OBESITY - CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

 

Obesity is a disorder that involves extreme body fat, which develops the risk of health problems.

Obesity produces extra calories in the body, and only performing exercises can burn down the calories.

Let’s have a look at OBESITY CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS.

CAUSES OF OBESITY:

Obesity generally occurs due to the gaining of calories mainly through the consumption of sugar and fat. Similarly, it occurs due to overeating or eating less.

Obesity also gets influenced by some other factors such as environment, hereditary, health conditions, stress, and medications.

UNHEALTHY OR POOR DIET

An unhealthy diet takes a toll on the body. Obesity does not happen in a day but forms gradually. It is a result of an unhealthy lifestyle and diet.

• To consume food that contains a large amount of sugar or fat, such as cheese or desserts.

• Drinking alcohol can result in gaining calories

• To consume food more than what your body requires.

LACK OF EXERCISE

Lack of physical movement of the body can cause obesity. Sitting in one place or not moving from one place for hours can harm the body; for example, desk jobs or browsing the internet for hours.

MEDICAL REASONS

People suffering from medical conditions such as thyroid or diabetes, women enduring PCOD, or PCOS may also suffer from obesity. 

Some anti-depressant medications and schizophrenia medicines can contribute to weight gain.

HEREDITARY

Genetic inheritance can make losing weight a nightmare. People with an obese family history may find it difficult to lose weight compared to people with no such family background.

STRESS OR PHYSICAL/MENTAL FACTORS

Stressful situations or a person under stress are likely to gain weight, and a person under pressure is also more likely to overeat. Physical factors, such as pregnancy, smoking withdrawal, or lack of sleep, can affect the weight.

SYMPTOMS OF OBESITY:

When the body mass index or the BMI of a person is 30 or higher, then the person is obese. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is overweight. You can calculate your body mass index or visit a doctor to examine if you are obese.

If you are obese, you may experience these symptoms:

• Deprivation of sleep

• Trouble in breathing or shortness of breath

• Knee pain or joint pain

• Varicose veins condition

• Skin problems produced by moisture that collects in the folds of the skin

• A disease where breathing stops while sleeping or where breathing is irregular is called sleep apnea.

COMPLICATIONS OF OBESITY:

Obesity produces complications in our bodies. Some of the complexities are:

·         Obesity can cause depression or social anxiety disorder - a person might avoid attending social gatherings or parties

·         Affects the liver or gallbladder

·         High blood pressure or high cholesterol

·         Osteoarthritis

·         Obesity can affect the heart as well as there is a risk of stroke.

Besides the physical complications, people with obesity are also likely to have psycho social issues such as low self- esteem, social anxiety disorder, and they are often introverts. They find difficulties in finding jobs and stepping out of the house. People with obesity usually don’t pursue their outdoor hobbies, and hence, that reduces the quality of their life.