What Is Obesity - Overview

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in Britain today and is just as great a problem in most European countries and in North America. A survey of British adults in 1991 showed that 13% of men and 15% of women were obese. A person is described as obese if they weigh at least 20% more the average for someone of their height and overall frame size. It can be measured more scientifically by measuring the amount of fat in the body compared with total body weight. For young men, fat is about 12% of normal weight and for young women about 26%. A figure of more than 20% for man and 30% for women could be considered as indicating obesity.

Causes of Obesity

Obesity is caused when energy input as a result of eating is greater than energy used. Extra fat, carbohydrate, protein or alcohol can be converted into body fat. This does not necessarily mean that the person eats a lot. Surveys have shown that many obese people eat no more than thin people. Other factors such as little physical exercise may be important. There are exceptions. One man who weighed amount 356kg (57 stone) used to eat 15 chickens at a time. The amount of excess food needed to produce obesity may be relatively small. Over time regular small excesses accumulate and cause obesity. Apart from quantity of food, the nature of the food may also be a factor. High energy foods such as carbohydrates and fats are more likely to cause problems.

Obesity often runs in families and there is probably some genetic predisposition in some sufferers. Occasionally it is due to physiological disorder, particularly involving the hypothalamus or under activity of the thyroid gland.

Effects of Obesity

Cardiovascular disease is more common in obese people because blood cholesterol levels are typically high and high blood pressure is more common. There is a greater tendency for atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries, with an increased incidence of varicose veins.

The extra load on the skeleton commonly causes mechanical difficulties. Flat feet, osteoarthritis of joints, slipped disc and back problems are more common. Hernias are also common. Movement becomes restricted and difficult and is often slow and awkward. Accidents may happen as a result. Diabetes and some form of cancers (e.g. gall bladder) are more common in obese people.

Obesity can create emotional problems. Children may become figures of fun and subject to teasing and bullying. Adults are constantly reminded of the association between attractiveness and slim body of advertising.

Not surprisingly, life expectancy is reduced as a result of obesity. Insurance companies have calculated that a man of 45 who is 10kg overweight reduces his life expectance by 25%. The risks are slightly for women.

Remedy for Obesity - Weight loss

To combat obesity, the energy content of the diet must be reduced to the point where energy output is greater than energy input. This should continue until normal weight is restored. This involves counseling the person so that they understand the nature the nature of the problem and can start a low energy diet. A program of physical exercise may also be recommended.

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