Obesity incidence, health risks and causes.
Obesity is a condition in which the excessive energy obtained from food  and accumulated in the fatty tissue is increased to the level that it causes a negative impact on physical health. Obesity can be also defined as a condition associated with a body mass index over 30. Individuals, who are between 25 and 29.9 on the above scale, are considered overweight but not obese. Any person who has a body mass index over 40 is considered morbidly obese.
As it is apparent for somebody, being obese is different than being overweight. Male and females are considered obese, when their weight is at least 20% and 25% respectively over the maximum desirable weight.
In several cultures, obesity used to be or still is a sign of wealth, health, strength, fertility and overweight is associated with sexual attractiveness, especially in women. For instance, there are numerous Renaissance works of art, especially paintings that present young women, who were thought to be pretty in those days but they would be considered overweight today.
Incidence of obesity.
Unfortunately, rates of obesity are growing rapidly. More than half of the U.S. population is overweight. According to statistics, the number of obese children and adolescents has increased by 100% over the last twenty years. During the 21st century, obesity, coronary heart disease and diabetes are expected to be by far the most common diseases in the USA, Europe, Australia and some developing countries in Latin America, whereas malnutrition and famine will still be a permanent threat for millions of Africans.
It is remarkable that although until the middle of the 20th century, obesity used to be considered a sign of wealth, today's statistics show that this condition is mainly present among less wealthy and less educated populations.
Obesity and nutritional needs.
The basic nutritional needs of most people are approximately 2,000 calories per day for women and 2,500 for men. However, people with intense physical activity, such as professional athletes, farmers or manual laborers, may need 4,000 calories per day or more. Pregnant and breastfeeding women require about 300-500 more calories on a daily basis than other females.
The body cannot store protein or carbohydrates. Thus, excessive intake of these two nutrients results in formation of fat for energy storage. One pound of fat represents about 3,500 stored calories.
Obesity and health risks.
Nowadays, it is broadly acknowledged that excessive body weight predisposes to a variety of health conditions. Obesity increases a person's risk for diabetes, kidney problems, gallbladder disorders and elevated blood bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides level. High blood levels of such lipids can lead to hypertension, coronary artery disease or stroke.
Obesity and excessive body weight, in general, may involve higher risk for certain types of cancer of certain organs, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, colon, pancreas, kidney, uterus, and breast.
Obesity is also a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis and sleeping problems, such as hypoventilation syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea.
Causes of obesity.
Hereditary factors may influence the occurrence of obesity.
For instance, a person with obese parents is far more likely than others to develop the disease.
Consumption of excessive amount of food, alcohol or soft drinks and sedentary lifestyle are the most typical causes of obesity.
Occasionally, stress or boredom can result in excessive eating and eventually to overweight or obesity. |
