Obesity: Causes and Mitigation Approaches - Research Paper Example

Table of Contents Table of Contents Introduction 3 Works Cited 8 Obesity: Causes and Mitigation Approaches Introduction Incidence of obesity has been on the rise around the world in recent times. Obesity has been defined by the World Health Organization as worldwide epidemic and warns that there is an increasing prevalence of diseases as a result of obesity. Obesity is a health condition resulting from excessive concentration of fat in a human body, which often leads to health impairment (WHO). The index used to determine obesity is Body Mass Index (BMI); which simply means the weight of a person (in kilograms) divided by his height’s square (in meters). According to WHO, a BMI that is equal to or greater than 30 is obesity. WHO notes, the facts about obesity are worrying; it notes that from 1980, the incidence of obesity in the world has more than doubled. Its findings suggest that by 2008, close to 300 million women and more than 200 million men over twenty years were obese. It is no doubt that obesity is becoming an increasing public health concern across the world and as a result posing serious threat of poor health among the population that may result to rising death rates and general poor health, in the long- run. It is in the light of these facts by the WHO that this research paper is concerned with obesity, its causes, and its effects. Causes of Obesity According to medical scholars and practitioners, obesity is a medical condition that is caused by numerous factors, and there is no one factor that can be directly attributed to the condition. Even though there is wide range of factors, this paper will focus on the major causes. The first major factor is dietary which has been cited to cause obesity not only in children but among the adults as well (Kopelman 14). In the modern world, food is not only considered as a source for physical nourishment but also as a source of pleasure among the majority of society’s population. Various studies have shown that consumption of highly caloric food, dairy products, and carbonated drinks among others have been on the rise thus greatly contributing to increasing prevalence of obesity (Keller 178). The other major cause of obesity is sedentary habits and little or no exercise. Due to advanced technology most people are able to perform tasks in the comfort of their homes or offices without much movement. A case in point is a person working behind a computer the whole day with little or no break at all. Sedentary habits have been noted to be more prominent among the children than adults. Most children spend most of their times especially during the weekends and holidays playing video games and watching television; actually these habits characterizes their ideal day (Kopelman 36). Related to sedentary habits is little or no exercise at all among a significant number of the population across the world, which results to increased prevalence of obesity. Few adults and children participate in sports activities and other exercise activities such as walking due to their unwillingness to do so or due to lack of time because of increasing commitments of the modern world (CDC). In addition, developmental factors especially among the children have been cited as a major factor that in most cases increases the chances of obesity. Due to rising preoccupation and commitments to other responsibilities, most mothers do not have sufficient time with their children; therefore, most children are not sufficiently breast- fed hence not cushioned against the possibility of obesity in their childhood and their future. Research has indicated that appropriate development among them breastfeeding greatly minimizes the chances of obesity (CDC). The current population that is experiencing high prevalence of obesity may be victims of poor development. Unless the development of individuals is taken seriously from childhood, there is very likelihood that prevalence of obesity will be so high in coming years. Other factors that affect individual development such as medical and psychological factors can also increase the possibility of obesity both for children and adults. A good example of medical factor that causes obesity is Cushing’s syndrome. While depression and stress are some of psychological factors that may cause obesity (Keller 209). Moreover, obesity is caused by genetics. Medical scientists have argued that obesity, just like some other medical conditions, is due to environmental and genetic interplay (CDC). They argue that various genes in some individuals have polymorphisms that control metabolism and appetite hence predisposing these individuals to obesity when there is presence of adequate food energy. Studies indicate that individuals with two copies of fat mass and obesity linked gene (FTO gene) weigh 3- 4 kilograms more on average and have nearly two- fold higher obesity risk. As a result of genetics, persons whose parents were obese have high possibility of being obese compared to those children whose parents had normal weight (Kopelman 44). Effects of Obesity As noted, obesity poses serious public health concern in modern days and in the future. Both the short and long- term effects of obesity are dire particularly in regard to obese people’s general health and life expectancy. Obesity poses serious illnesses and general productivity threats among the affected persons. Obesity has been associated with various illnesses which if not checked on time may lead to illnesses that may eventually lead to early death. These illnesses include: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) among others (WHO). Furthermore, health risks emanating from obesity greatly affect individuals with this condition; they go beyond the potential illnesses and affect their breathing, sleep, energy levels, mood and their productivity as well. In addition, these health risks impact negatively on their psychology resulting to low self- esteem, isolation from others and a general decrease in their quality of life (Keller 220). Obesity- related illnesses affect both the adults and children in almost equal measure. Both age- groups are in risk of diseases such as high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, and heart diseases. It is noteworthy that chances of type 2 diabetes are higher among children than adults (Kopelman 51). Psychologically, illnesses that are as a result of obesity has more negative effects on children than adults; this is because adults can accept their situations easily and feel comfortable thus not overly affecting their self- esteem, moods and relationships. It is nearly incontestable that obesity threatens to reduce the overall lifespan of our generation and that of future generation. Unless drastic, radical, and swift measures are taken, in few coming years, lifespan across the world would have reduced drastically (CDC). Medical scientists argue that in recent times, the effects of obesity have been more evident than ever before. They argue that the condition has become amongst the leading causes of death that are preventable across the world thus causing concerns regarding life expectancy (Keller 301). According to WHO, persons who have a BMI of over 32 have double likelihood of dying from obesity- related illnesses and complications. The effects of obesity presents very gloomy picture on health worldwide. For example, in Europe, obesity- related illnesses are the cause of about 7.7% of all the deaths per year which translate to approximately one million people. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 120,000 to 366, 290 deaths are caused by obesity- related illnesses and complications (CDC). According to a study conducted by CDC, obesity, on average, reduces a person’s lifespan by between five to seven years on a lower scale of obesity. While on a higher scale of a BMI of over 40 life expectancy is reduced by over 10 years (CDC). Way Forward for Obesity, Managing its Causes and Effects In the light of causes and effects of obesity, it is important to highlight that obesity is largely preventable just like other non- communicable diseases. Its causes can be largely avoided in order to avoid its dire consequences as well. The most necessary aspect in achieving this end is supportive communities and environments. The communities and the environment should be supportive in regard to facilitating healthy dietary choices and frequent exercise activities such as sports, eventually, preventing obesity. On an individual level, persons need to prevent obesity by observing the following: limiting their sugar intake, limiting intake of fats, engaging in physical activities regularly, and increasing vegetable and fruit consumption among other measures. Society has a role to play as well: it should make healthy lifestyles desirable to the people in addition to implementing policies that promote healthy lifestyles (WHO) Conclusion In conclusion, it is evidently clear that obesity presents the world in general great but by no means insurmountable challenges especially in regard to public health and life expectancy. Therefore, it is important to emphasize on the need to prevent obesity and control its effects. As observed, obesity occurs indiscriminately regardless of the geographical territories, age, sex, and race. Therefore, it is crucial that efforts be combined by health players across the world, governments, and the general public in order to combat obesity and its repercussions. Since obesity is largely preventable, preventive measures such as healthy- eating and physical activities such as walking and sports should be encouraged. Preventing obesity and its consequences will in ensuring that present and the future generation enjoys long and productive lives. Works Cited CDC. Overweight and Obesity. 2000. Web. 18 Dec 2011. Keller, Kathleen. Encyclopedia of Obesity. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc., 2008. Print. Kopelman, Peter. Clinical Obesity in Adults and Children: In Adults and Children. Blackwell Publishing, 2005. Print. WHO. Obesity and Overweight. 2008. Web. 18 Dec. 2011. Read More