BMI is simply the index
weight-for-height and is obtained by dividing the weight of the subject in
kilograms by the square of the person’s height. Thus BMI takes into account the
weight and height of the person.
According to standards set by the World Health Organization, obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30 while overweight is equal to or greater than 25.
An obese or overweight
person is at a high risk of experiencing serious diseases like cancer, type 2
diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and many others. Obesity has also been linked
to clinical depression according to medical professionals.
Asians due to probably
their genetic makeup and nature are less prone to developing obesity. However, Americans, Europe, and certain parts of Africa, especially women are more likely
to be overweight. Studies have also shown that two obese parents are more
likely to an obese offspring relative to two normal parents.
Causes of Obesity
Generally, obesity and
overweight are influenced by a lot of factors which include; diet, physical
activity, environment, and individual causes. Consuming more calories than what
the body can burn out on daily basis can lead to obesity in the long run. Over
this period of time, the calories accumulate in the body and lead to weight gain.
Note that calories
alone do not lead to obesity or overweight as other unhealthy practices could
lead to fat accumulation and the consequent health challenge. Common factors
that cause obesity include;
1.
Diet
Excess intake of food
has been fingered as the major cause of obesity as the composition of diet
affects the body mass of individuals. Countries and cultures have their
peculiar dietary energy supply which often changes as time evolves. The Americans
for example have the highest calories per person with Africa having the least.
The consumption of
sweetened beverages, fast-food meals, wheat products, and fruit drinks contributes significantly to the rise of obesity across the globe.
The increased need
to provide sufficient food for all the consequences has been the unprecedented
increase in cases of obesity not just in America and Europe but also in Asia
and Africa.
2.
Genetics
Genetics plays a major
role as one of the causes of obesity in individuals as it influences how the
body processes and converts food into energy and how it stores fat. Certain
genes in the body control appetite and metabolism and if skewed encourage obesity when ample food is present. With the presence of food, the body is
prompted to consume more.
3.
Sedentary (inactive) routine
Our world today has changed considerably from what it was centuries ago as people now work from home unlike in the past. As the world shifts towards less strenuous work activities workers tend to exert less pressure on their bodies.
Mechanized farming, technology, and
artificial intelligence are several modern-day work schedule that takes
physical exertion from our day-to-day work activities.
With this, there is
sufficient time to engage in leisure activities and at the same time-consuming loads of calorie-packed meals.
4.
Social Factors
People of high social
status have been observed to be at risk of obesity and overweight in developing
countries than in developed societies. This is basically due to income
inequality inherent in developing countries as they seem to be less concerned
about the nutritional composition of what they consume.
However in developed
societies, the wealthy have access to more nutritious foods that do not load
them with excess calories. They are also methodically interested in their body
weight and are under societal pressure to maintain a slim physique.
5.
Depression
A depressed person could
become overweight as he feeds more just to douse his emotional imbalance.
6.
Smoking
Smoking according to
medical practitioners considerably affects an individual’s body weight. A
smoker usually has less appetite for food and thus does not add weight
appreciably. If he quits eventually it has been observed that he gains
noticeable weight as his loss of appetite for food resolves naturally.
This however does not
mean that he would become obese it simply shows that smokers are less likely to
develop obesity.
Curtailing obesity
and overweight
Prevention of obesity
goes beyond the normal need to reduce excess food intake. It requires an approach
that includes input from governments, family participation, exercise, and
others.
Obesity and overweight
are preventable but has been the cause of numerous death worldwide with adults
and children alike being victims.
Obesity is however more
common among women than men and has become a health challenge in recent times.
Developed areas of the
world are more affected due to the excess intake of calories while developing
nations have the least rate.
Reduction in the
consumption of food that contains fat and sugar and an increase in fiber-based foods and appropriate medical advice from experts is a good approach.
Thus it is important to
restrict the consumption of calorie foods and to engage in exercise daily.
Abstinence from sugar and sweetened drinks and food is also a good practice as
a healthy diet and lifestyle have been noted to considerably influence weight
gain.
Solution
On a final note, the use
of health supplements is an effective way to address overweight. These
supplements are highly recommended for both men women. For most women childbearing leads to added weight and with time it aggravates to overweight if not
curtailed.
To shed that excess fat
I highly recommended the use of these health supplements below;
