Obesity
Uploaded by mumsa1 on Apr 24, 2012
Obesity puts you at serious risk of developing health problems, such as heart disease and even cancer.
In this article:
What is obesity?
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Effect on your life
Treatment
How Chemist Online can help
What is obesity?
Obesity has become an increasing problem throughout the UK in recent years, and is an issue that the Department of Health has prioritised. However, there is much confusion – particularly amongst you people and the middle aged – as to what classifies someone as being obese, rather than overweight.
Simply put, if excess body fat is at a level where it affects your actual health, then you are considered to be obese.
Obesity can lead to health problems such Type-2 Diabetes, heart disease, extreme breathing difficulties, spinal damages and even some cancers (breast, colon, stomach and kidney cancer). It is not surprising then that obesity is such as major concern for UK health authorities.
As well as the health conditions above, if you are obese, associated problems can include:
High blood pressure
Infertility
Aching joints
Osteoarthritis
Gallstones
Sleeping problems
Snoring
Symptoms
As well as being dangerously overweight, associated symptoms of obesity can include:
Excessive sweating
Fatigue
Lethargy
An inability to manage tasks and/or activities which require physical activity in sudden bursts
Causes
Causes of obesity can include:
Eating too many calories (fatty foods, sugary drinks…) and not exercising enough to burn them off
Medical reasons, such as excessive production of steroid hormones in the body, underactive thyroid, metabolic syndrome and familial obesity
Certain medications, such as antidepressants, steroids and blood pressure drugs
Diagnosis
If you suffering from the aforementioned symptoms and are worried about your weight, then arrange to see your GP. After taking your medical history, they will ask you some questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. Your body mass index will then be checked:
About body mass index (BMI) is a measurement use to calculate if you are of a healthy weight in accordance with your height. By dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in metres) then dividing the answer you get by your height again (in metres) you arrive at your body mass index.
Your GP may also take your waist measurement.
Other tests may include:
A blood test (to measure cholesterol and blood glucose levels)
Blood pressure test
You will then be advised upon sensible lifestyle changes you can adopt, as well as treatment options available to you.
Treatment
Most people tackle obesity by adopting a healthier lifestyle which includes a combination of a nutritious and balanced diet with regular exercise. However, where this proves unsuccessful treatments may include:
Sibutramine medication – this...