Diet, Nutrition, and Obesity
Obesity is one of the leading causes of many illnesses and deaths worldwide. In the United States, obesity and weight-related health problems affect more than two-thirds of the entire population. Research conducted in 1995 indicated that obesity and weight-related health problems covered more than 9% of the total health care costs in the US that year. As diets become richer and people more inactive, the total number of overweight and obese people continues to increase by the day.
The amount of calories we consume plays a significant role in our weight. The secret is to consume the same energy that our body uses to maintain a stable weight. Consuming more than our body uses results in weight gain while consuming lower than our body need often result in weight loss. Many obesity cases in the united states have been associated with the intake of high-calorie foods such as meat, cheese, soft drinks, and processed foods.
Obesity and Health
Obesity ranks among the top factors influencing major health problems in many countries. Obesity has been linked to chronic illnesses, including dyslipidemia, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, venous thromboembolism, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cholelithiasis, gout, many types of cancer dementia, sleep apnea, polycystic ovarian syndrome, osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, and infertility.
Predisposing Factors
Increased caloric intake, fast food consumption, and decreased physical activities remain the leading cause of obesity and unhealthy weight gain. However, genetics also contribute to overweight and obesity in some people. The genes that are involved with the hypothalamic regulation of energy plays a significant role in influencing obesity.
Depression, anxiety, and eating disorders also contribute to weight gain and obesity. There are medications such as glucocorticosteroids, antipsychotics, and some antidepressants, which are also associated with weight gain.
Certain demographic groups are also notably more affected by obesity than others. The highest cases of obesity are seen in non-Hispanic blacks with more than 47.8% and the lowest incidences recorded in non-Hispanic Asians with just a little over 10% prevalence. People who had a history of obesity during childhood also more likely to become overweight in adulthood.
Prevention and Treatment
A healthy diet and increased physical activities remain the best way to prevent unhealthy weight gain. There are healthy food choices and eating patterns that have been proven effective in preventing unhealthy weight gain. The secret is to limit processed foods with high levels of calories and avoid diets with saturated fats and sugars and increase the intake of nutritious low-calorie foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.
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