What are the 5 symptoms of Obesity?
Obesity has emerged as a significant health concern in a society where sedentary lifestyles have been the norm. It's a matter of life and health now, not just fitting into your favorite pair of pants. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more is considered obese and is linked to a number of harmful health outcomes. In this blog, we'll examine the top five signs of obesity and explain why it's so important to treat them seriously.
> Symptoms of Obesity
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Excessive Weight Gain: Obvious weight gain is, of course, the first sign of obesity. Obesity brings weight fluctuation to a severe level even if some is natural. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or greater. It's crucial to keep in mind that BMI has its limitations and cannot take into account changes in muscle mass or the distribution of fat throughout the body. However, significant and ongoing weight increase is the most visible warning sign of obesity.
2. Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Obesity increases your risk of developing chronic diseases dramatically and goes beyond simply carrying a few extra pounds. Obesity has been found to be strongly associated with diseases like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers, according to research. These chronic conditions can have negative effects that are often fatal.
Being overweight can cause the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries or atherosclerosis. Because of the blood flow restriction and resulting artery narrowing, this raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, according to the disease. Abdominal fat in particular can impair the body's capacity to control blood sugar levels. Obesity has also been linked to some cancers, particularly kidney, colon, and breast cancer. Hormones and growth factors that can be produced by fat cells encourage the growth of malignant cells.
3. Breathing Problem: Obesity can have an impact on your capacity to breathe properly in addition to how you look. Obesity frequently causes breathing issues, most notably sleep apnea. A person with sleep apnea experiences frequent pauses in breathing while they are asleep.
People who are overweight are more likely to experience it. Extra weight around the chest and belly can exert strain on the diaphragm and chest wall, which can make breathing more difficult. Being overweight can also result in the buildup of fat deposits in the neck, which can restrict the airway while you're sleeping and cause breathing episodes to stop. In addition to disrupting your sleep, sleep apnea raises your risk of heart disease, stroke, and daytime sleepiness.
4. Joint Pain and Mobility Issues: Your joints, especially those in the knees, hips, and lower back are put under a great deal of stress when you carry extra weight. Joint pain and stiffness may result from this, making it difficult to exercise. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition marked by cartilage degradation and joint inflammation, might eventually be brought on by fat.
As physical exercise becomes more challenging due to the vicious cycle of joint pain and restricted mobility, weight gain may become even more pronounced. Comprehensive lifestyle adjustments that take joint health and weight management into account are frequently necessary to break this cycle.
5. Psychological Symptoms: Obesity can have negative effects on mental health in addition to physical health. Obese people are more likely to have several psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety.
Being overweight can result in depressed moods, social isolation, and low self-esteem. These emotional difficulties may be exacerbated by the stigma and discrimination that overweight people frequently experience.
Another common psychological symptom of obesity is anxiety. Increased anxiety levels might result from worries about one's health, one's appearance, and cultural expectations.
It's crucial to understand that fighting obesity entails more than just losing weight. It necessitates a holistic strategy that considers mental, emotional, and physical health.
A multimodal strategy centered on establishing a healthy lifestyle is needed to prevent obesity. Make eating a balanced diet a priority by being mindful of portion sizes, selecting wholesome foods, and having regular, balanced meals. Include regular exercise, aiming for 150 minutes or more per week of aerobic activity at a moderate intensity, as well as strength training. To control appetite hormones, reduce sedentary behavior, especially screen time, and make sure you get enough sleep. Utilize relaxation techniques to reduce tension, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Set attainable goals and, where necessary, seek expert advice. Obesity is not just a matter of appearance; it is a major health problem with wide-ranging implications. By recognizing and treating these issues, both the quality and length of life can be improved.
If you or someone you know is displaying these signs, it's imperative to seek expert guidance and take proactive steps towards a better living. Our Obesity Clinic uses a multi-disciplinary approach through assessment, control, and effective management of diet and exercise to reverse unhealthy weight gain. Visit our website to book an appointment or walk to our facility.