obesity and disease

What Is Obesity?

An obese person has accumulated so much body fat that it might have a negative effect on their health. If a person's bodyweight is at least 20% higher than it should be, he or she is considered obese. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 29.9 you are considered overweight. If your BMI is 30 or over you are considered obese.

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What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

The BMI is a statistical measurement derived from your height and weight. Although it is considered to be a useful way to estimate healthy body weight, it does not measure the percentage of body fat. The BMI measurement can sometimes be misleading - a muscleman may have a high BMI but have much less fat than an unfit person whose BMI is lower. However, in general, the BMI measurement can be a useful indicator for the 'average person'.

To calculate your BMI, use our BMI Calculator

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Why do people become obese?

People become obese for several reasons, including:

1. Consuming too many calories.
People are eating much more than they used to. This used to be the case just in developed nations - however, the trend has spread worldwide. Despite billions of dollars being spent on public awareness campaigns that attempt to encourage people to eat healthily, the majority of us continue to overeat. In 1980 14% of the adult population of the USA was obese; by 2000 the figure reached 31% (The Obesity Society).

In the USA, the consumption of calories increased from 1,542 per day for women in 1971 to 1,877 per day in 2004. The figures for men were 2,450 in 1971 and 2,618 in 2004. Most people would expect this increase in calories to consist of fat - not so! Most of the increased food consumption has consisted of carbohydrates (sugars). Increased consumption of sweetened drinks has contributed significantly to the raised carbohydrate intake of most young American adults over the last three decades. The consumption of fast-foods has tripled over the same period.

Various other factors also may have contributed to America's increased calorie and carbohydrate intake:

o In 1984 the Reagan administration freed up advertising on sweets and fast foods for children - regulations had previously set limits.

o Agricultural policies in most of the developed world have led to much cheaper foods.

o The US Farm Bill meant that the source of processed foods came from subsidized wheat, corn and rice. Corn, wheat and rice became much cheaper than fruit and vegetables.

2. Leading a sedentary lifestyle.
With the arrival of televisions, computers, video games, remote controls, washing machines, dish washers and other modern convenience devices, the majority of people are leading a much more sedentary lifestyle compared to their parents and grandparents. Some decades ago shopping consisted of walking down the road to the high street where one could find the grocers, bakers, banks, etc. As large out-of-town supermarkets and shopping malls started to appear, people moved from using their feet to driving their cars to get their provisions. In some countries, such as the USA, dependence on the car has become so strong that many people will drive even if their destination is only half-a-mile away.

The less you move around the fewer calories you burn. However, this is not only a question of calories. Physical activity has an effect on how your hormones work, and hormones have an effect on how your body deals with food. Several studies have shown that physical activity has a beneficial effect on your insulin levels - keeping them stable. Unstable insulin levels are closely associated with weight gain.

3. Not sleeping enough.
If you do not sleep enough your risk of becoming obese doubles, according to research carried out at Warwick Medical School at the University of Warwick. The risk applies to both adults and children. Professor Francesco Cappuccio and team reviewed evidence in over 28,000 children and 15,000 adults. Their evidence clearly showed that sleep deprivation significantly increased obesity risk in both groups.

Professor Cappuccio said, "The 'epidemic' of obesity is paralleled by a 'silent epidemic' of reduced sleep duration with short sleep duration linked to increased risk of obesity both in adults and in children. These trends are detectable in adults as well as in children as young as 5 years."
Professor Cappuccio explains that sleep deprivation may lead to obesity through increased appetite as a result of hormonal changes. If you do not sleep enough you produce Ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite. Lack of sleep also results in your body producing less Leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite.

4. Endocrine disruptors, such as some foods that interfere with lipid metabolism.
A team from the University of Barcelona (UB) led by Dr Juan Carlos Laguna published a study in the journal Hepatology that provides clues to the molecular mechanism through which fructose (a type of sugar) in beverages may alter lipid energy metabolism and cause fatty liver and metabolic syndrome.

Fructose is mainly metabolized in the liver, the target organ of the metabolic alterations caused by the consumption of this sugar. In this study, rats receiving fructose-containing beverages presented a pathology similar to metabolic syndrome, which in the short term causes lipid accumulation (hypertriglyceridemia) and fatty liver, and eventually leads to hypertension, resistance to insulin, diabetes and obesity.

