25/05/2020
What is Obesity?
A term used to describe excessive body fat. It occurs when you start consuming more calories than your body uses.
What causes obesity?
Consuming excessive calories:
Nowadays people eat more food than in the previous generations. People also consume a lot of sweetened drinks which leads to the formation of carbohydrates. Fast food can also increase weight to a great extent.
Leading a stationary lifestyle:
With the arrival of dishwashers, washing machines, remote controls, video games, computers and tvs, people have become less active & refuse to do their work on their own. The lesser active you are, the fewer calories you tend to burn. Engaging in physical activities keeps your insulin levels stable & prevents you from developing diabetes.
Not sleeping:
Sleep deprivation can lead to obesity due to increased appetite as a result of changes in hormones. Lack of sleep also makes your body produce less amount of Leptin (a hormone which reduces appetite).
Medications:
There are some medications which make people put on excessive weight.
How to treat obesity?
Dietary changes:
It is important to reduce the consumption of fats, refined carbohydrates and sugar. A low calorie diet is recommended.
Physical activity:
It is advisable to engage in physical activities like walking, jogging, playing outdoor sports, exercise to lose weight.
Prescription medications:
These medications should be considered as the last resort if the patient find it very difficult to lose weight.
Weight loss surgery:
This is also known as Bariatric surgery. This procedure is recommended for only morbidly obese people.
