Causes and Effects of Obesity - Assignment Example

The inactive lifestyle combined with the reduction in physical activities as well as an increase in the consumption of an unbalanced diet account for the causes of this condition (Biddle et al, 2009).

The condition has now turned into a widespread problem and many surveys have upheld the increase in the incidence of people suffering from obesity. According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, in 2008 there were 300 million women and 200 million men across the world suffering from obesity. According to the Health Survey for England, in the United Kingdom in the year 2008 24.5% of people above the age of 15 were suffering from obesity. The survey also indicated the fact that the rate of obesity between the age group of 2 and 10 years was 13.9% (Department of Health, 2009). Another research shows that in 1993, obesity rates in the UK were 13.2% among men and, 16.4% among women. But it is observed that by 2005 obesity rates had soared to 22.1% of males and 21.9% of females (Information Center, 2006). Thus it can be understood that this condition has been spreading at an alarming rate.

Obesity is a pathological state which occurs due to the constellation of both genetic and environmental factors. A deletion or harm to the Ob gene in humans renders them at a high risk of suffering from obesity. This gene is associated with the formation of leptin in the body which is a regulatory substance for body fat and it conveys signals to the brain regarding the appropriate fat requirements of the body. Thus, the effects of this gene lead to an imbalance in the fat content of the body and hence leads to obesity (NCBI, 1998). The disease also results due to a loss of equilibrium between the intake and the output of energy. This can be because of an increase in the consumption of energy and a decrease in the amount of burning of this energy by physical activity. This leads to an excess of energy preserved in the body in the form of fat. The consumption of a diet that has an increased amount of fat also serves as a reason. Psychological pathologies are also associated with obesity. These conditions include depression and eating disorders like binge eating and increased diet in times of stress. Obesity also serves to lower the self-confidence of a person and therefore a person loses the motivation of engaging in exercise as well as in weight loss plans (Biddle et al, 2009).

Obesity is associated with an increased risk for the progression and development of other health problems. It can be a cause of diseases affecting the cardiovascular system of an individual. These diseases include elevated blood pressure, stroke as well as coronary heart disease. The flow of blood in the vasculature acquires higher pressure in obese individuals. The lumen of the vasculature also reduces owing to the deposition of fat and cholesterol. This deposited substance is referred to as “plaque” and disturbances in the “plaque” lead to the creation of clots which can hinder blood flow. If this hindrance is present in the vasculature supplying the brain, it can lead to stroke.

Obesity can be considered to be a carcinogenic condition because it increases the susceptibility to developing cancers of the breast, colon, and endometrial lining. The cells of the body tend to develop resistance to the action of insulin and hence it can result in diabetes mellitus. And it also affects the musculoskeletal system of a person by increasing the risk of osteoarthritis and gout (Robbins et al, 2005). This occurs due to the elevated pressure put forth on the joints due to the increased weight. The breathing system of an obese individual may also be affected and the person may face difficulties in breathing while sleeping. The susceptibility of developing stones in the gall bladder is also raised and hence the normal functioning of the gall bladder is affected. Gynecological problems can occur in females which may be irregularities in the menstrual cycle or infertility (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute). It can also affect the mental well-being of the individual and result in psychological conditions like depression in people suffering from obesity (Herva et al, 2006).

Thus it can be understood that obesity is a widespread issue that has taken the shape of an epidemic in the United Kingdom. The disease can be considered to be a life-hampering pathology. This condition has many underlying causes and it has deteriorating effects on the health of the individual.

Obesity is a matter of global concern now. It can serve as a burden on the healthcare system and hence measures should be taken to prevent the occurrence of this disease. Awareness programs would prove to be very helpful for this condition and the number of cases would greatly increase if the causes of this condition are explained to the masses. Not only this, an explanation of the effects that it lays on the health of the individual can also be presented to the people so that they become aware of how dangerous this condition can be for their health.

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