Obesity- Causes, Consequences and Preventive Measures. Also Know how to calculate BMI.

America is facing the obesity problem and it's growing . Beside that, Americans are also hurting their economy while putting a break on their quality of life.

If we go by the fact files, the rate at which obesity is looming will surely make you look yourself in the mirror. And well, if you are an adult you need to be even more careful because 34.9 percent of the world population is obese i.e. the age group of 26-45.

Well, obesity does seem a fan of equality though because male and female both share the similar tendency to be obese. So this might just be a wake-up call for you.

Related: According to a Bloomberg article, in 2010, the economic burden of obesity in the US was $ 315 billion, which means $3580 a year for each American facing this problem

Here in this article, we will provide you a clear and concise information, facts and management/preventive measures on adult obesity. Let’s start with the basics.

You might be thinking obesity and being overweight are same, but they are not. Going by the definition of obesity given by regulatory health authorities such as CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), you can be called obese if your BMI (Body Mass Index) is higher than 30. Knowing Obesity through Mathematics (BMI)

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of your ideal weight that is relevant to your height. Don’t worry, you won’t have to go back to your school days to calculate your BMI.

Calculating BMI is as simple as pie. Get a calculator, measure your weight (in kilograms) and height (in meter). Now divide your weight by the square of your height.

If your calculator shows the result 30 or above, it’s confirmed you are obese. It’s time for you to take action. (Alternately, you can use a reliable BMI Calculator that you can find on the internet).

What does Obesity mean to Your Health?

If you are obese, you have landed yourself in some serious health problems. Those spare tires on your abdomen mean you are more prone to develop various long-term and potentially harmful diseases/ conditions including:

  • Cancers of breast, colon, kidneys, liver, gall bladder and others Diabetes (Increased level of glucose in your blood)
  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
  • Clogged arteries in your heart
  • Lack of oxygen supply to your brain cells, which if left untreated can lead to serious consequences like brain damage, paralysis, disability or even death
  • Snoring or stopped breathing during sleep
  • Difficulties with movement, or damages to your joints (particularly weight-bearing joints like the ones in your knees)
  • Deposition of fats on the interior of the blood carrying tubes

In addition, obesity also hits hard on your mental function (on your pocket too!!!) and increase your risk of mental conditions like major depression, anxiety or mood swings. So in a nutshell, increased weight leads you to an early risk of death, no matter what the causes may be.

What can You Do?

There are many lifestyles and dietary changes that you can adopt to put things back in their place. It is because “Obesity is manageable”. Learn here some measures to transform yourself into a fitter you.

Watch Your Diet

The first and foremost diet change is to cut down on your sugar and fat intake: Common fast foods such as cola, soda, chips, chocolates and much more are loaded with high sugars and fats while falling short on nutritional value.

So, think again next time while gulping down a can of soda or beer. Take a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low-fat and whole grains.

Do not follow any specific diet that claims to cause a dramatic reduction in weight before talking to your doctor.

Don’t be a couch potato

Spending your holidays on a couch may seem more than a celebration. But it’s high time you change your level of activity to curb the risk of obesity.

You can do any moderate-intensity physical activity for at least half an hour a day. Hit a gym near you, swim in a pool, stretch your body, or go for a walk with your spouse.

Remember to consult your doctor before starting any intense or high-impact exercises such as heavy weight-lifting, running, or the recent fitness rage, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training).

Don’t miss the “Signs” of Obesity

Obesity is not something that you get overnight. Your weight increases gradually and takes several months or even years before you turn into a heap of fat.

During the process, you may come across many signs such as back pain, difficulty with movement, pain in joints, increased acid in your stomach, sleep problems, breathing difficulties or pain in the chest.

Also, measure your weight on a regular basis, may be once a month, and see if there is any major increment. Take note that obesity could be the signal of an underlying health condition. If your weight is increasing at an alarming rate, talk to your family physician right away.

Before we end this article, we want to make sure you have learned what is obesity, how can you calculate if you are obese (BMI) and how to manage it.

Stay Fit and Stay Healthy.