Obesity is a problem that gives rise to more problems - Essay Example

How ever a measure commonly used by doctors to assess over weight and obesity is the body mass index (BMI). The body mass index does not measure body fat directly but is calculated by dividing a person's weight in pounds by his or her height in square inches and multiplying it by 703. As obesity has harmful consequences as mentioned earlier it is essential for individual to have routine check ups and keep a close watch on their body mass index so they can prevent them selves from becoming over weight or obese.

Obesity does not occur overnight in fact it occurs slowly and steadily over time. For most people obesity is a result of an energy imbalance that is they end up taking in more calories than their body uses. But there can be many other causes as well including environmental and genetic causes. The environmental and social causes include decreased physical activity and intake of energy dense foods that are high in calories and fat and low in vitamins, minerals and proteins. The decrease in physical activity can be attributed to modern technology and a high paced life style.

People would rather drive than walk, order things online than go out and shop for them, sit in front of the pc or TV than exercise and order in or go out and eat at fast food restaurants than waste their time cooking healthy food at home. Also advertising attracts consumers toward buying junk food and the fact that there are vending machines and fast food restaurants add to the temptation. Genetically obesity is caused by hormonal imbalances such as an under active thyroid in which as the name suggests the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone, lack of the thyroid hormone slows down the body's metabolism system and consequently results in weight gain.

Other causes include lack of sleep, depression, tension, stress and pregnancy cause weight gain as in all these situations people tend to eat more then usual. Also the intake of certain corticosteroids or medication for seizures results in weight gain. Ageing causes weight gain because as people age their metabolisms slow down. Also people who quit smoking gain weight as food tastes and smells better. (WIM, 2006)Obesity has serious impacts on health. Obesity can cause cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes which are caused due to the build up of fatty tissues on the walls of arteries which restrict the supply of blood to the heart.

Obesity can cause type 2 diabetes which is caused by high blood sugar levels and osteoarthritis which is the wearing away of the tissue that protects joints due to pressure that results from excess weight. Obesity increases the risk of colon breast gallbladder and endometrial cancers. Also obesity may cause sleep apnea in which breathing stops for short periods during sleep due to build up of fat around the neck and reproductive problems. (Kelly, 2008)Thankfully obesity is treatable it's just a matter of making healthy choices and setting do able goals.

Obesity can be cured by making lifestyles alterations which include eating healthy food and staying physically active. An eating plan should be developed as to maintain an energy balance. This plan should be low in total, saturated, and trans fat; cholesterol; sodium and sugar. There fore processed foods like junk food and fast food should be avoided and replaced with fresh vegetables, fruits and meats. Also people should not indulge in over eating and aim for 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderate