Being overweight, or actually obese, results from an excessive accumulation of body fat.
This is almost always directly related either to: 1.
genetic factors (if this is the case, you must have it confirmed by your doctor, so you don't make an excuse) 2.
or, much more likely, the ongoing consumption of more calories, than calories which are expended.
In the United States it is estimated that more than a quarter of a million people die prematurely every year as a result of complications related to being overweight or obese.
Chronic illnesses related to obesity include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood lipids (fats).
The "bottom line" cause of obesity is an imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned.
However, there are a variety of factors which may also play a part.
For example: • Genetics.
We may inherit faulty ways of processing food.
The distribution of body fat may also be the special gift that Aunt Harriet passed on to us.
(Get this genetic condition confirmed by a doctor).
• Lifestyle.
We all have bad habits.
These may include portion sizes that are too large, sugary beverages, bad food choices, and too little exercise.
• Medications.
Some drugs, including steroids and antidepressants, may cause weight gain.
(Don't stop any prescribed medication without consulting your doctor.
) • Binge eating.
This means eating large quantities of food in a short time.
• Medical conditions.
Even though we often hear that one's obesity is a result of a chemical imbalance, this is seldom the case.
Rarely, obesity may be related to physical diseases such as metabolic syndrome or fatty liver.
Emotional or psychological factors may play a larger role.
Diagnosis of obesity (or overweight) is generally made by use of BMI, and waist-circumference measurements.
Neither of these measurements is foolproof, but they both serve as screening tools for potential weight problems.
Typically a BMI between 25 and 30 indicates overweight; over 30 means one is obese.
The waist measurement normals vary according to sex and race.
Once the physician has gathered basic information, he or she may do other tests to determine underlying conditions which may contribute to obesity.
The treatment of overweight and obesity depends upon the cause.
If there is a condition causing the weight gain that situation will need to be resolved.
Assuming that weight gain is a result of faulty eating habits, treatment will consist of exercise and nutritional management.
In unusual cases which are resistant to this healthy approach, medications may be prescribed.
Physicians typically reserve this option of cases in which sincere efforts at weight loss over a period of time have been ineffective.
Surgery is indicated in only a small number of cases.
If obesity is left untreated it may lead to serious complications.
Once weight is lost because of nutritional and exercise management, maintenance will be a lifelong process, and it will be easy! Please do not take any overweight condition lightly, it can easily lead to serious consequences.
This is almost always directly related either to: 1.
genetic factors (if this is the case, you must have it confirmed by your doctor, so you don't make an excuse) 2.
or, much more likely, the ongoing consumption of more calories, than calories which are expended.
In the United States it is estimated that more than a quarter of a million people die prematurely every year as a result of complications related to being overweight or obese.
Chronic illnesses related to obesity include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood lipids (fats).
The "bottom line" cause of obesity is an imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned.
However, there are a variety of factors which may also play a part.
For example: • Genetics.
We may inherit faulty ways of processing food.
The distribution of body fat may also be the special gift that Aunt Harriet passed on to us.
(Get this genetic condition confirmed by a doctor).
• Lifestyle.
We all have bad habits.
These may include portion sizes that are too large, sugary beverages, bad food choices, and too little exercise.
• Medications.
Some drugs, including steroids and antidepressants, may cause weight gain.
(Don't stop any prescribed medication without consulting your doctor.
) • Binge eating.
This means eating large quantities of food in a short time.
• Medical conditions.
Even though we often hear that one's obesity is a result of a chemical imbalance, this is seldom the case.
Rarely, obesity may be related to physical diseases such as metabolic syndrome or fatty liver.
Emotional or psychological factors may play a larger role.
Diagnosis of obesity (or overweight) is generally made by use of BMI, and waist-circumference measurements.
Neither of these measurements is foolproof, but they both serve as screening tools for potential weight problems.
Typically a BMI between 25 and 30 indicates overweight; over 30 means one is obese.
The waist measurement normals vary according to sex and race.
Once the physician has gathered basic information, he or she may do other tests to determine underlying conditions which may contribute to obesity.
The treatment of overweight and obesity depends upon the cause.
If there is a condition causing the weight gain that situation will need to be resolved.
Assuming that weight gain is a result of faulty eating habits, treatment will consist of exercise and nutritional management.
In unusual cases which are resistant to this healthy approach, medications may be prescribed.
Physicians typically reserve this option of cases in which sincere efforts at weight loss over a period of time have been ineffective.
Surgery is indicated in only a small number of cases.
If obesity is left untreated it may lead to serious complications.
Once weight is lost because of nutritional and exercise management, maintenance will be a lifelong process, and it will be easy! Please do not take any overweight condition lightly, it can easily lead to serious consequences.
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