Poorly balanced diets and the lack of physical exercise are key factors in the increase of obesity and other metabolic diseases in modern societies. In epidemiological studies in humans, the effect of the intake of fructose-sweetened beverages also seems to be more intense in women. (From - "New Data On Fructose-Sweetened Beverages And Hepatic Metabolism").

Although there appears to be a consensus on the negative effects of fructose-sweetened beverages there is still some debate over the effects of fructose versus high fructose corn syrup - two studies of note are:
"AMA Finds High Fructose Syrup Unlikely To Be More Harmful To Health Than Other Caloric Sweeteners" and "Fructose Sweetened Drinks Increase Nonfasting Triglycerides In Obese Adults".

5. Lower rates of smoking (smoking suppresses appetite).
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) "Not everyone gains weight when they stop smoking. Among people who do, the average weight gain is between 6 and 8 pounds. Roughly 10 percent of people who stop smoking gain a large amount of weight - 30 pounds or more."

6. Medications that make patients put on weight.
According to an article in Annals of Pharmacotherapy, some medications cause weight gain. "Clinically significant weight gain is associated with some commonly prescribed medicines. There is wide interindividual variation in response and variation of the degree of weight gain within drug classes. Where possible, alternative therapy should be selected, especially for individuals predisposed to overweight and obesity." (The Annals of Pharmacotherapy: Vol. 39, No. 12, pp. 2046-2054. DOI 10.1345/aph.1G33)

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Treatments for obesity (source: The Mayo Clinic)

Obesity treatments have two objectives:

1. To achieve a healthy weight.

2. To maintain that healthy weight.

People who are obese are often discouraged because they think they have to lose a lot of weight before any benefits are experienced. This is not true. Any obese person who loses just five to ten per cent of their body weight will have significant improvement in health - this would mean between 12-25 pounds for an obese person who weighs 250 pounds.

It is important for patients to realize that a small drop in weight is a good start and a great achievement. Experts have found that obese people who lose weight slowly and constantly, say one or two pounds each week, are more successful in keeping their weight down when they have reached their target weight.

According to the Mayo Clinic, successful and permanent weight loss is best achieved as a result of increased physical activity, changing how and when you eat, and modifying your behavior. Some patients may be prescribed medication, while others might undergo weight-loss surgery.

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Dietary changes

The Mayo Clinic advises obese people to reduce their total daily calorie intake and to consume more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It is important that your diet is varied - you still need to feed yourself, and should continue to enjoy the tastes of different foods. The consumption of sugar, certain refined carbohydrates and some fats should be reduced significantly.

Ideally, you should work with your doctor, a dietician, and/or a well-known weight-loss program.

Trying to lose weight quickly by crash-dieting carries the following risks:

· You may develop health problems

· You will probably experience vitamin deficiencies

· You chances of failure are significantly higher

People who are seriously obese may be prescribed a very low calorie liquid diet. These must be done with a health care professional.

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Physical activity

The more you move your body the more calories you burn. To lose a kilogram of fat you need to burn 8,000 calories (1 pound of fat = 3,500 calories). Walking briskly is a good way to start increasing your physical activity if you are obese. Combining increased physical activity with a good diet will significantly increase your chances of losing weight successfully and permanently!

Try to find activities which you can fit into your daily routine. Anything that becomes part of your daily life, weaved into your existing lifestyle, is more likely to become a long-term habit. If you use an elevator, try getting off one or two floors before your destination and walking the rest. You could try the same when driving your car or taking any form of public transport - get off earlier and walk that bit more.

If any of your regular shops are within walking distance, try leaving your car at home. Several surveys indicated that the majority of urban car trips outside the rush hours are less than a mile long - we can all walk a mile, and should!

If you are very obese, are unfit, or have some health problems, make sure you check with a health care professional before increasing your physical activity.

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Prescription medications for losing weight

Prescription medications should really only be considered as a last resort. If the patient finds it extremely hard to shed the pounds, or if his obesity has reached such a point as to significantly undermine his health, then prescription drugs may become an option.

According to the Mayo Clinic prescription medications should only be considered if:

· Other strategies to lose weight have failed

· The patient's BMI is over 27 and he also has diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.

