Obesity Causes & Treatments - Illnesses & Conditions 21/04/2024

Introduction

Do you ever wonder why young adults today are becoming more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, angina pectoris, and cardiac arrest? Despite having access to low-carb, high-fiber, and high-protein food, what are we Indians doing wrong as a society? Our ancestors had limited resources, yet they lived longer than us.

The solution to our health problems lies in our lifestyle. Nowadays, people prioritize achieving success in their careers, leading to a busy and fast-paced life. Everyone strives for the best opportunities, sometimes even willing to move to different cities, states, or countries to achieve a better work-life balance. However, this lifestyle has increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Due to compromised mental peace, our physical health often suffers.

Many individuals resort to taking medications for conditions such as anxiety, hypertension, and other ailments as a means of coping with the stress and mental health issues they encounter. Unfortunately, few people are willing to address the underlying causes of these issues. Instead, most of us turn to food, Netflix, or other forms of instant gratification.

 A Statistical Glance

India has become the diabetic capital of the world due to the practice of satisfying immediate urges. According to a study published in the Lancet, 70% of India's urban population is overweight, and India ranks third globally in obesity, after the US and China. Among the population, 41.88% of women are obese, compared to 38.67% of men. In 2000, 19.8% of people in India had obesity, which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. This number increased by 5.6% in 2001 when 20.9% of people were obese.

Obesity has significantly increased over the last twenty-five years due to the rapid and harmful changes in our lifestyle. It is not a disease but a collection of systemic conditions that can lead to several other health issues, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, infertility, miscarriages, irregular menses, and more in females. While these conditions may not affect our offspring, they can modify our genetics as time passes. By now you must be wondering how it occurs. What are its causes and what effect does it have?

What is Obesity and How Do You Measure It?

Obesity is a condition where a person is severely overweight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher is considered obese. BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. A ratio greater than 30 indicates that a person's weight is much more than their height. However, BMI may not be entirely accurate and other parameters such as waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, and skinfold thickness are also used nowadays.

There are various clinical methods available that are used to measure body composition. Some of these methods are Bioelectric Impedance (BIA), Underwater Weighing (Densitometry), Air-displacement plethysmography, and Dilution Method (Hydrometry).

Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a method that measures the resistance of body tissues to the flow of a small electrical current. Underwater Weighing (Densitometry) measures the body's volume and density by weighing the person both in and out of water. Air-displacement plethysmography measures the volume of air displaced by the body and is used to calculate body density. Dilution Method (Hydrometry) is a method that uses the measurement of a substance in the body before and after being diluted to calculate the body composition.

These methods are often used in research and clinical settings to determine body fat percentage, lean body mass, and other body composition parameters. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the specific needs of the individual or study.

What Causes Obesity?

Obesity is a condition that results from various factors, including genetic makeup, environmental influences, and lifestyle habits. The primary cause of obesity is an imbalance between the number of calories consumed and the number of calories burned through physical activity. Consuming a diet that mainly consists of processed and high-fat foods while leading a sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to obesity. Unfortunately, our current diet and lifestyle habits often involve consuming chemically laden, instant, and unhealthy food options instead of a balanced and healthy diet. For instance, we tend to prefer soda over water, added sugars over natural sugars, and processed simple carbohydrates over complex ones, which can lead to negative consequences. Additionally, genetic factors can make some people more susceptible to weight gain and obesity. Medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances, can also contribute to obesity.

Also Read: Diabetes and Aging: Unraveling the Impact on Elderly Individuals 

Effects of Obesity

Obesity can have several negative effects on an individual's health and well-being. Some of the most common effects of obesity include an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain cancers. Obesity can also lead to joint problems, such as arthritis, due to the extra weight putting pressure on the joints. Additionally, obesity can affect mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also impact an individual's daily life by reducing mobility, making it harder to perform physical activities, and leading to fatigue. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of developing these negative outcomes.

How to Break the Shackles of Obesity?

Managing our diet with high-fiber foods such as nuts, oats, millets, and veggies, along with eradicating processed, high-calorie instant foods and working out for 4-5 days a week, can help people achieve their physical goals. However, it is important to consult a doctor and undergo thorough blood work before starting any new diet or exercise routine. Incorporating high-protein, high-fiber foods can help you feel full for longer, and practicing yoga asanas such as Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga can aid in weight loss. Any type of workout should be done under expert supervision and with the approval of a doctor.

Also Read: The JN.1 Variant: Unraveling the Impact, Symptoms, and Strategies for COVID-19 Safety