Obesity is a condition characterized by abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that affects millions of people in the United States and around the world. Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem, but a serious health risk that can lead to many chronic diseases and complications. In this article, we will explore some of the causes, consequences, and prevention strategies of obesity.
Obesity results from a combination of genetic susceptibility, physiological influences, food intake and eating disorders, weight history, and environmental factors1. Some of the common risk factors for obesity include hereditary factors, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, drugs that affect metabolism or appetite, pregnancy, lack of sleep, and quitting smoking2. Obesity can be diagnosed by calculating body mass index (BMI) or by measuring waist circumference and skin folds2.
Obesity has been linked to a number of chronic diseases that can affect various organs and systems in the body. Some of these diseases include type 2 diabetes, infertility, high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers (breast, colon, and endometrial), stroke, gallbladder disease, fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and other breathing problems, chronic lower back pain, arthritis, and osteoarthritis234. Obesity can also increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-194, especially among racial and ethnic minority groups who are disproportionately affected by obesity.
The good news is that obesity can be prevented and treated by making lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, limiting unhealthy foods (refined grains and sweets, potatoes, red meat, processed meat) and beverages (sugary drinks), improving sleep routine and reducing stress2. These changes can help reduce the risk of developing obesity-related diseases and improve quality of life.
For some people who have severe obesity or obesity-related complications that do not respond to lifestyle changes surgery may be an option. There are different types of bariatric surgery procedures that aim to reduce food intake or absorption by altering the stomach or intestines2. However surgery is not a quick fix and requires lifelong follow-up care and adherence to dietary and exercise guidelines.
Obesity is a chronic disease that affects millions of adults adolescents and children in the United States. Obesity results from a combination of genetic susceptibility biological pathways related to metabolism and body weight regulation and environmental factors. Obesity is linked to many chronic diseases and complications that can impair health well-being and productivity. Obesity can be prevented and treated by making lifestyle changes or undergoing surgery in some cases.