· The patient's BMI is over 30

There are two approved drugs a physician may consider, Sibutramine (Meridia in USA/Canada, Reductil in Europe and much of the world) or Orlistat (Xenical). Bear in mind that as soon as you stop taking these drugs the overweight problem generally comes back - they have to be taken indefinitely. Some patients may not respond to these drugs, while others may find their beneficial effects may lessen somewhat after a few months.

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Weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery)

Weight loss surgery (WLS) is also known as Bariatric Surgery. It comes from the Greek work baros, which means weight.

WLS is a development of cancer/ulcer operations that consisted of removing part of a patient's stomach or small intestine. Those cancer/ulcer patients subsequently lost weight after surgery. Doctors decided the procedure might be beneficial for morbidly obese patients.

In 2008 about 220,000 bariatric operations were carried out in the USA (American Society for Bariatric Surgery). As obesity levels in America and many other parts of the world grow, so does the number of bariatric procedures. About 15 million people in the U.S. have morbid obesity; only 1% of the clinically eligible population is being treated for morbid obesity through bariatric surgery. According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, the average female surgery patient weighs about 300 pounds.

The American Society for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery says that Bariatric surgery can improve or resolve more than 30 obesity-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, hypertension and high cholesterol .

Basically, bariatric surgery alters your stomach or small intestine so that you are unable to consume much food in one sitting. This reduces the total number of calories you consume each day, thus helping to lose weight.

There are two types of bariatric surgeries:

· Restrictive procedures - These make your stomach smaller. The surgeon may use a gastric band, staples, or both. After the operation the patient cannot consume more than about one cup of food during each sitting, significantly reducing his food intake. Over time, some patients' stomachs may stretch and they are gradually able to consumer larger quantities.

· Malabsorptive procedures - Parts of the digestive system, especially the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) or the mid-section (jejunum), are bypassed. Doctors may also reduce the size of the stomach. This procedure is generally more effective than restrictive procedures. However, the patient has a higher risk of experiencing vitamin/mineral deficiencies because overall absorption is reduced.

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Health risks associated with obesity

· Bone and cartilage degeneration (Osteoarthritis)
Obesity is an important risk factor for osteoarthritis in most joints, especially at the knee joint (the most important site for osteoarthritis). Obesity confers a nine times increased risk in knee joint osteoarthritis in women. Osteoarthritis risk is also linked to obesity for other joints. A recent study indicated that obesity is a strong determinant of thumb base osteoarthritis in both sexes. Data suggest that metabolic and mechanical factors mediate the effects of obesity on joints (University of Bristol).

· Coronary heart disease
Obesity carries a penalty of an associated adverse cardiovascular risk profile. Largely as a consequence of this, it is associated with an excess occurrence of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. (Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee)

· Gallbladder disease
Being overweight is a significant risk factor for gallstones. In such cases, the liver over-produces cholesterol, which is then delivered into the bile causing it to become supersaturated. Some evidence suggests that specific dietary factors (saturated fats and refined sugars) are the primary culprit in these cases (University of Maryland Medical Center)

· High blood pressure (Hypertension)
There are multiple reasons why obesity causes hypertension, but it seems that excess adipose (fat) tissue secretes substances that are acted on by the kidneys, resulting in hypertension. Moreover, with obesity there are generally higher amounts of insulin produced. Excess insulin elevates blood pressure. (Weight.com)

· High total cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides (Dyslipidemia)
The primary dyslipidemia related to obesity is characterized by increased triglycerides, decreased HDL levels, and abnormal LDL composition. (Howard BV, Ruotolo G, Robbins DC.)

· Respiratory problems
Obesity can also cause respiratory problems. Breathing is difficult as the lungs are decreased in size and the chest wall becomes very heavy and difficult to lift. (Medical College of Wisconsin)

· Several cancers
In 2002, approximately 41,000 new cases of cancer in the USA were thought to be due to obesity. In other words, about 3.2% of all new cancers are linked to obesity (Polednak AP. Trends in incidence rates for obesity-associated cancers in the U.S. Cancer Detection and Prevention 2003; 27(6):415-421)

· Sleep apnea
Obesity has been found to be linked to sleep apnea. Also, weight reduction has been associated with comparable reductions in the severity of sleep apnea. (NHLBI)

· Stroke
Rising obesity rates have been linked to more strokes among women aged 35 to 54. (Medical News Today - "Stroke Increase And Obesity Linked Among Middle-Aged Women")

· Type 2 diabetes
One of the strongest risk factors for type 2 diabetes is obesity, and this is also one of the most modifiable as it can be partially controlled through diet and exercise. (Medical News Today - "Researchers Verify Link Between Type 2 Diabetes And Diet" )

Everything about obesity

Obesity

What is obesity?

Obesity is more than just a few extra pounds.

Obesity is the heavy accumulation of fat in your body to such a degree that it rapidly increases your risk of diseases that can damage your health and knock years off your life, such as heart disease and diabetes.

The fat may be equally distributed around the body or concentrated on the stomach (apple-shaped) or the hips and thighs (pear-shaped).

For medical purposes, the body mass index (BMI) is used to determine if your weight is in the healthy range.

Doctors use BMI because it compares your weight against your height.

Test yourself

Are you apple or pear shaped? Use our test to find out.

• You are in the normal range if your BMI is between 18.5 and 25 (kg/m²).
• You are overweight if your BMI is between 25 and 30.
• You are obese if your BMI is 30 or higher.
• You are morbidly obese if your BMI is 40 or higher.

Work out your BMI

Use our BMI calculator.

Otherwise, take your weight (kg) and divide it by the square of your height (m).

For example, if you weigh 80kg and are 1.7m:

1. Multiply your height by itself 1.7x1.7=2.89

2. Divide your weight by this figure.

3. 80 ÷ 2.89= 27.7kg/m².

27.7 is the BMI.

How common is obesity?

Around one in four men and one in three women in the UK are overweight, according to government statistics.

While slightly more women than men are obese (24 per cent versus 23 per cent), in the last ten years there has been a greater increase in the number of men who are obese.

The Department of Health predicts that if this trend continues, by 2010 around 6.6 million men will be obese compared to 6 million women.

Stomach obesity, where weight is concentrated on the tummy, is the most common type of obesity and affects 30 per cent of adult men.

Obesity and stomach obesity are rapidly increasing, especially in young people.

Around one in three children between the ages of 2 and 15 are overweight. While in total more girls than boys are overweight, a greater number of boys are obese.

Children and BMI

The BMI figures used in this article apply to adults only.

Doctors use special charts to work out BMI for children to take account of differing rates of growth and development.

• 14 per cent of boys are overweight.
• 17 per cent of girls are overweight.
• 19 per cent of boys are obese.
• 18 per cent of girls are obese.

Government statistics also show that children are more likely to have a weight problem if one parent is overweight, and this risk is increased if both parents are overweight or obese.

What problems can obesity cause?

Psychologically, being overweight can affect your body image and damage self-esteem. In some cases this can cause social anxiety and depression.

Common physical problems include:

• difficulties breathing
• difficulties walking or running
• increased sweating
• pain in the knees and back
• skin conditions such as acne
• gallstones.

The following medical conditions are also more common in obese people than in those of normal weight:

• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• diseases related to hardening of the arteries such as heart attack and stroke(cardiovascular disease).
• type 2 diabetes
• some types of cancer.

These conditions are often known as obesity-related diseases and are some of the most common causes of death before the age of 75. This is why obesity increases your risk of mortality.

What causes obesity?

Obesity can be hereditary, so some people are at increased risk.

Genetic factors can affect appetite, the rate at which you burn energy (metabolic rate) and how the body stores fat. Examples of genetic diseases are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism.

But even if your genes make weight gain more likely, it is not inevitable that you will be overweight.

Obesity develops from:

• overeating
• irregular meals
• lack of daily physical activity.

This is why obesity has trebled since 1980, when only 6 per cent of men and 8 per cent of women were obese. In this time our lifestyles have changed rapidly, with the ready availability of convenience foods and car journeys replacing walks to work and school.

It is lifestyle that determines how the genes develop.

Medicines such as antidepressants, corticosteroids and oral contraceptives can also cause weight gain.

When is obesity dangerous?

UK clothes size

For women, the waistline target of 80cm means you should comfortably fit into a size 16.

