Complications of Obesity - Report Example

Outline I. Introduction a. Target: Those suffering from obesity and morbid obesity in America b. Obesity is one that is leading to disease and death and is continuing to rise as a problem in the US II. Complications of Obesity a. There are 3 types of obesity: overweight, obesity and morbid obesity b. This has led to an epidemic among children and adults, leading to both disease and death c. The epidemic is continuing to rise and lead to more disease every year d. Lack of exercise, bad eating habits, behavior and lifestyle problems are some of the problems that have led to obesity III. Changes for Morbid obesity a. This topic was chosen because it is a continuing epidemic b. It was also chosen because it continues to rise in numbers and is now affecting children and youth c. Education about lifestyle habits is the first change that can be made d. Natural alterations in behavior – eating habits, physical activity, lifestyle changes will be supported e. Options for gastric bypass surgery will be a part of the education f. Education on weight loss enhancers will also be a part of the educational program g. The OAC will be promoted for group activities and assistance with lifestyle changes IV. Conclusion Introduction A chronic condition that continues to create complications and problems with several in society is obesity and morbid obesity. This specific problem is defined when one carries a higher body fat mass on their body then expected. When this is done, it can lead to complications, diseases and potentially death. To change this, there is the need to use integrative medicines while teaching those with morbid obesity how to change their lifestyle specifically to begin fighting the obesity. Using a combination of integrative medicines and lifestyle changes can assist in changing the problems with obesity. Complications of Obesity There are three categories that affect individuals who are struggling with weight, including being overweight, obesity and morbid obesity, all which are defined by the body fat mass of individuals facing obesity. In the United States, this particular problem is continuing to rise with over 93 million Americans that are recognized as obese and 112,000 deaths per year that are directly related to the disease (OAC, 2010). This is not only important to recognize and to begin to eliminate because of the continuous rise in health problems, but also because obesity can lead to other health problems, such as diabetes, disease and dysfunctions within the body. The complications of obesity have continued to rise to the point where they have become an American epidemic facing the country. The problems with those who are overweight to points of losing basic functions in the body are now affecting both adults and children because of lifestyle habits. These each lead to difficulties and problems with everyday functions and easily lead to other complications. The result that is noted includes diseases such as heart disease, GERD or acid reflux, high blood pressure, cancer, sleep apnea and diabetes (see Appendix A). The epidemic of obesity is causing this problem to arise not only with adults, but also with children and families who carry the same lifestyle habits. The United States is known to have this problem more than any other country in the world, specifically because of a lack of exercise, wrong types of eating with junk food and lifestyle activities that don’t assist in maintaining a healthy weight. On average, children between the ages of 10-13 have an 80% chance of becoming obese, all which will last through adulthood (Epidemic Obesity, 2009). Changes for Morbid Obesity This particular topic was chosen specifically because it has been announced as an epidemic. When looking at the statistics, as well as the several problems that are related to obesity, it is noted that a combination of knowledge, lifestyle changes and integrative medicine are needed. If this is not clearly focused on at this time, then health and lifestyle problems may continue to rise. At the same time, it is expected that this epidemic will continue to rise with most in society creating a belief that obesity is one that is a part of society. Creating this stigma can lead to even more health problems as well as increased diseases, death and complications among children and youth that are facing the epidemic. The continuous rise and the threats to the general health and well – being of individuals who should be healthy is the main reason for choosing this topic. There are several ways to assist in solving morbid obesity and regular obesity. The first is to concentrate on those who are morbidly obese, specifically which have a body mass percentage that is above 40. This is typically defined by those who are over 100 pounds of the required weight for the body type which they have. The most extreme measure that can be taken is gastric bypass surgery, which will cut out the fat that individuals have in their body. However, this has to be combined with medical options as well as the ability to alter lifestyle as a result. Concentrating on education about surgery and more extreme measures will be the main component of those who are facing morbid obesity, specifically by helping individuals to decide if this is the best option. The second component that can be focused on with obesity is those that are facing both morbid and regular obesity. The concentration will first be on educating individuals about what obesity means and how it is caused. The first step of the education will be natural changes that can be made to help fight obesity and to change the levels of fat that an individual is facing. Natural changes include changes in behavior, such as sleeping and eating habits, as well as physical activity that is added into an individual’s routine. The natural routines can be followed with monitoring eating habits and looking at other health habits that directly affect how one is achieving goals. The natural choices that will be a part of the obesity will be combined with knowledge about other components that may or may not work. If one is suffering from severe to morbid obesity, then lifestyle changes may seem more drastic. Many will turn to options such as weight loss pills or enhancers to assist in the changes. The integrative medicine focus that will be used with the morbid obesity will be designed to educate individuals on different weight loss enhancers, how they work and whether they are effective or ineffective. This will be furthered by looking at doctor recommended prescriptions that may enhance the weight loss goals. However, the integrative medicine component that will be defined is one that will be secondary and will be used to enhance lifestyle habits and complications which may arise as a result of the obesity which is occurring (OAC, 2010). The last component that will be used to assist those with obesity and morbid obesity will be based on joining coalitions and organizations. It has been found that those who have support groups and activities which are a part of their lifestyle are more likely to carry through with changes in lifestyle habits. For instance, the Obesity Action Coalition has several small groups which are formed throughout the United States to assist those that are suffering from obesity. Educational tools, magazines and advocacy programs are available to those who are having difficulty with losing weight. This is combined with a walk for obesity and activity programs that are in various communities. Promoting this specific organization as well as local chapters that have similar activities can help individuals to move toward weight loss goals and specific needs that can help them to easily change their lifestyle habits while using the correct integrative medicine for their needs (OAC, 2010). Conclusion The difficulties of obesity and morbid obesity have led to unwanted diseases and complications with health among children, youth and adults. This has led to an epidemic in America and has created complications not only with disease, but also with death. Beginning to reverse this with educational programs, lifestyle changes, natural and healthy choices and integrative medicine alternatives can help those who are suffering from weight to begin making the necessary changes and choices to life and feel better. Works Cited Epidemic Obesity. (2009). Epidemic Obesity and Childhood. Retrieved from: http://www.epidemicobesity.com/. OAC. (2010). Educational Tools and Statistics for Obesity. Retrieved from: http://www.obesityaction.org/educationaltools/factsandstats.php. Appendix A Read More