The Effects of Obesity - Essay Example

? Obesity Obesity Introduction Obesity is a pathological condition which has become a global issue because of the threats that it poses to a wide population all over the world. Obesity is a condition which results in many other pathological conditions such as diabetes mellitus and stroke (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute). The condition not only affects adults but has now been largely seen in children too. It results from the inactive lifestyle and decreased physical activities along with an increased consumption of fats (Biddle et al 2009). Over the years the condition has further spread all over the world increasing the incidence of the pathological state. A Health Survey in England showed that 24.5% of adolescents above the age of 15 were suffering from obesity. It also showed that 13.9% of the children between the age group of 2 and 10 years were suffering from obesity (Department of Health 2009). Similarly other researches show that the rate of obesity in UK has increased to 22.1% in males and 21.9% in females (Information Center 2006). Obesity is defined as “an excess of body fat accumulation or adiposity with multiple organ specific adaptive or maladaptive consequences” (Iacobellis 2009). Causes: Obesity can be caused by both genetical and environmental factors. Genetical factors relate to the genes of the human body and any mutation in them. In human beings there is a gene known as the Ob gene. This gene is responsible for the risk of obesity in many individuals. Any change in the gene leads to obesity in the general population. The gene is related to a hormone known as leptin in the body. Leptin is a hormone or transmitter which helps in conveying specific signals to the brain. The body fat has to be maintained by this hormone as it sends signals to the brain to regulate the metabolism of fat (NCBI 1998). Other than the genetic factors the disease also occurs because of the environmental factors involved. The loss of equilibrium because of the increase in consumption in energy can lead to it. It is because of this reason that physical activity is recommended by every physician. The increased energy is stored in the form of fat and this causes obesity. Diet plays an important role in determining the level of obesity in individuals too. Increased fat in the diet is a reason because of which people get obese. Obesity has also been known to be related to psychological pathologies. Depression and eating disorders such as binge eating increases the level of stress individuals. Obesity itself causes a person to face from several psychological disorders too. These include the lowered self confidence of an individual along with less motivation to carry out specific tasks (Biddle et al 2009). Effects: The effects of obesity are spread all over the body and can result in several health conditions. It is a pathological state which has a huge effect on the cardiovascular system. The increased fat in the body leads to elevated blood pressure and hence increases the risk of stroke and coronary heart diseases. The blood flow in the individual increases and the lumen of the vessels in which the blood flows, decreases simultaneously because of excessive deposition of fat and cholesterol. This excessive deposition of cholesterol and fat is also known as plaques and leads to emboli. Emboli are clots which have been moved from one position to the other. These clots can reach areas far from the heart such as the brain. Emboli can lead to immediate death if they reach a certain part of the brain. Obesity also increases the risk of cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer and endometrial cancer. It is known to be a major cause of diabetes mellitus as it results in the resistance of insulin within the cells. The musculoskeletal system is also affected as the joints become immoveable and this result in osteoarthritis. The respiratory system can also be affected by obesity as an obese individual may have difficulty in breathing he is sleeping. This condition is referred to as Sleep Apnea in medical terms. One of the most lethal conditions that obesity can result in is known as the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome results in multi organ failure of the individual (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; Biddle et al 2009). Moreover obesity can also lead to psychological problems such as depression and low esteem. Treatment The treatment options of obesity are variable as they need to cater the requirements of all the age groups. In order to treat obesity it is necessary that one can understand the basic cause of the disease. Diet alone does not cause obesity as psychology also has some role to play; hence it is necessary that the exact cause is determined. Treatment options for obesity include increased physical activity so that the body fats can be churned out. A balanced diet should be practiced so that the consumption of fats is not more than the daily requirement. In some conditions pharmacologic treatment is also given to the obese individuals including drugs like orlistat and sibutramine. Although these drugs have a varying effect it still is necessary that the person follows a proper dietary plan. Psychological treatment is also one way through which the confidence of the obese individuals can be increased so that they can actively take part in different activities (Biddle et al 2009). The problem of obesity has been understood worldwide and several measures have been taken in the developed nations to fight against it. In the United States Michelle Obama announced a plan known as ‘Lets Move’ which targeted the problem of childhood obesity. The schools are urged to actively encourage the children to take part in physical activities and reduce the junkies that the children are consuming. Thus different programs are being implemented in these nations to curb the problem of obesity (Chappell 2010) Recommendations: The problem of obesity can only be curbed out if everyone realizes the severity of the pathological state. It is not only of concern for the individual but has become a concern to the health authorities as it is increasing the utilization of resources. Awareness programs in my view are the most beneficial in this situation as they can help people to know about the disease. Organizations should be formed by the government which look upon this issue and take measures so that it can be avoided. In my view the programs to avoid obesity should be launched at a national level considering the severity of the problem. Conclusion: From the above discussion it can be clearly understood that obesity has become a problem of global concern. The disease has great effects on the health of an individual and should be curbed out by following different treatment methods. It is the duty of the states and parents to take care of the coming generation so that they do not suffer at the hands of the dreadful pathological condition. Obesity is hence a condition which is not restricted to one part of the body but can affect the normal functioning of many bodily systems. It can lead to diseases which can result in reducing the life expectancy as well as dependence. This disease is related not only to biological and physical factors but it also has a psychological relation. The disease can be led to by psychological condition and the prevalence can also be associated with it. But though psychological impact has a contribution to it other major factors like nutritional imbalance, genetics and decreased physical activity also play a role. Hence while preparing treatment modalities and ways of preventing this disease, exercise, dietary plans along with a psychological therapy is essential. References BIDDLE S., & DOVEY T. (2009). Obesity - Is physical activity the key? Psychologist. 22, 32-35. http://www.thepsychologist.org.uk/archive/archive_home.cfm/volumeID_22-editionID_171-ArticleID_1456 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UK.(2009). Obesity General Information. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Healthimprovement/Obesity/DH_078098 GREAT BRITAIN. (2006). Statisitcs on obesity, physical activity and diet: England 2006. [London]: Information Centre. http://www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/publications/obesity/StatisticsOnObesity201206_PDF.pdf Bottom of Form HERVA A, LAITINEN J, MIETTUNEN J, VEIJOLA J, KARVONEN JT, LA?KSY K, & JOUKAMAA M. (2006). Obesity and depression: results from the longitudinal Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort Study. International Journal of Obesity (2005). 30, 520-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16302014 NATIONAL HEART LUNG AND BLOOD INSTITUTE. What Are the Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity? http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/obe/obe_risks.html NCBI. (1998) Obesity. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=gnd&part=obesity Chappell, K. (January 01, 2010). Saving Our Children: The Obesity Initiative - Michelle Obama is on a mission to get our children healthy. Here's the skinny on her "Let's Move" plan. Ebony, 65, 7, 78. Top of Form Iacobellis, G. (2009). Obesity and cardiovascular disease. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Bottom of Form Read More