Dress size 14 16 18 20

Waist (cm) 79 84 89 95

Dress size 22 24 26

Waist (cm) 101 107 113

If you have a BMI of more than 25, you should lose weight. The same is true if you carry too much fat around the middle because this increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Your waist should be no more than 102cm/40" (men) or 88cm/35" (women), with stricter targets for Asians of less than 90cm/35" (men) and 80cm/32" (women).

To reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease further, you should watch your waistline and make sure it's no more than 94cm/37" (men) and 80cm/32" (women).

How is obesity treated?

Initially, your doctor will suggest you lose weight through a change in diet and an increase in physical exercise.

Clinical guidelines are to aim for a weight loss of between 5kg and 10kg (11-22lb) over three months. This equals about 0.5kg or 1lb per week.

If you are obese, losing this amount will have a positive effect on your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes by reducing blood pressure, blood sugar (glucose) and cholesterol levels.

A dietitian can help you lose weight by giving nutritional advice on buying and preparing foods and designing a weight-loss plan.

Weight-loss plans are usually based on a low-fat diet of between 1500 and 2000 calories a day, which will result in a weight loss of 5 to 10kg in more than 90 per cent of obese people.

How do diet and exercise help?

Your body needs a certain amount of energy (calories) each day. Excess energy is stored as fat. The more active you are, the more calories your body needs.

By eating less than your body needs and exercising more, you force your body to use its existing fat stores for energy.

By burning excess fat, you lose weight.

When is medical treatment necessary?

Your doctor will usually only consider medicines for weight-loss if changes to diet and exercise are not effective.

Medicine for weight-loss is available on the NHS: orlistat (Xenical).

You will still need to follow a calorie-controlled diet and start an exercise plan while taking this drug.

Treatment with Xenical will only be continued after three months if you have lost 5 per cent of your body weight in that time.

While this medicine can help you to lose weight, there may be a gradual reversal of any weight loss after you stop treatment. To help avoid this, you will need to continue with changes to your diet and exercise levels.

Medicines for obesity are not yet recommended for young people under the age of 18 because we have no knowledge of possible negative effects on puberty and later eating behaviour.

Orlistat (Xenical)

Xenical reduces the amount of fat that is absorbed from the bowels.

Your doctor can prescribe this drug if you are obese, or if your BMI is higher than 28 and you have a related risk factor such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.

Common side-effects include headache, urgent or increased need to open the bowels, flatulence (wind) with discharge, and oily or fatty stools.

What about weight reduction surgery?

You can be considered for weight-loss surgery if you are morbidly obese, or if you have a BMI between 35 and 40 and have a risk factor for an obesity-related disease.

This type of surgery is known as bariatric surgery.

Gastric banding

Gastric banding or 'lap banding' limits the capacity of the stomach so you feel full after eating a small amount of food.

Keyhole surgery is used to tie an inflatable band around the top part of the stomach, creating a small pouch at the top. This limits the amount of food your stomach can hold.

Food then slowly passes from the pouch into the lower part of your stomach and on into your digestive system.

The operation is reversible.

Gastric bypass

Gastric bypass is permanent surgery on the stomach to reduce the length of the digestive tract and stop food being absorbed.

A small pouch is created at the top of the stomach.

Part of the intestine is then grafted to the top of this pouch so food bypasses the stomach and much of the intestine, meaning it can't be digested.

Gastric balloon insertion

Gastric balloon insertion is a less permanent type of surgery. It is not widely available on the NHS.

A balloon is placed on the end of a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. It is inserted into your stomach via your mouth.

Liquid or air is then pumped into the balloon so it partially fills the stomach. This creates a feeling of fullness.

The balloon is usually removed after six months.

Complications of weight-loss surgery include the usual risks of surgery and long-term digestive problems such as nausea, heartburn, vomiting and diarrhoea.

After surgery your body absorbs less food, but it will also absorb less vitamins and nutrients. This means you are at greater risk of diseases caused by vitamin and mineral deficiency such as anaemia and osteoporosis.

In the long term

While plenty of diets and slimming products claim to offer quick fixes, obesity is not something that can be cured or brought under clinical control within a few weeks or months.

Treatment such as diet and exercise may need to continue for years.

