What is obesity?
Obesity is a disease that causes a large part of the population in Brazil and is related to other chronic diseases
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What is obesity?
Obesity is the accumulation of fat in the body, which can have several causes, but it occurs mainly due to the excessive consumption of calories and the lack of activities that can burn them. Diagnosis is usually made based on the body mass index (BMI) - the ideal is between 18.5 and 24.9; up to 29.9 is overweight; when it exceeds 40, it is considered morbid obesity, according to the Ministry of Health. It is one of the main causes of preventable deaths and is considered one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century.
- Obesity and malnutrition generate billions of dollars in losses
Types of obesity
overweight
When the BMI is just a little above the recommended (up to 29.9) changes in the routine are not always made and, when they are, it is recommended that the person adopt a healthier diet and keep their exams up to date if the situation worsens and health is ultimately compromised.
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Obesity
It is when the accumulation of fat in the body is much higher than recommended (30.0 - 39.9), whether due to genetic, metabolic, psychological or endocrine factors.
Morbid obesity
When obesity reaches the extreme (BMI above 40) and the person has already developed other health problems related to it. In some cases, the person becomes unable to stand up, which causes the appearance of sores on the body due to extreme rest.
Child obesity
Childhood obesity has the same characteristics as adult obesity, but affects children up to 12 years old.
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Causes of obesity
Most of the time, the causes of obesity can be attributed to a combination of several factors. Among them, the main ones are: inadequate diet, sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors, socioeconomic level, psychological factors, demographic factors, education level, early weaning, stress, smoking, involuntary exposure to endocrine disrupting agents and alcohol abuse.
The 55-64 age group is the most affected by excess weight or obesity, as it is at this age that people do less physical exercise and their metabolism slows down (even keeping the dietary pattern, the weight usually increases); in the case of women, menopause can also play a role.
The contemporary way of life means that we need to move less and less to do what we want, and excessive exposure to unhealthy food advertisements is partly to blame.
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It is possible to observe that stress and anxiety can cause weight gain, as people under these circumstances often exhibit compulsive behavior in relation to food. Hormonal problems can also lead to weight gain, as in the case of hypothyroidism.
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Obesity is also linked to hereditary factors. A study shows that a child born to non-obese parents has a 10% chance of becoming obese; if one parent is obese, the chance rises to 40% and if both parents are, the chance is 80%. Much of this as a result of the culture of big food.
consequences of obesity
Being overweight or obese can lead to several other health problems, such as heart failure, diabetes, lung dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, breathing difficulties, sleep apnea and even some types of cancer.
As for the psychological consequences, it is still not clear whether obesity is due to psychological problems or the opposite, but there is a relationship between these two types of problems. Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia and, mainly, low self-esteem due to the social pressure that the person suffers.
Treatments for obesity
As the main cause of obesity is excessive consumption of calories combined with spending less than necessary, the most widely used and recommended treatment is the adoption of a healthier lifestyle, which combines a balanced diet with an exercise routine. If followed correctly, this change not only helps you lose weight but also ensures that the condition is reversed and stabilized more easily.
If it is more serious, as in most cases of morbid obesity, the use of medication also becomes part of the treatment - but always in conjunction with dietary re-education and physical exercise. The drug should never be used without a prescription, as it is not effective alone, it can cause adverse symptoms such as insomnia, increased pressure, depression, anxiety and even dependence.
Gastroplasty, popularly known as bariatric surgery, is also used in the treatment of morbid obesity, in cases where the patient has not been successful through other treatments and already suffers from other obesity-related problems, such as hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes , etc.
As it is a surgical process, each case must be evaluated individually and all patients must undergo some tests and even a psychological evaluation before undergoing the surgery. This type of process is very complex and subject to complications; intervention requires a change in eating habits. For this, patients must be monitored by a nutritionist for a long time after surgery, even because it can result in a deficiency of some vitamins.
How to avoid
The most effective way to avoid obesity is to maintain a diet rich in fiber, giving preference to fruits, vegetables and reducing meat, especially processed meat. Avoid alcoholic beverages, foods that are high in simple carbohydrates such as bread and white rice; Trans fat, gluten and sugar are also essential measures.
Another fundamental aspect is the regular practice of physical exercises, but it is always recommended to look for a professional before he can tell you which activities are most recommended for you. Exercising is good for your physical and mental health, as it improves your mood, improves your mood and reduces your appetite.
Watch Dr. Drauzio Varella's video on obesity.
