Since the start of the twenty-first century, the term “obesity” has begun to be used more frequently. In addition, thanks to the conveniences that technology has brought to our lives, we are now more aware of the concept of obesity and will likely continue to hear about it as our lifestyles change. We will discuss obesity and its effects on our lives in this article.
What İs Obesity?
Obesity is a term used to describe an excessive amount of body weight that endangers one’s health and is referred to as a disease in medicine. A complex condition, obesity can be brought on by a number of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors.
Who Can Be Obese?
Anyone can be obese, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. However, some people may have a higher risk of obesity because of things like genetics, dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical issues.
How Can I Know If I Am Obese?
Your body mass index can be used to determine whether you are obese (BMI). Using a person’s weight and height, the BMI measurement tool calculates their estimated body fat percentage.
Divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters to determine your BMI. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.
What Are The Negative Effects Of Obesity On Our Health?
Obesity can have a range of negative effects on both physical and mental health. One of the most significant negative effects of obesity is the increased risk of developing chronic diseases. Furthermore, the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels can make long term damage in our body. Apart from the physical health effects, individuals who are obese may experience social stigma and discrimination which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety.
What Are The Diseases Caused By Obesity?
Numerous health issues can be brought on by obesity, some common health problems are:
Cardiovascular Disease
Being overweight can make it more likely for you to develop cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, a chronic illness that alters how the body processes glucose, is greatly increased by obesity.
Joint Issues
The extra weight can strain joints, resulting in diseases like osteoarthritis and persistent pain.
Respiratory Issues
Sleep apnea and breathing issues brought on by obesity can raise the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
Liver Problems
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition where extra fat builds up in the liver and may result in liver damage and other complications, is a condition that can be brought on by obesity.
Cancer
Studies have shown that obesity increases the risk of developing certain cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
Reproductive problems
Obesity increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and can affect both a woman’s and a man’s fertility.
Psychological Effects Of Obesity
Obesity can have psychological effects on people, possibly resulting in a variety of social and mental health issues. Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, social isolation, and low self-esteem are a few of them.
In order to effectively treat obesity, it is crucial to address its psychological effects. To express emotional and psychological issues associated with weight management, this treatment process may include counseling, support groups, and behavioral therapy.
What Are The Surgical Methods İn The Treatment Of Obesity?
One of the treatments for obesity is surgery, also referred to as bariatric surgery. Individuals with obesity-related health issues that have not responded to other treatments, are typically advised to undergo these procedures.
Only those with severe obesity-related health issues and those who have been unable to lose weight significantly through diet and exercise are typically advised to undergo bariatric surgery.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Sleeve gastrectomy, also referred to as gastric sleeve surgery, is a type of bariatric procedure used to treat obesity. It is a method preferred by many doctors today because it has very little chance of complications and is considered safe.
Gastric Bypass
Other type of bariatric surgery used to treat obesity is gastric bypass surgery. It is one of the first obesity treatment method but nowadays it is less done. The reason for that it has a longer recovery time and includes more complications.
Gastric Balloon
A soft, silicone balloon is inserted into the stomach as part of a non-surgical weight loss procedure called a gastric balloon to encourage weight loss. It doesn’t call for general anesthesia. The insertion of a gastric balloon carries the same risks and complications as any other medical procedure. It can be done several times to the same person. This method can also be preferred by less overweight people to aid weight loss.
You can find more detailed information about this method on the “Gastric Balloon” page.
What Happens If Obesity Is Not Treated?
As we mentioned above if obesity is not treated many different health problems are there for you. Aside from that there are many other health issues are related to obesity which you will face eventually. No less real are the social and emotional effects of obesity, such as prejudice, a decreased quality of life, and a potential predisposition to depression, and prompt treatment is advised.
