PrintBy Shawn McKee
Staff Writer
Obesity is a scary word. It has become a worldwide epidemic, and in no place is that more evident than right here in the U.S.A.
Obesity can cause a variety of different problems for those who suffer from the debilitating condition. The problems that come with packing on the pounds can range from something as seemingly insignificant as not being able to find clothing in your size, to the myriad of life-threatening heart and health problems associated with being overweight, obese or morbidly obese. The laundry list of issues that obese individuals face is staggering.
Defining Obesity
Obesity is defined as an excessively high amount of body fat or adipose tissue in relation to lean body mass, and according to recent studies, approximately 60 percent of Americans are overweight, and about half of that (30%) are obese.
There are a few complicated ways to calculate body fat, but in recent years, Body Mass Index (BMI) has become the medical standard used to measure overweight and obesity. While the BMI does not actually measure body fat percentage, it is the most practical way for most people to compute their level of body fat because it correlates well with obesity.
BMI is calculated by dividing body weight (lbs.) by height in inches squared (in2) and multiplying that amount by 704.5. If this all sounds too technical, eDiets will do it for members to eliminate the number crunching. Ideal BMI is 18.5 to 24.9, 25 to 29.99 is overweight, 30 to 40 is obese, and 40 plus is morbidly obese.
Obesity Risks
Obese individuals (BMI of 30 and above) are at increased risk for physical ailments including:
High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, high blood lipid levels, type 2 non-insulin diabetes, insulin resistance with elevated insulin blood levels, glucose intolerance, coronary heart disease, chest pain (angina pectoris), congestive heart failure, stroke, gallbladder disease with gallstones and gallbladder infections, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea and or other respiratory problems, gout, skin rashes and diseases (heat rash and intertrigo etc.), orthopedic problems (limb and joint stress etc.), some types of cancer (such as endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon), complications of pregnancy, poor female reproductive health (such as menstrual irregularities, infertility, irregular ovulation), bladder control problems (such as stress incontinence), Uric acid nephrolithiasis, and psychological disorders (such as depression, eating disorders, distorted body image, and low self esteem).
The excess body weight carried by the obese puts great stress on the pulmonary system, respiratory system, and in women can cause poor reproductive health. Carrying the additional weight also wreaks havoc on the joints, causing undue stress to the knees, ankles, hips, and back.
Think of obesity like a car pulling a trailer. Undue stress is put on all aspects of the vehicle, and this overexertion shortens the life of the car. You wouldn’t pull a horse trailer with a Ford Escort, would you? The body is not equipped to move that much weight.
Obesity also spawns a variety of psychological problems. It can cause low self-esteem, depression, eating disorders and distorted body image. All of which can lead down a slippery slope of continued overeating and overindulgence, making it difficult to adopt the lifestyle change necessary to lose the excess weight.
Obesity is a life-threatening problem. It affects every aspect of the afflicted person, and can greatly decrease their quality of life, but the good news is that there is hope. Get active, exercise, eat healthy, and talk to your physician about things to help you get back to a healthy weight. So, unhitch the horse trailer and get on the road to a healthier you.
Take control of your health and your life by losing those extra pounds. Join eDiets today and get 25% off our personalized meal plans, exercise routines and the support you need to succeed.
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