Child Obesity, Fast Food Obesity, Child Obesity Causes

Step To Fight Obesity

admin — Wed, 19 May 2010 05:51:10 +0000

America is becoming obese at a dangerous rate and the world is following close behind. Eat more, watching satellite tv, and exercising less or getting no exercise at all. Our health in a steep decline and doctor and hospital visits at all time highs. Just a quick 30-minute walk a day can begin to change this situation.

You name it, we have and worse. Heart and cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke by controlling blood sugar levels, diabetes, obesity, and many others. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends getting at least 20-30 minutes of moderate activity each day and many of us fall far short of even that.

Studies show the average person takes about 3000-5000 steps per day, and some even much less. Let’s face it, we just have to exercise our ancestors did a hundred years and we tend to eat more refined foods. For some of us, most of the steps we take are from the armchair in front of the TV to the fridge so we can fill up on snacks. For others, like myself, we sit at a computer all day, as part of our jobs.

Many fitness experts recommend walking 10,000 steps a day keep the weight of our overall good health. 10,000 steps is about five miles, give or take, depending on the length of your stride. You must purchase and wear a pedometer to count how many steps you take each day. Follow the instructions that usually come with a pedometer. Do this for a week or two and get a good average count step. Your goal is to get 10,000 or more steps every day. There is nothing magical about 10,000 but will put you in the right platform.

In general, the person will burn about 100 calories by walking one mile, depending on age, size and fitness level. The heavier you are, the more calories you will burn.

Get creative about ways to increase your steps. At work, go for walks in the afternoon. Go for walks with your spouse or your children. Walk the dog. Walk to the store instead of driving, or park on the edge of the parking lot. Use the stairs instead of elevators. For me I am very fast 2-mile walks around the neighborhood twice a day everyday (aerobic walking). Simply do what is best for yourself, but do it! You need good shoes and socks to prevent injury when walking for exercise (such as aerobic walking).

Obesity Help

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:18:21 +0000

Obesity help is needed when someone is suffering obesity related problems. This is a service generally provided by health institutes and other social welfare associations. Obesity help assists persons who need a clear idea about obesity, its symptoms, its common causes, its diagnosis, and its treatments.

Obesity is a severe, often overlooked, disabling chronic situation that affects all. It is also defined as a body mass index (BMI) more than 30 kg/m2. Anyone more than a BMI of 40 is considered morbidly obese. This state increases the risk of many health conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, respiratory problems, and some cancers.

Obesity may be caused by hypothyroidism, genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise, poor lifestyle habits, medication side effects and excess alcohol intake. A lot of precautions have to be taken while prescribing medicines for obesity. These medicines are not generally suggested for treating obesity because of the risks that outweigh their benefits. The common medicines include diethylpropion, fenfluramine, mazindol, and phentermine.

An experienced health practitioner can give you information about obesity treatments, including weight loss pills and supplements, surgeries and their complications, etc. Many educational campaigns about the benefits of improved diets and better physical activity are the other sources to find right obesity help. Websites created by health organizations and social service groups are devoted to providing relevant information regarding obesity issues.

The main reason for finding obesity help is the increase of poor life-long nutrition choices and the lack of exercise. Poor nutrition is the cause of not only obesity but numerous other diseases. Good obesity help will help you feel healthy, perform daily activities better, and empower you to eradicate the need for obesity help in the future. If you follow a sound, healthy nutrition plan now and exercise on a regular basis using a good quality fitness program, you’re likely to get rid of the need for obesity help.

Obesity in Teens

admin — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:09:45 +0000

Obesity in teens is on the rise, it is related with future health care costs due to obesity related diseases. These diseases : diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, and arthritis can cause premature death.

Obesity in teens costs the country billions of dollars a year in disease management and emergency room visits for heart problems and diabetes. However, the cost to teens isn’t as easily quantified; the problems that arise for obese teenagers range from physical to mental and can only be cured gradually over time. Below is a simple guide outlining three main risks associated with teen obesity and three ways to combat teenage obesity.

Causes of Obesity in Teens

1. Poor eating habits
More and more teenagers provide for themselves when it comes to preparing and eating meals. Most of the meals a teenager eats are provided at school. Sometimes these choices are less than healthy options, like pizza and French fries. Also available in many schools are numerous vending machines selling sodas, chips, and candy bars. Dinner may be the first and only chance a teenager has to eat a healthy meal.

2. Lack of exercise
Teenagers get little opportunity for physical movement during school, and with the elimination of many Physical Education requirements, they get next to none. This lack of activity coupled with the increased number of video and computer games keep teenagers stationary and unable to exert the energy needed to burn off the calories they consume.

3. Depression
Depression during adolescence is a major cause of many eating problems, but usually goes undiagnosed. Depression decreases a teenagers interest in normal activities and may decrease their level of physical exertion. A poor appetite may also result, thus making a teenager more susceptible to illness and obesity.

Ways to Create a Healthier Environment

1. Healthier school meals
Many schools instituted healthier eating programs on their campuses, emphasizing more fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. However, healthier food options unfortunately costs more than unhealthy food, increasing the need for local and state funding to address the provision of healthier meal plans. The replacement of vending machines selling soda and junk food with machines that offer yogurt, nuts, and granola bars will also help to reduce unhealthy snacking.

2. Increased physical education programs
Requiring physical education and health programs during school is an important way to contribute to a teenagers physical well-being. However, it is also important to emphasize after-school activities and exercise by encouraging team sports and health clubs.

3. Availability of counselors and mental health guidance
Access to counselors and responsible, trusted adults is important in the development of adolescent health. Although the provision of counselors in school potentially makes it easier for a teenager to seek help, sometimes the stigma associated with mental health can be a deterrent. Therefore, schools, parents, and communities must be open about emotion and feelings, creating a safe space for teenagers to vent problems and frustrations.

Although these approaches will not solve the teenage obesity epidemic, it will take steps to create a healthy environment that can reduce obesity in teens. With the cooperation of parents, schools, and communities it is possible to reduce obesity in teens and prepare them for a long and healthy life.

Obesity in America

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:09:02 +0000

Obesity in America facts : – Obesity is a life threatening disease affecting 34% of adults in the U.S.; and nearly 67% of adults in the U.S. are either overweight or obese.
- Between 2000 and 2005, obesity (BMI ?30) increased by 24%, morbid obesity (BMI ? 40) increased by 50% and super obesity (BMI ? 50) increased by 75%
- In 2007, only one state (Colorado) had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty states had a prevalence equal to or greater than 25%; three of these states (Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee) had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30%
- As of 2006, 11% of preschoolers ages 2 to 5, 15% of children ages 6 to 11 and 18% of adolescents ages 12 to 19 are overweight
- Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80% if one or more parent is overweight or obese
- One in five American 4-year-olds are considered obese and the rate is higher among American Indian children, with nearly a third of them obese
- A study of 5- to 17-year-olds found that 70% of obese children had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease and 39% of obese children had at least two risk factors

Nearly two-thirds of adult Americans are overweight or obese. Despite the attention of the health profession, the media, and the public, and mass educational campaigns about the benefits of healthier diets and increased physical activity, the prevalence of obesity in the United States has more than doubled over the past four decades.

COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY
- Overweight and obesity costs the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $117 billion annually, and since 1987, diseases associated with obesity account for 27% of the increases in medical costs
- Lost productivity related to obesity among Americans ages 17 to 64 costs $3.9 billion a year
- Obese individuals spend 36% more on health care costs and 77% more on medications per year than individuals of normal weight

As previously stated about obesity in America, there is a domino effect associated with dramatic weight gain:
People become more sedentary and less able to tolerate exercise. The heart has to work harder to supply oxygen-rich blood to the extra tissue. (extra work due to an increased area). In some cases, the body becomes resistant to its own insulin, blood sugar levels begin to increase and Type II diabetes develops. In most cases, excess weight lends itself to increased blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. This process presents us with the beginning of cardiovascular disease.

Those who fall into the category of being obese due to “glandular problems” make-up 1% of the population. Therefore, weight gain for most people, is the result of increased energy intake and decreased energy output. Translation: We eat too much and do not exercise enough. This is where knowing and doing collide. Exercising and being attentive to diet requires effort and long-term commitment. Our society demands” immediate gratification” with most things (Ex: Standing in front of a microwave and saying “hurry-up”). Seemingly, if it takes too long, requires too much effort, or is uncomfortable, we will opt not to do it. We also factor in, that if anything goes wrong with our health, there is an intervention or pill that will “fix us”.

This adage applies to a multitude of topics and very appropriately to the cascade of health problems that will accompany excess weight. We know that excess weight leads to a domino effect of health issues. Interventions and medications do not fix things 100%. The only true fix is prevention. Doing that which has been proven useful and beneficial. Losing weight is difficult. Lifestyle change is especially difficult. The good news is that a modest 5-10% loss of weight can improve your health. This translates to 10-20 lbs. for a 200lb. Person. In some ways convenience and technology have not benefited us.