Weight-loss plans from a GP or dietician are an effective way to lose weight, but a greater challenge is to achieve a way of life that maintains weight and reduces the chances of putting it back on.

This can only be achieved by permanently changing your eating and exercise habits.

Obesity

Obesity

• "Obesity" is a condition of excess body fat, which puts a person at increased risk for developing heart disease, Type II diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure and asthma.
• Obesity is the result of the body's inability to balance calorie intake and energy expenditure.
• 55% of all adult Americans - 100 million people - are overweight.
• One out of three adult Americans is obese.
• In the next 10 years, 70 to 80 percent of all heart disease deaths will occur in people with Type II diabetes, a condition I call "diabesity" since Type II diabetes is so frequently associated with obesity. In fact, obesity is the number one cause of Type II diabetes.
• Half of all cases of hypertension are attributed to obesity.
• Obesity can be evaluated several ways:

1. A measurement called body mass index (BMI). BMI is a simple calculation based on height and weight. A person is considered overweight if their BMI > 25 and obese if their BMI > 30. To calculate your BMI, multiply weight in pounds by 704.5 and divide this number by height in inches squared or click here www.4Meridia.com for an easy-to-use BMI calculator.

2. Measuring total waist circumference. A waist circumference more than 40 inches in men and more than 35 inches in women signifies increased risk in those with a BMI of greater than 25.

3. Consideration of other disease risk factors associated with obesity (e.g., diabetes and hypertension).

• An estimated 97 million Americans (55 percent of the U.S. population) are overweight or obese -- 59 million are overweight and 38 million are obese.
• Over the past 20 years, the number of children who are overweight has increased by more than 50 percent. The number of obese children has nearly doubled.
• Forty percent of non-Hispanic Blacks and nearly one quarter of Mexican Americans are obese.
• Obesity rates among African-American girls are the fastest growing among any demographic group in the country.
• Obesity-related costs in the US add up to nearly $100 billion annually in costs for weight-loss treatment and the treatment of many serious health problems caused or worsened by obesity, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Americans spend an estimated $33 billion each year on reduced-fat foods, diet aids and weight-loss programs.
• Each year, an estimated 300,000 US adults die of causes attributable to obesity.
• Type II diabetes is nearly 3-4 times more prevalent in overweight adults than in lean adults.
• The number of deaths from cardiovascular disease is 50 percent higher in obese people (and 90 percent higher in the severely obese) than in the non-obese.
• Men who are more than 20 percent overweight have a 20-30 percent increase in death from prostate cancer.
• A recent study in Diabetes Care noted that for every kilogram of increase in measured weight, the risk of diabetes increased by 4.5 percent.
• A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine stated that the women in the study who were non-smokers, not overweight, ate properly and exercised had an 83 percent less chance of developing coronary heart disease than those who did not adhere to a low-risk lifestyle.
• The heaviest adults are 80 percent more likely to have asthma than the thinnest ones.
• A weight loss of five to 10 percent in excess body weight, followed by maintenance of that loss, can reduce risk factors and provide health benefits.

obesity in teens

Obesity In Children And Teens

The problem of childhood obesity in the United States has grown considerably in recent years. Between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese. Obesity is among the easiest medical conditions to recognize but most difficult to treat. Unhealthy weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year. The annual cost to society for obesity is estimated at nearly $100 billion. Overweight children are much more likely to become overweight adults unless they adopt and maintain healthier patterns of eating and exercise.

What is obesity?
A few extra pounds do not suggest obesity. However they may indicate a tendency to gain weight easily and a need for changes in diet and/or exercise. Generally, a child is not considered obese until the weight is at least 10 percent higher than what is recommended for the height and body type. Obesity most commonly begins in childhood between the ages of 5 and 6, and during adolescence. Studies have shown that a child who is obese between the ages of 10 and 13 has an 80 percent chance of becoming an obese adult.

