Let’s understand Obesity: Global Facts, Early Symptoms, Treatment, and Side Effects
Obesity is a complex medical condition characterized by an excessive amount of body fat. It’s not merely a cosmetic concern but a serious health issue that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
Globally, obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Approximately 15 million Americans suffer from life-threatening obesity, defined as being 100 pounds above the ideal body weight or having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40. This makes America the heaviest nation in the world, with 25 percent of U.S. children being overweight. Globally, about 3.12 billion people, which is 39% of the global population, are obese. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that at least 2.8 million people die each year as a result of being overweight or obese.
The fundamental cause of obesity is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. As global diets have changed in recent decades, there has been an increase in the consumption of energy-dense foods high in fat and free sugars.
Early symptoms of obesity include breathlessness, increased sweating, snoring, difficulty doing physical activity, often feeling very tired, joint and back pain, low confidence and self-esteem, and feeling isolated. Common symptoms in adults include excess body fat, particularly around the waist, shortness of breath, sweating more than usual, snoring, trouble sleeping, skin problems from moisture accumulating in the folds, and inability to perform simple physical tasks you could easily perform before weight gain.
Reducing calories and practicing healthier eating habits are vital to overcoming obesity. Although you may lose weight quickly at first, steady weight loss over the long term is considered the safest way to lose weight and the best way to keep it off permanently. There is no best weight-loss diet. Choosing healthier foods and beverages, limiting unhealthy foods and beverages, increasing physical activity, and limiting television time, screen time, and other “sit time” are some ways to overcome obesity. Exercise is an integral part of not only weight loss but overall health as well.
Obesity can have severe health effects including all-causes of death (mortality), high blood pressure (hypertension), high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides (dyslipidemia), type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and gallbladder disease. Being overweight or obese can have a serious impact on health, leading to cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon). Vegan diet, low carb diet helps a lot in losing weight.
Obesity, a global health crisis, is primarily caused by an imbalance between calories consumed and expended. This imbalance is often due to lifestyle factors such as consuming large amounts of processed or fast food high in fat and sugar, drinking excessive alcohol, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Genetics and certain medical conditions can also contribute to obesity.
The symptoms of obesity are varied and can significantly impact daily life. They include breathlessness, increased sweating, snoring, difficulty performing physical activities, fatigue, joint and back pain, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation. More severe symptoms include sleep apnea, daytime drowsiness, intolerance to heat, infections in skin folds, depression, and shortness of breath.
The most effective long-term treatment for obesity involves dietary changes and regular exercise. Reducing calorie intake, particularly from fats and sugars, and increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts are recommended. Regular physical activity is also crucial, with recommendations of 60 minutes a day for children and 150 minutes spread throughout the week for adults. Bariatric surgery, including procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, may also be considered for individuals with severe obesity.
However, obesity treatments are not without side effects. Medications can cause gastrointestinal upset, and in rare cases, acute pancreatitis. Bariatric surgery can lead to complications such as anastomotic leaks, internal bowel herniation, and malnutrition.
The effects of obesity extend beyond individual health. It has a significant impact on national economies by reducing productivity and life expectancy while increasing disability and healthcare costs. Obesity is linked to numerous health conditions, including high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and gallbladder disease. Globally, more deaths are linked to overweight and obesity than underweight.
Obesity is a global health crisis that requires immediate attention. By understanding its causes, recognizing early symptoms, and implementing effective treatment strategies, we can combat this epidemic and improve the quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide.