The Impacts of Obesity - Essay Example

Obesity Obesity 0. Introduction One of the main public health issues in the contemporary world is obesity. According tothe research carried out by WHO (2001), the impacts of obesity are felt by the society at large. Additionally, the funds used to alleviate the effects of obesity are contributed by the families and the public at large. It is also crucial to note that the obesity rates have indicated a rising trend in the world, an aspect that raises a lot of apprehension regarding the same. Rolls (2007) is of the opinion that it is the changes in the society that have resulted to these changes, particularly changes in the way of life of the ordinary man. This report shall endeavor to assess these facts touching on obesity; Obesity is a communal issue Factors that cause obesity The health implications of obesity Steps involved to effectively deal with obesity 2.0. Background As argued by Kopelman (2007), the prevalence of obesity in the United Kingdom for example and the world at large is on the rise. The statistics indicate that a huge percentage of the adults in UK are obese (Kopelman, 2007). An analysis of the future would reduce over a half of the world populace being obese (WHO, 2001). This increase in obesity is one that revolves around lifestyle and societal factors. With these alarming statistics, it is important that the entire society work collectively to ensure that the issue is resolved on a societal level. Up to date, there has been an integrated approach towards dealing with obesity, especially through mobilization on marinating a healthy diet and encouraging continuous participation in physical activity (Eggar and Swinburn, 2002). 3.0. Obesity, a time-bomb 3.1. Causes of obesity Eggar and Swinburn (2002) indicate that one of the major causes of obesity results from an individual in-taking excessive foods and drinks as they are supposed to. In the long run, this causes a lot of energy imbalance, as opposed to the daily 60 calories in a day. Some foods have been indicated to contain lots of fats and sugars, especially snacks. Persons with the habit of consuming such foods are likely to be obese (Rolls, 2007). However, it is vital to note that some individuals are likely to be obese from their biological make-up (Kopelman, 2007). On the other hand, Kopelman (2007) says that some people are less active unlike others. These persons are likely to be obese especially if they have a habit of snacking and consuming excessive fatty and sugary foods. An individual’s early life also determines the obese rate of individuals (WHO, 2001). Right from the mother’s womb to the parental feeding habits to the infants, obesity can be determined. The adult life of this child is likely to be affected, an aspect that Kopelman (2007) terms as an inter-generational constituent of obesity. Weaning is, therefore, of essence, in determining the weight of the child. The milieu of an individual determines the weight of the person. This environment has been referred to as the obesogenic environment by (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2006). It is this environment that determines the physical activities of the concerned population, and the different types of food in the same region. Some environments are limiting to some foods, while others contribute to overconsumption of foods that cause obesity, notable example is the urban and sub-urban regions. 3.2. Obesity and health impacts Obesity has adverse impacts on the health of an individual. From the comprehensive research done by Kopelman (2007), obesity can be attributed to cause the following disorders amongst others; Diabetes Hypertension Back pains Liver dysfunctions Pregnancy complications Cancer Besides the above complications, Kopelman (2007) adds on to say that obesity has reduced the life expectancy periods of many individuals. On another view point, obese persons have been indicated to have low self esteem, which clearly impacts the psychological and emotional well being of persons. In a nut shell, this is to mean that any obese person is predisposed to all manners of infections, and have a high mortality rates as opposed to the fit individuals. Depression and mental illnesses has not been alienated in a discussion of the health impacts of obesity. Kopelman (2007) indicates that obesity triggers stress and depression as obese persons are not confident about their general image; some end up in discriminating themselves from the society. This causes mental fatigue and pressure that predisposes them to stress and depression. It is these signs that cause alarm to the affected persons, and generally the entire society. 4.0. Recommendations As a result of obesity being a health menace, it is recommended that the concerned persons undertake the following measures in dealing with this problem, as put forward by Kopelman (2007) Coming up with behavior habits and sticking to the same in an attempt to control their eating habits. In the event that an individual is addicted to certain types of food, they are able to control the same, as they are striving towards a particular goal, that of reducing their weight problem. The individual needs to go through a process that analyses the risks of engaging in overeating and how worse their situation will be in the event of not adhering to the set rules on their eating habits. For instance the affected persons may decide to shift to consuming greens as contrasted to meat so as to decrease the mounts of fats in-taken in the body. In an event where the individuals are conscious of their susceptibility as a result of their eating tendencies, it is recommended that they change their behavior patterns. Physical activities would be handy in the fight against obesity. These activities comprise swimming; cycling amongst others that reduce the number of times an individual will be inactive. Taking part in sports and other exercises has been indicated to help the persons sweat a lot, an efficient way of cutting down the unnecessary weight build up in the body. Persons who actively engage in bodily exercises have lesser Body Mass Indexes as contrasted to the ones that refrain from physical activities. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (2006) indicates that minimal indulgence in physical activities will reduce the chances that the muscles will strain especially for the over obese persons. Individual may also undertake training to ensure that they have right information on how to weigh the calorie amounts in the foods that they consume. Additionally the individuals can devise a way in which they can constantly weigh their weights periodically as well as how they need to stick to the set plan and methodology of dealing with their weight. This means that the individuals will have a follow up program on their weight, an aspect if well applied in the weight loss program, the individual is prone to not only gain from the program, but also have anticipation on accomplishing the right weight. 5.0. Conclusion From the findings in the sections above, it is apparent that the rates of obesity are on the increase and that obesity is communal issue. This report assesses the impacts of health as caused by obesity, as well as the major causes of the same. In conclusion, it is obvious that behavioral change is expected to deal with the consumption behaviors that result to obesity. Obese persons are urged to indulge in vigorous bodily activities so as to get rid of some weight, and retain a balance in calories. Gradual loss of weight is achievable, as well regulation of a weight gain reoccurrence. This will pave way for a complete cutback of obesity-related fitness concerns. References Eggar, G. and Swinburn, B., 2002. Preventative Strategies against Weight Gain and Obesity. Obesity Reviews, 3:28–301. Kopelman, P., 2007. Health Risks Associated with Overweight and Obesity. Short Science Review. Foresight Tackling Obesities: Future Choices. Obesity Reviews, 8(s1):13–17. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. 2006. Obesity: The Prevention, Identification, Assessment and Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults and Children. Clinical guideline. Available at: http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG43/?c=296726. Accessed on 6th March 2013. Rolls, E., 2007. Understanding the Mechanisms of Food Intake and Obesity. Short Science Review. Foresight Tackling Obesities: Future Choices. Obesity Reviews, 8(s1):67–72. WHO, 2001.Obesity: Preventing and managing the global epidemic. Report on a WHO Consultation. Technical report series, no. 894. Read More