obesity around us!!!
During the past 20 years, obesity among adults has risen significantly in
the United States. The latest data from the National Center for Health
Statistics show that 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 years of age and
older—over 60 million people—are obese.
This increase is not limited to adults. The percentage of young people who
are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens
aged 6–19 years, 16 percent (over 9 million young people) are considered
overweight.
These increasing rates raise concern because of their implications for
Americans’ health. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many
diseases and health conditions, including the following:
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of
triglycerides) - Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
Causes and Risk Factors of Obesity
Until
recently, obesity was considered the result of a sedentary lifestyle
and the chronic ingestion of excess calories. This may be the principal
factor for many individuals, but there is evidence of strong genetic,
metabolic, and environmental influences in the development of obesity.
Certain illnesses, such as Cushing’s syndrome or hypothyroidism, and
medications, such as glucocorticoids, can also cause obesity. However,
less than one percent of all obese patients have an identifiable
secondary cause of obesity.
Diagnosis of Obesity
A
physical examination, including a measurement of weight and height, is
usually sufficient to diagnose obesity. A complete medical history,
including age of onset, family history, eating and exercise behavior,
smoking, alcohol use, and previous weight loss experience are all
important.
Your physician may order blood tests, including fasting levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, to determine whether any obesity-related conditions are present.
Treatment of Obesity
Successful
programs for weight loss reduction and maintenance should be started
and followed under the care of a physician and/or a nutritionist. A
weight-loss program may include:
Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Obesity
I’ve always been overweight. Why should I worry about it now?
Should I consider taking a medication for my weight condition?
What effect will continuing to be overweight have on my newly acquired diabetes (if applicable)?
What types of physical activity would you recommend?
How can I find the time, social support and motivation to become more physically active?
Do you recommend a specific diet?
If so, what kind?
I’ve lost weight before and regained it. How do I lose weight and keep it off now?
Should I consider surgery?
