Obesity Can Lead to Poor Health Conditions and Disease
Conditions > Obesity Can Lead to Poor Health Conditions and Disease
Obesity is the root of many health problems, according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. People with a body mass index of 25 and above are at a higher risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Being severely overweight can lead the body to develop insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Coronary heart disease is also on the list along with angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, stroke and gallstones.
If that doesn’t make you want a king-sized bacon burger, consider the risk of gout for the obese, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and respiratory problems. Even some forms of cancer are linked to obesity. Being overweight can present problems for pregnant women too and can hinder the reproductive process. Some psychological disorders are also attributed to obesity.
With all of the health risks and problems associated with obesity, why are so many Americans still overweight? Many factors influence people who become overweight or obese including behavior, environment and genetics.
The fact that people eat too many calories and don’t get enough exercise can certainly influence weight increases. Sometimes such behavior is due to home, work, school or community barriers that prevent people from having an active lifestyle. Sometimes we just get “too busy” or “don’t have the time or inclination” to exercise. Some people lack the education they need, and often the money, to buy quality, healthy foods that will ward off obesity.
Genetics can play a major role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to becoming overweight and obese. Genes can determine how the body burns calories and stores fat. There are some factors we cannot control and genetics is one of them. Remember, though, genetics can only increase the risk. The individual can have a tremendous amount of control over genetics by combating predisposition with a balanced low-calorie diet and regular exercise.
Obesity is considered an epidemic in the United States according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. One of the nation’s health objectives for the year 2010 is to reduce the occurrence of obesity among adults to less than 15 percent. The situation appears to be getting worse, not better. There is still a lot of work to be done.
Are You Overweight or Obese?
Overweight refers to increased body weight in relation to height, when compared to some standard of desirable weight. A mathematical formula called the Body Mass Index (BMI) is sometimes used to determine a healthy and unhealthy weight for one person. Desirable BMI levels vary. Desirable weight levels are also determined by using actual heights and weights measured and collected on people who represent the U.S. population. Such a study was conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. Other organizations have also developed desirable weight tables.
An increase in lean muscle can cause some people to be overweight according to these tables. While they might be “overweight” they aren’t always overly fat.
People with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.