Obesity: Definition, Causes and Effects

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22 Feb 2024

Obesity: The Growing Epidemic of Our Time

Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the body. It is usually measured using body mass index (BMI); BMI is a measurement that helps determine the proportion of an individual's weight relative to their height. A BMI over 30 is considered obesity. Obesity occurs as a result of the interaction of a number of factors and can cause serious health problems.

Causes of Obesity:

1- Unbalanced Diet:
Excessive consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods is a primary cause of obesity. The widespread consumption of fast food, sugary drinks, and processed foods increases the risk of obesity.

2- Sedentary Lifestyle:
Lack of regular exercise and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity by reducing energy expenditure.

3- Genetic Factors:
Genetic predisposition can increase the risk of obesity in individuals with a family history of obesity. Genetic factors influence processes such as metabolic rate and fat storage.

4- Metabolic Factors:
Factors such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances can increase weight gain and trigger obesity.

5- Psychological Factors:
Stress, depression, and emotional problems can lead to overeating behavior in some people, triggering obesity.

6- Environmental Factors:
Environmental factors, particularly the dietary habits, cultural factors, and economic status of the region can have an impact on obesity.

7- Medication Use:
Certain medications can be associated with side effects such as weight gain or increased appetite, which can contribute to obesity.

Effects:
Obesity is known to increase the risk of many health problems. These health problems include:

Heart disease: Obesity significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Type 2 diabetes: Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Certain cancers: Obesity increases the risk of some cancers, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and endometrial cancer.
Sleep apnea: Obesity can lead to a sleep disorder called sleep apnea.
Osteoarthritis: Obesity can increase the risk of osteoarthritis by putting excessive strain on the joints.
Depression and anxiety: Obesity can lead to or worsen psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.

Combating Obesity:
There are many different methods to combat obesity. These methods include:

Healthy diet: Following a healthy and balanced diet is the most important step in combating obesity.
Regular exercise: Getting regular exercise helps burn calories and lose weight.
Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy teaches people to control overeating and other unhealthy eating habits.
Medication: In some cases, weight loss medications can help combat obesity.
Bariatric surgery: Bariatric surgery may be an option for people with morbid obesity.

Conclusion:
Obesity is a major public health problem in today's world. Obesity is known to increase the risk of many health problems. There are many different methods to combat obesity. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical help when necessary are the most important steps in combating obesity.

Additional Resources:

World Health Organization Obesity Pages: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
Turkish Obesity Research Association: [link removed]

Note: This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as medical advice. It is important to consult your doctor if you have any health problems.