Obesity and overweight in depth

Obesity and overweight are one of the main cardiovascular risk factors. This is alarming considering that one in three Americans is obese. Recent studies have shown that obesity is linked to 112,000 deaths in the United States each year. What is obesity? The body is made up of water, fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. We speak of obesity when the body contains too much fat. Waist measurement is a way to calculate body fat. A high-risk waist is considered one that measures more than 35 inches in women and more than 40 inches in men. Another way to measure obesity is with the body mass index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing the kilograms of weight by the square of the height in meters (BMI = kg / m 2 ). You can determine your BMI using the calculator below. With that number, you can find out your body composition by referring to the table below the calculator. Body Mass Index Body mass index (BMI) is a formula used to evaluate body weight in relation to height. The formula allows you to measure body composition and has proven to be an effective way to determine body fat. Weight = 120 kg = 120 kg = 44 Height² 1.65 x 1.65 2.7225 What is the cause of obesity? In some people, the cause of obesity is very simple: they consume more calories than they burn by exercising in their daily lives. The following are other causes of obesity: Genetic inheritance. Obesity is usually hereditary. Some researchers believe that a gene passed from one generation to the next could affect ect to the way we regulate our body weight. Age. With age, the body cannot burn energy as quickly and we do not need the same amount of calories to keep our weight stable. That’s why people who eat the same way and do the same activities as they did at 20 years old, gain weight at 40. Sex. Men burn more energy at rest than women, so they need more calories to maintain their body weight. Women typically gain weight after menopause because their ability to burn energy decreases even more. Environment and eating habits. Fast food restaurants and junk food containing a lot of fat and cholesterol have become a major component of the American diet. Lack of physical activity. People who eat a lot but don’t exercise are more likely to be obese. Pregnancy. Although most women only weigh a few extra pounds a year after giving birth, 15 percent of pregnant women gain 20 pounds with each pregnancy. Childhood obesity. Obese children are more likely to be obese adults. Researchers believe that the fat cells we acquire in childhood remain in the body when we reach adulthood. Obese children can have five times the number of fat cells than children of normal weight. Diets in adulthood can reduce the size of fat cells but not the quantity. Diseases. Some diseases can cause obesity. These include hormonal problems such as poorly functioning thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), depression, and some rare brain diseases. Medications. corticosteroids and some antidepressants can cause weight gain. Eating disorders. Binge eating and nocturnal eating disorders account for as many as 10 to 20 percent of people seeking treatment for obesity. What are the risks of obesity? Excess body fat increases the risk of health problems, especially cardiovascular disease and stroke. Additionally, obesity can: Reduce levels of HDL or “good cholesterol.” Increase blood pressure. Increase the risk of adult asthma and other respiratory problems. Cause diabetes. Increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Raise levels of LDL (“bad cholesterol”) and triglycerides. Increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as endometrial cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. Even if you have no other risk factors, obesity alone increases cardiovascular risk. In addition, it damages more than the heart and blood vessels. Excess weight increases the stress on bones, joints and muscles. It can also contribute to the formation of gallstones. How is obesity treated? Obesity is typically treated through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. Many doctors have changed the way they approach weight loss for their patients. Studies have shown that even a slight reduction in body weight—as much as 10 percent—can help reverse some of the risks of obesity. Instead of setting goals that patients may not be able to achieve, this “10 percent solution” has become the goal of most treatment programs. In some cases, doctors p Weight loss medications may be prescribed along with a diet and exercise program. Ask your doctor if these medications would be appropriate for you. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be recommended.