Being a happy and healthy person is much easier said than done. Who doesn’t want to be a happy person today?
During the past decade, we have witnessed a significant number of technological advancements to improve our lifestyle. This has led to an alarming increase in the number of health issues that people face and the most predominant among them is OBESITY.
Recent statistics tell us that globally, India ranks 3rd in obesity and one in three Indians are classified as overweight. We can find this number increasing at a rapid rate and this condition is quite common among young kids and teenagers.
Before we go any further, let us understand the terms overweight and Obesity in detail. Are they the same? No. Absolutely not.
In simple terms, Obesity means having too much BODY FAT. It is different from being OVERWEIGHT which means weighing too much. The weight may come from muscle, bone, fat and/or body water.
Both terms mean that a person’s body weight is greater than what is considered healthy for his or her height. This condition can impact health leading to severe complications.
How does one understand whether they are overweight or Obese?
If a person’s body weight is 20% higher than it should be, he or she is considered obese. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 29.9, you are considered overweight and if it is 30 or above, then you are considered obese.
How is BMI calculated?
BMI = Weight in Kilograms divided by height in meters squared.
Let us now identify the reasons behind gaining weight, and how can it be treated?
People become obese due to different reasons like
1) Eating a poor diet of foods high in fat and calories
2) Leading a Sedentary lifestyle.
3) Not sleeping enough.
4) Lack of physical activity.
5) Medications that make patients put on weight
6) Genetics determines how your body converts food into energy and how fat is stored?
7) While getting older, they tend to lose muscle mass and their metabolism slows down, making it easier to gain weight.
8) Pregnancy – some mothers find it difficult to shed the weight gained during pregnancy resulting in Obesity.
Certain medical conditions also lead to weight loss like PCOS, thyroid, hormonal imbalances and many others.
What are the risks associated with being overweight or obese?
Obesity leads to more illnesses than just weight gain. Having a higher amount of fat compared to the muscle mass puts a strain on your bones and internal organs. The chances of inflammation in the body are also increased. All this leads to higher chances of contracting illnesses like diabetes, cardiac illnesses, cancer, and many others
How is obesity or overweight issues treated?
The treatment entirely depends on the severity of the condition and hence differs from case to case. One should consult your doctor immediately and seek advice. Also, get the medical tests done to identify the reasons for gaining weight.
Depending upon the severity of the case, the doctor may suggest suitable methods to lose weight like taking medications, changing your lifestyle or a weight loss surgery if necessary
How can obesity be prevented?
One can prevent putting on weight or becoming obese by
1) changing their lifestyle.
2) Eat nutritious food like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Avoid food that is rich in fat and high in calories.
3) Including exercise like walking, swimming, cycling as part of your routine for at least 30 minutes daily.
Obesity if ignored can lead to life-threatening situations. Don’t let it ruin your or your family’s future.
Hope this article gave you deep insights into the risks associated while being overweight or obese. It is better to quickly adopt a healthier lifestyle than suffer from risks of being heavy.
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