of Obesity
The balance between calorie intake and energy expenditure determines a person's weight. If a greater number of calories is consumed than expended through exercise and daily activities, a person will gain weight since their body stores excess calories. Obesity is, however, a complex problem. Research has shown that obesity does not simply result from lack of self-control. Causes of obesity are varied and may include hereditary, social, psychological and environmental factors as well as metabolic ones. Factors that may contribute to obesity include:
- Genetics
- Diet
- Inactivity
- Pregnancy
- Psychological stress
- Medications
Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome may contribute to obesity.
Diagnosis of Obesity
Obesity is diagnosed not only by the number of excess pounds an individual carries, but by the individual's body mass index, or BMI. The BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Designations of normal and abnormal weight are as follows:
- Underweight: BMI below 18.5.
- Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25 to 29
- Obese: BMI 30 to 39
- Morbidly obese: BMI 40 or higher
Since BMI doesn't directly measure body fat, it is possible for some people, such as extremely muscular individuals or geriatric patients, to be inaccurately categorized using this system.
Obesity Treatment
Obesity is a serious problem. Overcoming obesity requires a commitment to lifestyle changes. There are several methods of treatment for obesity.
Proper Diet
A safe and effective long-term weight-loss diet must contain balanced, nutritious foods to avoid vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. A healthy diet should:
- Be high in whole grains, fiber, fruits and vegetables
- Contain lean meat, fish or vegetable protein
- Be low in sweets, fats, and fried foods
- Include whole grains and high fiber
- Eliminate consumption of fast food
Adopting good eating habits is essential in achieving a healthy weight.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy life. Physical activity and exercise help to burn calories. The number of calories burned depends on the type, duration, and intensity of the activity. Treating obesity with exercise is most effective when combined with a healthy diet since exercise alone will have a limited effect on weight loss. Recommendations for healthy exercise habits include getting 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 to 7 days a week.
Prescription Weight-loss Medication
Weight loss is best achieved through a healthy diet and regular exercise. For some individuals, weight-loss medications may be of help. Such medications are not usually prescribed unless diet and exercise have already been tried and failed. Even with prescribed medications, lifestyle changes must be implemented for obesity to be treated successfully.
Counseling or Psychotherapy
In many cases, talking with a counselor is helpful to a patient suffering from obesity, almost always in combination with other methods of weight loss. Most people who are obese have psychological issues around food and may have a family history which has predisposed them to eating when they are under stress. While diet and exercise must always be included in weight loss treatment, talking to a trained professional can also be of help.
Bariatric Surgery
When other methods of weight loss are unsuccessful, particularly when an individual suffers from obesity-related medical conditions, bariatric surgery may be considered. Under the proper conditions, bariatric surgery may be a lifesaving procedure, though the patient will still be required to make permanent lifestyle changes. Before and after weight loss surgery, counseling is necessary to assist the patient in achieving and maintaining lasting positive results.
Too often, people think they can lose weight quickly through a brief, strenuous dieting or sudden spurts of exercise. In fact, however, a great majority of people who lose weight rapidly regain that weight within 5 years. More methodical, ongoing treatment is usually more effective and more long-lasting.
Nutrition
Proper diet is essential to maintaining good health. Keeping the body well-nourished and at a healthy weight has been proven to improve mood, quality of life and longevity. It may also go a long way in preventing or controlling many serious illnesses. Obesity, which has now reached epidemic proportions in the United States, and an enemy of good health, can be kept at bay through proper nutrition along with a program of healthy exercise.
Benefits of Good Nutrition
Not only do people feel more energetic and happier when they eat well, they also keep their bodies in the best possible condition. The benefits of good nutrition include developing and maintaining physical strength as well as preventing or controlling disease processes. Research has shown that the following disorders may be avoided, controlled, or mitigated by life styles that include well-balanced nutrition:
- Apnea
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Certain cancers
- Gout
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Liver and gall bladder disease
- Osteoporosis
- Type 2 diabetes
While there are complex causes for diseases to occur, some hereditary or unknown, proper nutrition can make a noticeable difference in keeping individuals healthy.
A Healthy Diet
Generally speaking, a healthy diet is a varied one, containing the balanced nutrition needed for cell growth, cell regeneration and the maintenance of healthy organs and tissues. It includes an appropriate balance of protein, fiber, carbohydrates and unsaturated fats in reasonable portions. A good diet is one that:
- Is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk products
- Includes protein sources such as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
- Is low in saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars
- Contains a balance of appropriate vitamins and minerals
Calorie intake should be determined by age, activity level and weight goal. While our culture tends to focus on avoiding obesity, being underweight or malnourished is also a serious and often life-threatening problem. In some cases, depending on age and physical condition, certain individuals may require vitamin or mineral supplements in order to maintain proper nutrition and an appropriate weight. Some patients, particularly some infants and geriatric patients, who are unable to ingest sufficient caloric intake in their diet, may require nutritional supplements to maintain a healthy weight.
Avoiding Obesity
Obesity, which affects approximately a third of all adults and a fifth of all children in the United States, is avoidable with proper diet and nutrition and a program of regular exercise. Through refraining from overeating and from ingesting foods high in calories and low in nutritional values, individuals can improve their health immeasurably. A regimen of physical exercise is also a very important part of a program designed to avoid obesity.
Nutritional Counseling
Since avoiding obesity requires making wise food choices, the more informed individuals are about what they eat, the better. Reading labels, eating fresh foods whenever possible and keeping informed about nutritional research -- may all contribute to leading a healthier, and often a longer, life. Nutritional counseling is invaluable in pursuing this goal. Since more and more children have become obese, it is extremely important that nutritional counseling begin at an early age.
Nutritional counseling services include initially taking a medical, and sometimes psychological, history and establishing a customized dietary plan for each individual patient. A specific diet takes into account each patient's weight goals, personal food preferences, overall health and particular medical conditions. Anyone can benefit from nutritional counseling, especially patients with food allergies or eating disorders. Ongoing nutritional counseling allows for evolving dietary guidelines.