Obesity - Harmonize Care

Obesity

Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of other health problems. It is usually caused by a combination of factors including behavior, genetics, environment, culture, and socioeconomic status.

The most common measure used to determine if someone is obese is body mass index (BMI). This measures a person's weight in relation to their height. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. A BMI between 25-29.9 is overweight.

Some key facts about obesity:

• Obesity rates have nearly tripled globally since 1975. In 2016, 39% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight, and 13% were obese.
• Obesity is linked to more deaths worldwide than underweight.
• Obesity is preventable.

There are many health risks linked to obesity if not properly managed:

• Heart disease and strokes
• Diabetes
• Musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis
• Some cancers like endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon
• Breathing problems like sleep apnea and asthma
• Mental illness and distress
• Increased inflammation

What causes obesity?

Obesity occurs when a person's caloric intake exceeds the calories they use through normal bodily functions and physical activity. There are many complex reasons this calorie imbalance can occur:

• Lifestyle factors - Lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, oversized food portions
• Socioeconomic factors - Access to and affordability of healthy foods
• Genes and family history - Some people are predisposed to gaining weight more easily
• Age - Metabolism slows down with age
• Pregnancy - Women tend to retain weight gained during pregnancy
• Medical problems - Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or Cushing's disease promote weight gain
• Medications - Steroids, antidepressants, seizure meds
• Psychological factors - Binge eating disorder, depression, anxiety, addiction

The main treatments for obesity focus on long-term lifestyle changes like eating healthier, exercise, behavior changes, and in some cases, weight loss medications or surgery. Losing just 5-10% of body weight can lead to major health benefits.

Overall, obesity is a complex chronic disease involving an excessive amount of body fat that negatively impacts health. Obesity rates globally have nearly tripled since the 1970s. Making healthy lifestyle choices and changes can help prevent and treat obesity in most cases. Catching it early and managing it properly is key.

If you need professional assistance with weight management, consider consulting with the experts at Harmonize Care.