Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Obesity Problems

Obesity is a major health problem around the world, especially in North America, Australia and Europe. In developing countries, it is less common. Obesity brings disability, disease and early death. It is a situation distinguished by excess body fat. More clearly, obesity is usually because of positive energy balance. That is, the consumption of calories is more than the spending of calories. Several factors that contribute to obesity are genetic factors, eating habits, less physical activity, endocrine factor, and trauma.

The exact level of adult obesity is estimated using the body mass index (BMI) technique. BMI is a ratio of individual's body weight (in kilograms) to height (in meters2). A BMI score of 30 or more denotes mild obesity, while a score of 40+ and 50+ indicates morbid obesity and malignant obesity respectively..

Obese persons experience many health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, some types of cancer (endometrial, breast and colon), dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance syndrome, coronary heart disease, some digestive disorders, high blood cholesterol , certain bone and joint disorders, fatty liver disease, thrombosis, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, stroke, and gallbladder disease.

Studies show that women suffering from obesity are more probable than non-obese women to die from cancer of the breast, uterus, and cervix. Besides, they have increased risk of obstetric and gynecological complications, such as infertility, menstrual abnormality, and delivery problems.

Obese males suffering from abdominal obesity have type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Statistics show that morbidly obese white men (between 20-30 years age) with a BMI of 45+ have short life expectancy.

Since obesity is a chronic health condition, giving short-term treatment is not going to be effective. Diet and exercise treatments, along with weight loss medication, are helpful for mildly obese patients. But, patients suffering from serious morbid obesity are advised for bar iatric surgical treatments such as Lap Band or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Obesity provides detailed information on Obesity, Obesity Help, Childhood Obesity, Morbid Obesity and more. Obesity is affiliated with Morbid Obesity Surgery.