What causes obesity?
The causes of obesity are complex and include genetic, biological, behavioral and cultural factors. Basically, obesity occurs when a person eats more calories than the body burns up. If one parent is obese, there is a 50 percent chance that the children will also be obese. However, when both parents are obese, the children have an 80 percent chance of being obese. Although certain medical disorders can cause obesity, less than 1 percent of all obesity is caused by physical problems. Obesity in childhood and adolescence can be related to:

• poor eating habits
• overeating or binging
• lack of exercise (i.e., couch potato kids)
• family history of obesity
• medical illnesses (endocrine, neurological problems)
• medications (steroids, some psychiatric medications)
• stressful life events or changes (separations, divorce, moves, deaths, abuse)
• family and peer problems
• low self-esteem
• depression or other emotional problems

What are risks and complications of obesity?
There are many risks and complications with obesity. Physical consequences include:

• increased risk of heart disease
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• breathing problems
• trouble sleeping

Child and adolescent obesity is also associated with increased risk of emotional problems. Teens with weight problems tend to have much lower self-esteem and be less popular with their peers. Depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disordercan also occur.

How can obesity be managed and treated?
Obese children need a thorough medical evaluation by a pediatrician or family physician to consider the possibility of a physical cause. In the absence of a physical disorder, the only way to lose weight is to reduce the number of calories being eaten and to increase the child's or adolescent's level of physical activity. Lasting weight loss can only occur when there is self-motivation. Since obesity often affects more than one family member, making healthy eating and regular exercise a family activity can improve the chances of successful weight control for the child or adolescent.

Ways to manage obesity in children and adolescents include:

• start a weight-management program
• change eating habits (eat slowly, develop a routine)
• plan meals and make better food selections (eat less fatty foods, avoid junk and fast foods)
• control portions and consume less calories
• increase physical activity (especially walking) and have a more active lifestyle
• know what your child eats at school
• eat meals as a family instead of while watching television or at the computer
• do not use food as a reward
• limit snacking
• attend a support group (e.g., Overeaters Anonymous)

Obesity frequently becomes a lifelong issue. The reason most obese adolescents gain back their lost pounds is that after they have reached their goal, they go back to their old habits of eating and exercising. An obese adolescent must therefore learn to eat and enjoy healthy foods in moderate amounts and to exercise regularly to maintain the desired weight. Parents of an obese child can improve their child's self esteem by emphasizing the child's strengths and positive qualities rather than just focusing on their weight problem.

When a child or adolescent with obesity also has emotional problems, a child and adolescent psychiatrist can work with the child's family physician to develop acomprehensive treatment plan. Such a plan would include reasonable weight loss goals, dietary and physical activity management, behavior modification, and family involvement.

You will not believe infacts about obesityaround us. The purpose of this article is to remind those who already know all the facts and to inform those who don’t. It is never a bad idea to remind ourselves of why we continue with the weight loss struggle. Why do we persevere with something which is often seen as unpleasant?

At this point let me just add that it doesn’t have to be an up hill struggle provided you have the right information to guide you to a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle. That is where the secret to weight loss lies, in your lifestyle. Naturally everyone has their own story and one size certainly does not fit all. If your weight gain was a result of a temporary lifestyle change like injury, pregnancy or illness you should be able to regain your balance provided you can return to your normal eating and exercise routines. On the other hand if you have been struggling with your weight for a long time then you need to look at your lifestyle.

Most people want a quick, easy solution for weight loss which is possible provided they only want to lose a few pounds/kilos. For anyone with more to lose the solution requires a bit more thinking. While “going on a diet” can work in the short term, the real secret to weight loss and maintenance can be found in your motivation and mind set.

14 facts about Obesity.

1. Obesity is a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease.
2. Obesity won’t go away by it’s self and can’t be treated quickly.
3. You are defined as obese if you are 20% above normal body weight due to fat.
4. You may not look obese but if you fall in this category you run the health risks.
5. Your genes may explain some of your excess weight but not all.
6. There is a healthy weight range for everyone, find out what yours is.
7. Your basic body shape is inherited; but your lifestyle determines your health.
8. Even small amounts of weight loss result in big health improvements.
9. The only way to attain a healthy weight is to find a plan and stick to it for life.
10. You must develop your own plan that is flexible and keeps you happy.
11. Three to 5 percent of U.S. medical spending goes to prevention; the rest, to treatment. The public health community wants more for prevention.
12. A Canadian study found that 83 percent of doctors are less likely to perform exams on obese patients, according to University of Alberta researcher Tim Caulfield, research director in public health sciences.
13. Only 36 percent of parents with heavy children say their doctor suggested their child lose weight, a Consumer Reports poll found; 64 percent say the doctor didn’t mention it.
14. Liposuction among teens has tripled, to 5,000 last year, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Facts on Obesity

Obesity

What Is Obesity?

Obesity is an excess proportion of total body fat. A person is considered obese when his or her weight is 20% or more above normal weight. The most common measure of obesity is the body mass index or BMI. A person is considered overweight if his or her BMI is between 25 and 29.9; a person is considered obese if his or her BMI is over 30.

"Morbid obesity" means that a person is either 50%-100% over normal weight, more than 100 pounds over normal weight, has a BMI of 40 or higher, or is sufficiently overweight to severely interfere with health or normal function.

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What Causes Obesity?

Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than he or she burns. For many people this boils down to eating too much and exercising too little. But there are other factors that also play a role in obesity. These may include:

• Age. As you get older, your body's ability to metabolize food slows down and you do not require as many calories to maintain your weight. This is why people note that they eat the same and do the same activities as they did when they were 20 years old, but at age 40, gain weight.
• Gender. Women tend to be more overweight than men. Men have a higher resting metabolic rate (meaning they burn more energy at rest) than women, so men require more calories to maintain their body weight. Additionally, when women become postmenopausal, their metabolic rate decreases. That is partly why many women gain weight after menopause.
• Genetics. Obesity (and thinness) tends to run in families. In a study of adults who were adopted as children, researchers found that participating adult weights were closer to their biological parents' weights than their adoptive parents'. The environment provided by the adoptive family apparently had less influence on the development of obesity than the person's genetic makeup. In fact, if your biological mother is heavy as an adult, there is approximately a 75% chance that you will be heavy. If your biological mother is thin, there is also a 75% chance that you will be thin. Nevertheless, people who feel that their genes have doomed them to a lifetime of obesity should take heart. Many people genetically predisposed to obesity do not become obese or are able to lose weight and keep it off.
• Environmental factors. Although genes are an important factor in many cases of obesity, a person's environment also plays a significant role. Environmental factors include lifestyle behaviors such as what a person eats and how active he or she is.
• Physical activity. Active individuals require more calories than less active ones to maintain their weight. Additionally, physical activity tends to decrease appetite in obese individuals while increasing the body's ability to preferentially metabolize fat as an energy source. Much of the increase in obesity in the last 20 years is thought to have resulted from the decreased level of daily physical activity.
• Psychological factors. Psychological factors also influence eating habits and obesity. Many people eat in response to negative emotions such as boredom, sadness, or anger. People who have difficulty with weight management may be facing more emotional and psychological issues; about 30% of people who seek treatment for serious weight problems have difficulties with binge eating. During a binge-eating episode, people eat large amounts of food while feeling they can't control how much they are eating.
• Illness. Although not as common as many believe, there are some illnesses that can cause obesity. These include hormone problems such as hypothyroidism (poorly acting thyroid slows metabolism), depression, and some rare diseases of the brain that can lead to overeating.
• Medication. Certain drugs, such as steroids and some antidepressants, may cause excessive weight gain.

Emotional Aspects of Obesity

One of the most painful aspects of obesity may be the emotional suffering it causes. American society places great emphasis on physical appearance, often equating attractiveness with slimness or muscularity. In addition, many people wrongly stereotype obese people as gluttonous, lazy, or both. However, more and more evidence contradicts this assumption. Obese people often face prejudice or discrimination at work, at school, while looking for a job, and in social situations. Feelings of rejection, shame, or depression are common.

When to Seek Help for Obesity

You should call your doctor if you are having emotional or psychological issues related to your obesity, need help losing weight, or if you fall into either of the following categories.

• If your BMI is 30 or greater, you're considered obese. You should talk to your doctor about losing weight since you are at high risk of having health problems.
• If you have an "apple shape" -- a so-called, "potbelly" or "spare tire" -- you carry more fat in and around your abdominal organs. Fat deposited primarily around your middle increases your risk of many of the serious conditions associated with obesity. Women's waist measurement should fall below 35 inches. Men's should be less than 40 inches. If you have a large waist circumference, talk to your doctor about how you can lose weight.