There is a certain percentage of responsibility that we, as individuals, have to assume for our own well-being. Exercise Physiologists, Dietitians, Nurses, Doctors, Physical Therapists, and other health care personnel only help the patient navigate the waters. They cannot, as well, propel the ship. This is the patient’s responsibility. To follow through making sure we see our physicians consistently, make good dietary choices, get an appropriate amount of exercise, and make other lifestyle changes to prevent obesity in America.

Causes of Obesity

admin — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:55:48 +0000

Causes of obesity, briefly described below are several contributing causes on obesity.

Diet
A high-fat diet can certainly contribute to an increased risk for obesity. In fact, the body notoriously becomes more efficient at meeting challenges. The body may, in a high-fat diet, learn to store fat more easily–which would increase one’s body fat percentage.

Genetics
It is well established through “twin studies” research that genetics plays a role in obesity. Identical twins, who have the same genetic makeup, are more likely to be obese than are fraternal twins. Currently, there is much research investigating pharmaceuticals and the link between genetics and obesity…which means there is also concomitant increase in the number of scams associated with “quick fix” weight loss programs.

Metabolic Rate
Metabolism refers to the sum of all chemical reactions occurring in the body. On a more general level, one can think of the balance between the energy we put into our bodies through food versus the energy we give off through sleep, rest, temperature change, digestion, exercise and other activities. A person who expends a lot of energy is said to have a “high metabolic rate” (keep in mind this is a very simplified application to a complex concept). Metabolism is higher during periods of growth, pregnancy and physical activity. An individual with a ‘high metabolic rate’ is less likely to be obese than a person with a “low metabolic rate.”

Lipoprotein Lipase Activity
Lipoprotein lipase is an enzyme that can trigger triglycerides (the fat most commonly consumed in a typical diet) to release fatty acids into muscle or fat cells, causing fat deposition i.e. the cells become fatter. Therefore, an individual with elevated lipoprotein lipase activity is more likely to be obese than an individual with lower lipoprotein lipase activity.

Hormonal Disorders
Metabolic, or hormonal, disorders that can be causes of obesity include autoimmune thyroid disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and Cushing’s syndrome.

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. The thyroid, involved with many body functions including metabolism, releases several hormones, two of which are known as “T4″ and “T3.” T4 and T3 (T3 being the ‘active’ form of T4) function to help the body convert oxygen and calories from food into energy. The release of these hormones occurs from a feedback mechanism. A hormone, TRH, is released from the brain’s hypothalamus. The release of TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone), in turn, causes the release of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) from the pituitary gland. The amount of TSH circulating in the blood tells the thyroid how much T3 and T4 to release.
In autoimmune thyroid disease, antibodies attack the thyroid, causing damage to the gland. The damage usually results in a reduction of thyroid hormone released, or hypothyroidism. The brain tries to increase the amount of thyroid hormone by releasing more TSH, but the damaged thyroid is unable to respond. A person whose blood tests show low levels of T4 and T3 and high levels of TSH may be considered “hypothyroid.” This hypothyroidism condition, the result of antibodies attacking the thyroid gland, is termed Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, or Hashimoto’s Disease. Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease are many and can include weight gain, changes in blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, changes in mood, hair loss, lack of energy, exhaustion, sensitivity to heat or cold, muscle and joint pain, puffiness in the eyes or other facial features, low sex drive, and concentration problems. A person with Hashimoto’s Disease may put on weight because of the low thyroid hormone levels in the body. The weight gain can be worsened by other symptoms, such as mood changes and the lack of energy. Individuals diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease are typically put on thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Interestingly, however, diagnosis may not occur for many. Blood tests issues usually involve obtaining T4, T3 and TSH, but a person can have normal levels of these hormones and still have autoimmune thyroid disease. Therefore, a blood test for thyroid antibodies can better diagnose a patient suffering from the above symptoms. Once diagnosed, the Hashimoto’s patient usually is prescribed thyroid hormone therapy. Symptoms may be alleviate for some, less so for others.
Grave’s Disease is another autoimmune thyroid disease also caused by antibodies. The antibodies serve to increase the release of T4 and T3, causing another laundry list of symptoms, including unexplained weight loss, bulging of the eyes, hand tremor, restless leg syndrome, mental confusion, inability to sleep, dry skin, erratic behavior, sensitivity to heat or cold, high blood pressure, insomnia or difficulty remaining asleep, and muscle weakness in the upper arms and legs. Interestingly, the medical community currently treats Grave’s Disease by reducing the activity of the thyroid via radioactive iodine treatment (RAI). RAI partially or fully disables the thyroid, so the body becomes hypothyroid. The patient then is prescribed thyroid hormone therapy. Some endocrinologists first try to treat the condition using antithyroid medications, hoping the Grave’s Disease will go into remission. In severe cases, the entire thyroid is removed, rendering the patient hypothyroid.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
In Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, there is an excess of androgen (“male”) hormones, and an imbalance of other hormones e.g. Follicle Stimulating Hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland.
The hormonal imbalance may lead to irregular or stopped ovulation, enlarged ovaries with many cysts, excessive hair growth, and obesity.

Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s Syndrome is an uncommon condition resulting from the body’s exposure to too much cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Since cortisol is a hormone secreted during times of stress, some individuals e.g. those with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and those dealing with extraordinarily extreme distress may have higher levels than the average individual.
Glucocorticoids, similar in structure to cortisol, are medications prescribed for certain conditions, such as asthma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, and may also lead to a higher likelihood for Cushing’s Syndrome. Other causes of Cushing’s Syndrome include abnormal growths/tumors in the pituitary or adrenal glands. Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome include obesity; a round, moon-shaped face; fatigue; high levels of blood glucose; hypertension; a hump between the shoulders, in the upper back; and anxiety. So cushing’s syndrome is one factor that causes of obesity.

Cause and Effect of Obesity

admin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:33:13 +0000

Cause and effect of obesity do not come simply from eating too much, while not exercising enough. But obesity is much more complicated than that. Obesity is caused when something goes very wrong with your metabolism and sets up a vicious cycle. To break this cycle of obesity, you have to first understand how your metabolism works.

Obesity can result from a minor energy imbalance, which lead to a gradual but persistent weight gain over a considerable period. Some researchers have hypothesized that energy imbalance is the result of inherited metabolic characteristics; whereas others believe it is caused by poor eating and lifestyle habits, that is “gluttony and sloth”.

Your metabolism is the system by which nutrients are taken in, digested, and become energy. Energy enables our activities and maintains basic biological functions such as breathing and body temperature, as well as the directed activities such as reading, working, and playing.

When you consume carbohydrates, they are turned into blood sugar, which is the fuel for human activities and basic biological sustenance. Healthy people will maintain a balance between nutrition and cellular burning of fuel. When there is a healthy balance in this basic metabolism, you become overweight.

But once something goes wrong with your basic metabolism, the vicious cycle of obesity gradually sets in. In this case, you will see a three-stage cycle of obesity set in, and the obesity effect will control your body.

First, eating foods high in refined carbohydrates such as white sugar and white flour – will lead to spiking blood sugar levels. The high blood sugar levels lead to the production of extra insulin, as the body tries to handle the excess blood sugar. Over time, the unused blood sugar is stored in your body as fat.

Then, the body ability to burn these blood sugars is slowly diminished as insulin resistance sets in. The body reacts poorly to the continual excess production of insulin and begins to use insulin less efficiently. After several years of high blood sugar, insulin production weakens and your body becomes resistant to the insulin that it does produce. Thus, your body has one fewer resource to deal with your obesity.

Finally, after many years of obesity, your body begins to break down and diseases such as heart failure and diabetes come into play. When your metabolism isn’t functioning properly, the rest of your body can’t function properly. And there’s the cause and effect of obesity.

There is no quick fix to this cycle of obesity, but you can begin to normalize your metabolism get it working properly again. This will take your blood sugar levels back to normal and allow the insulin production to again function properly in your body. As your blood sugars are effectively metabolized and burned for energy, your body no longer stores them as fat. Day by day, your metabolism will start burning the fat stored in your body and you will lose weight. You’ll also feel a lot better from cause and effect of obesity.

Definition Of Obesity

admin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:13:47 +0000

Definition of obesity, obesity occurs when the weight exceeds 120% of the median weight for height.

Other definition of obesity :
1. Obesity is a state in which there is an abnormally great amount of neutral fat in the storage depot of the body. Objective measures used to estimate the degree of obesity are the table of average weights, ideal weight tables, Body Mass Index and measurement of skin fold thickness.

2. Obesity has been defined as an abnormal accumulation of body fat in proportion to body size. Overweight persons, although still technically obese, will have a body-fat proportion that is intermediate between normal and obese.

3. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines obesity in terms of body mass index (BMI). This is a measure derived from dividing body weight in kilograms by the square of height in metres. Individuals with a body mass index between 18.5 and 25 are regarded as being of normal weight. Those between 25 and 30 are regarded as overweight and obesity is defined as a body mass index equal to, or greater than 30.

BMI is well correlated with body fat but is relatively unaffected by height. Obesity is associated with a number of other illnesses particularly heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and some forms of cancer. This is particularly true for people with a predominance of abdominal obesity as opposed to those where the fat distribution is primarily in the buttocks. To take this into account other ways of assessing obesity have been developed. These include measuring the ratio of circumference at the waist to the circumference at the hip or simply measuring the abdominal circumference, with obesity being defined in males as a waist circumference of greater than or equal to 102cm and females of greater than or equal to 88cm.

Apart from a small percentage of cases of obesity which are associated with a specific endocrine disturbance or drug, the majority of cases result from an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Genetic factors are important. However the onset and development of the condition are within the individual’s personal control by limiting the dietary intake.

Signs of Obesity

admin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:48:12 +0000

Signs of obesity :
•    Increased weight
•    Thickness around the midsection
•    Obvious areas of fat deposits
•    Poor linear growth (hypothyroidism, cushing’s, prader-willi syndrome)
•    Dysmorphic features (genetic disorders, including prader-willi syndrome)
•    Acanthosis nigricans (NIDDM, insulin resistance)
•    Hirsutism and excessive acne (polycystic ovary syndrome)
•    Violaceous striae (Cushing’s syndrome)
•    Papilledema, cranial nerve VI paralysis (pseudomotor cerebri)
•    Tonsillar tenderness (Sleep apnea)
•    Abdominal tenderness (Gall bladder diseae, GERD, NAFLD)
•    Hepatomegaly (Nonalcoholic fatty liver diseae (NAFLD))
•    Underscended testicle (prader-willi syndrome)
•    Limited hip range of motion (Slipped capital femoral epiphysis)
•    Lower leg boeing (Blount’s disease)

Symptoms of obesity :
•    Anxciety, school avoidance, social isolation (Depression)
•    Polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss (Type 2 diabetes mellitus)
•    Headaches (Pseudo tumor cerebri)
•    Night breathing difficulties (Sleep apnea,hypovertilation syndrome, asthma)
•    Daytime sleepiness (sleep apnea, hypovertilation syndrome, depression)
•    Abdominal pain (Gastroeophageal reflux, Gall bladder disease, constipation)
•    Hip or knee pain (Slipped capital femoral epiphysis)
•    Oligo menorrhea or amenorrhea (Polycystic ovary syndrome)

After knowing symptoms and signs of obesity we must know the definition,causes, risk factors,and how to treat obesity.

Obesity is an abnormally high proportion of body fat. A person becomes obese when calorie intake is consistently greater than the number of calories burned through activity and basic metabolic processes.
Several factors can influence obesity, including:
•    Genetic tendency
•    Biologic factors (such as the amount and activity of certain chemicals in the body)
•    Medications (corticosteroids, antidepressants, and antipsychotics)
•    Under active thyroid
•    Cushing’s disease
•    Polycystic ovary syndrome
•    Froehlich’s syndrome
•    Prader-Willi syndrome
•    Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition, including :
•    Advancing age
•    Quitting smoking
•    Working varied shifts
•    Decreased activity
•    Sedentary lifestyle
•    Imbalance of excess calories versus decreased activity

Obesity is difficult to treat. Cultural factors, personal habits, lifestyle, and genetics all affect obesity treatment.
Approaches to weight loss include:

Keep a Food Diary
Keep track of everything you eat and drink.

Increase Physical Activity and Exercise
Ask your doctor about how to begin an appropriate exercise program. Limit the amount of time you spend watching television and using the computer. This is especially important for children.

Reduce Total Calories Eaten Per Day
Your doctor or a dietitian can determine what your total calorie intake should be, based on:
• Your current weight
• Your weight loss goals

Reduce Dietary Fat
Keep fat intake under 35% of total calories eaten daily. New guidelines from the National Cholesterol Education Program have increased fat intake to allow a maximum of 35% fat, a recommendation that is especially helpful for obese people since they are prone to pre-diabetes.

Behavior Therapy
Behavior therapy may help you understand:
•    When you tend to overeat
•    Why you tend to overeat
•    How to combat overeating tendencies

Weight Loss Programs
Research on the effectiveness of weight loss programs is limited. They do seem to work for some people, however.

