Obesity is one of the most significant public health issues of the 21st century. It has affected millions of people globally, resulting in a variety of physical, emotional, and psychological problems. The transition from obesity to a healthier lifestyle is somehow tricky but is undoubtedly achievable. Anyone may convert their life from weariness to fitness by recognizing the causes, adopting a holistic health approach, and committing to long-term adjustments.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a complicated condition known for excessive body fat that may increase the risk of various health problems. It is usually measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI of 30 or higher is known as obese. Obesity is not just about weight, but it’s about overall health. Extra fat, mainly visceral fat near the abdomen, may lead to severe health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers.
Some of the causes may be multifactorial. Genetics do play a role, as many people are predisposed to put on weight more quickly compared to others. Life factors, like lack of physical activity, poor diet, and stress, can be the primary drivers of obesity. Fast-paced schedules in modern life, easy access to sedentary habits, and high-calorie foods have made an environment where weight gain is more manageable than losing it.
What are the Causes of Obesity?
People often assume that obesity is mainly caused by overeating, but it may result from various factors. Obesity can be linked to several conditions that contribute to gaining weight and may be categorized as follows:
- Unhealthy Eating Habits: excess consumption of unhealthy food may lead you to a poor lifestyle and can cause significant weight gain, making it challenging to maintain a healthy weight.
- High-Calorie Intake: Eating fat and sugar-rich foods may lead to an excess of calories, which are stored as fat in the body, leading to obesity.
- Lack of Exercise or Physical Activity: A lazy lifestyle is a major contributor to obesity, as insufficient physical activity may lead to weight gain.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions can contribute to gaining weight and make it challenging for individuals to lose weight.
- Genetics: Genetics can play a significant role in obesity, as some people are more predisposed to weight gain because of their genetic makeup.
- Medications: Some medications may lead to weight gain by causing fat accumulation or an increase in appetite.
Note: There might be other factors and conditions that may also contribute to obesity, each playing a role in the complicated path to weight gain.
Obesity Symptoms Indicating the Risk
Obesity shows several symptoms that may signal the need for medical intervention. Recognizing these signs and symptoms early allows patients to seek timely treatment from the appropriate medical care professionals. Some of the key obesity symptoms may include:
- Excessive Sweating: Increased sweating, mainly without exertion, is commonly associated with obesity.
- Frequent Snoring: Obesity may lead to snoring, indicating underlying sleep apnea.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or gasping for air may lead to obesity.
- Back and Joint Pain: Obesity may cause pain in the back and joints because of the extra strain on the body.
Obesity Treatment: A Guide to Lasting Wellness
- While multiple treatments for obesity are available in India, it’s important to involve a medical expert in the decision-making process. A doctor’s guidance is essential for selecting the most effective and suitable approach. Here are some of the key treatments for managing obesity:
- Regular Exercise: Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine is vital for those struggling with obesity. Regular exercise helps burn calories, build muscle, and improve overall health.
- Weight Management Programs: Joining weight management programs may be beneficial, but involving a medical expert is essential to ensure the approach is safe and effective.
- Healthy Balanced Diet: For obesity, a nutritious diet is of great importance, with a strictly controlled intake of calories coupled with some form of regular exercise. Betterment in condition largely happens with a decrease in calorie intake and an increase in physical activity.
- Professional Support: Professional guidance can aid an individual in obtaining appropriate support and advice toward getting their condition back in order and, finally, weight reduction.
- Medications: Certain prescribed drugs can help lose weight. However, these should be used only under medical supervision.
- Manage Sleep and Stress: Proper sleeping habits and stress management are two essential parts of the treatment plan for obesity due to their large contribution to health.
- Limit Unhealthy Foods: Avoiding foods that are packaged full of unhealthy ingredients is the major factor behind weight management. Stick to whole, natural foods whenever possible to help keep you fit and healthy.
Weight Loss Surgeries
Bariatric surgery may include procedures such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, which may be effective for individuals who need significant weight loss. These surgeries modify throughout your weight loss journey.
- Gastric bypass: This is the most common procedure, which limits food intake at one time and decreases the overall absorption of fat and calories.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: This is a process of removing part of the stomach, thereby decreasing its capacity and, in turn, reducing food intake.
Conclusion
It’s a painful journey from obesity to a healthy way of life, but it’s rewarding. Tackle the reasons behind your being obese, embrace the holistic way to health, and develop sustainable changes in transforming your life from fatigue to fitness. Remember, every little step counts; hence, with patience and a never-give-up attitude, you will nail those goals and start enjoying health and happiness benefits. In addition to being one of the best medical tourism companies, Medheal Global Care helps you connect to hospitals and doctors, assist with medical visas, and more.