Obesity is a medical condition where excess body fat accumulates to the point that it may negatively affect health. It is often measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI of 30 or above is considered obese.
Signs and Symptoms of Obesity
Obesity often develops gradually and may show through various physical, emotional, and health-related signs:
1. Physical Signs
- High Body Mass Index (BMI): BMI ≥ 30.
- Excess Fat Accumulation: Noticeable fat around the abdomen, waist, thighs, and arms.
- Increased Waist Circumference:
- Men: > 102 cm (40 inches)
- Women: > 88 cm (35 inches)
- Breathlessness: Difficulty breathing after mild activities.
- Excessive Sweating: Body overheats easily.
- Snoring or Sleep Apnea: Interrupted breathing during sleep.
- Limited Mobility: Difficulty moving, bending, or walking long distances.
2. Health-Related Signs
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- High blood sugar (risk of type 2 diabetes)
- Joint and back pain due to extra weight
- Fatty liver disease
3. Psychological Signs
- Low self-esteem
- Social withdrawal
- Depression or anxiety related to body image
Causes of Obesity
Obesity is usually caused by a combination of factors, such as:
- Overeating high-calorie, high-fat, and sugary foods
- Lack of physical activity
- Genetics and metabolism issues
- Hormonal imbalances (e.g., hypothyroidism, insulin resistance)
- Stress and emotional eating
- Side effects of certain medications
Prevention of Obesity
Preventing obesity focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
1. Healthy Diet
- Eat balanced meals with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Reduce consumption of processed, sugary, and high-fat foods.
- Control portion sizes and avoid overeating.
- Drink plenty of water and limit sugary drinks.
2. Regular Physical Activity
- At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
- Include strength training twice a week to build muscle and improve metabolism.
3. Healthy Lifestyle Habits
- Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night.
- Manage stress with meditation, yoga, or hobbies.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking, which can contribute to weight gain.
4. Early Monitoring
- Regularly check BMI, waist circumference, and blood sugar levels.
- Seek medical advice if you notice weight gain that is hard to control.
Treatment Options for Obesity
If obesity has already developed, several approaches can help manage and reduce body fat:
1. Lifestyle Modifications (First-line treatment)
- Follow a calorie-controlled diet under a nutritionist’s guidance.
- Increase daily physical activity gradually.
- Keep a food diary to monitor eating habits.
2. Medical Treatments
- Prescription weight-loss medications (e.g., Orlistat, Liraglutide, Semaglutide) — only under doctor supervision.
- Treatment of underlying health conditions like hormonal imbalances or thyroid problems.
3. Behavioral Therapy
- Counseling to manage emotional eating and unhealthy food relationships.
4. Bariatric Surgery (for severe obesity)
- Procedures like gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or lap band surgery are options when lifestyle changes and medications are not enough.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| BMI | ≥ 30 is considered obese |
| Physical Signs | Excess fat, large waist, breathlessness, sweating, mobility issues |
| Health Risks | Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, joint problems |
| Prevention | Healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep, stress management |
| Treatment | Lifestyle changes, medications, counseling, and surgery (if necessary) |
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