Team Up with a Partner
Some studies suggest that a partner or group may help you improve your diet and fitness.

Medications
Medications for weight loss are available, but some have led to serious complications. Do not use over-the-counter or herbal remedies for weight loss unless your doctor monitors you for side effects. Your doctor can make recommendations about prescription weight loss drugs.

Bariatric Surgery
Surgical procedures reduce the size of the stomach and rearrange the digestive tract. The smaller stomach can only hold a tiny portion of food at a time. Operations include gastric bypass and laparoscopic gastric banding. These procedures are only an option for people who are dangerously overweight, due to the potential for serious complications.

The best thing to do is to pay attention on signs of obesity.

Signs and Symptoms of Obesity

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:24:47 +0000

To prevent obesity properly, we must know the symptoms of obesity. The prevention and management of obesity should be a priority for all, because of the considerable health benefits of maintaining a healthy weight and the health risks associated with overweight and obesity.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one billion people are overweight, with nearly 300 million touching obesity. Various researches on obesity have concluded that due to an excessive combination of nutrient intake and a very placid and sedentary lifestyle, people are overweight and obese.

Overweight is when you have extra body weight that may come from muscle, bone, fat and/or body water. Obesity is when you have a high amount of extra body fat. You can be overweight without being obese. For example, a body builder or other athlete who has a lot of muscle. Being overweight or obese puts you at risk for many diseases and conditions. The more body fat that you carry around and the more you weigh, the more likely you will develop heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.

Causes of overweight and obesity include, for example:
• Taking in more calories than one uses
• Oversized food portions
• Lack of access to healthy foods
• Lack of physical activity
• Genes and family history
• Hormonal imbalance, medications, pregnancy, emotional factors

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Overweight and Obesity?
Most people know when they’ve gained weight. Signs and symptoms of obesity may include:
• Clothes feeling tighter and need for a larger size
• The scale showing you have gained weight
• Have extra fat around the waist
• A higher than normal body mass index and waist circumference. Body mass index is a measure of an adult’s weight in relation to his or her height.
• Thickness around the midsection
• Obvious areas of fat deposits
• Large body frame.
• Difficulty in doing daily activities.
• Lethargy.
• Breathlessness.
• Increased weight.

Facts About Obesity

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 08:04:30 +0000

You will not believe in facts about obesity around us. The purpose of this article is to remind those who already know all the facts and to inform those who don’t. It is never a bad idea to remind ourselves of why we continue with the weight loss struggle. Why do we persevere with something which is often seen as unpleasant?

At this point let me just add that it doesn’t have to be an up hill struggle provided you have the right information to guide you to a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle. That is where the secret to weight loss lies, in your lifestyle. Naturally everyone has their own story and one size certainly does not fit all. If your weight gain was a result of a temporary lifestyle change like injury, pregnancy or illness you should be able to regain your balance provided you can return to your normal eating and exercise routines. On the other hand if you have been struggling with your weight for a long time then you need to look at your lifestyle.

Most people want a quick, easy solution for weight loss which is possible provided they only want to lose a few pounds/kilos. For anyone with more to lose the solution requires a bit more thinking. While “going on a diet” can work in the short term, the real secret to weight loss and maintenance can be found in your motivation and mind set.

14 facts about Obesity.

1. Obesity is a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease.
2. Obesity won’t go away by it’s self and can’t be treated quickly.
3. You are defined as obese if you are 20% above normal body weight due to fat.
4. You may not look obese but if you fall in this category you run the health risks.
5. Your genes may explain some of your excess weight but not all.
6. There is a healthy weight range for everyone, find out what yours is.
7. Your basic body shape is inherited; but your lifestyle determines your health.
8. Even small amounts of weight loss result in big health improvements.
9. The only way to attain a healthy weight is to find a plan and stick to it for life.
10. You must develop your own plan that is flexible and keeps you happy.
11. Three to 5 percent of U.S. medical spending goes to prevention; the rest, to treatment. The public health community wants more for prevention.
12. A Canadian study found that 83 percent of doctors are less likely to perform exams on obese patients, according to University of Alberta researcher Tim Caulfield, research director in public health sciences.
13. Only 36 percent of parents with heavy children say their doctor suggested their child lose weight, a Consumer Reports poll found; 64 percent say the doctor didn’t mention it.
14. Liposuction among teens has tripled, to 5,000 last year, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Wont you believe the shocking facts about obesity above ?