Obesity - What Are The Causes And Risk Factors?

Obesity is a condition that results from an environment with readily available food, including food of high energy density, and decreasing physical activity. Overweight and obesity are assessed in adults by calculating the body mass index ( BMI - weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in metres). Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or more. Normal range the BMI is between 18.5 to 24.99. Underweight the BMI is less than 18.5. If the BMI is greater than 25, it is classified as overweight. The BMI is useful in all patients except those at the extremes of age and the very fit and muscular. It gives a good approximation of the body's adiposity.

Causes and Risk Factors

The causes of and risk factors for obesity are many, with most patients having a combination of reasons that contribute to their obesity problem.

Genetics

There are many studies indicating that inherited genetic variation is an important risk factor for obesity, with evidence indicating that total body fatness and fat distribution are influenced by genetic factors. Genetic factors may contribute to some 25 to 70% of cases of obesity.

Environment

Diet -- diets high in fat and energy are associated with increased weight. We are consuming more energy each day and it is interesting to note that this increase in daily energy intake is greater in children and adolescents.

Lifestyle and Activity -- Sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity and decreased regular exercises all contribute to decreased caloric burning and therefore increased weight gain. We are all becoming less active and that children and adolescents spend many more hours in sedentary leisure activities such as television and computer games than in active leisure pursuits

Psychological -- Binge eating disorders or disturbances in mood, such as depression, may contribute to the obesity. These disorders are more common in the more severely obese. Yet, in the majority of cases no significant differences in mood can be found in those who have obesity compared with people of normal weight

Medical condition -- It can contribute to weight gain. Some illness such as acromegaly, cushing's syndrome, hypogonadism and hypothyroidism can cause insidious weight gain. Some medications such as amitriptyline which are used for the treament of depression and steroids can increase body weight. Others include beta blockers, antiepileptics, sulfonylureas, insulin and antipsychotics. Obesity is a risk factor for several medical conditions and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in our society. Some of the high risks medical conditions include diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension,sleep apnoea, dyslipidaemia and gallbladder disease.

Finally, with modest reduction in weight of 5% to 10 % have been shown to modify risk factors for medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia.

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Risk of Childhood Obesity Higher Among Minorities

According to a recent research published by US researchers, all factors that cause the risk of obesity during childhood actually manifest well before the birth of a child, and these risks are more evident in Hispanics and African Americans compared to Caucasians. The researchers claim that African American and Hispanic children have a higher degree of risk for the aspects that lead to obesity during childhood. Therefore, parents should make an effort to ensure that all measures to prevent obesity are in place when the child is small. This does not mean that parents should wait until the child starts attending preschool. Preventive measures should be in place much earlier.

The conclusion of the research was based on studies on 1,343 Caucasian children, 128 Hispanic children and 355 African American children. Even the mothers of the children were part of the study as they were observed right from pregnancy until the children reached the age of 4.

According to the researchers there are some risk factors that lead to obesity in childhood. These are presence of obesity in the mother; mother suffering from depression; mother having gestational diabetes; child eating solids before reaching the age of four months; the child gaining weight too fast; the child not getting enough sleep; the mother stops breastfeeding the child in infancy; presence of TV in the child's bedroom; consuming too many sugar laden beverages; and eating too much junk food before the child reaches the age of 2.

Fortunately the risk factors leading to obesity in childhood can be controlled just by changing the lifestyle. For example, new mothers should be persuaded to breastfeed their children for a longer period of time; parents should be told not to allow TVs in the child's bedroom; parents should be counseled to give their children healthy and nutritious food and they should also make sure that children get enough sleep in the night.

Earlier studies have shown that there are differences in obesity among preschool children based on their race and ethnicity, and these differences stay on even after the children become older.

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Obesity and Health Risk

Are you not satisfied with your look because you are overweight? Obesity and overweight have always been associated with human appearance and physical beauty. Most of the time overweight people are considered unattractive and in worst cases they turn into laughing-stock in the society. There are many occasions in the life of an obese person when he is ashamed of his own physical appearance and suffers from inferiority complex. At times he does not even have a social life. But the curse of obesity does not end with the deformation of a body. Obesity or being overweight is not just a matter of physical beauty; it has the power to have a menacing affect on your health that may be life-threatening.

Yes, this is true! Obesity has the power to succumb your health condition. You will be horrified if I tell you that according to CDC researchers, an estimated 300,000 American deaths per year are related to obesity. Obesity experts say that the patients with morbid obesity which is of BMI 40+ or malignant obesity of BMI 50+ remain at a high risk of premature death.

Let me tell you about the diseases which come along with obesity;

· Stroke and Heart Disease

· Diabetes Type 2 or noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

· Cancer of Colon, Rectum, Prostrate, uterus, gallbladder, cervix, ovary and breast

· Osteoarthritis

· Gout

· Gallbladder Diseases

· Sleep Apnoea

Obese or overweight people are more likely to suffer from the above mentioned diseases twice as compared to people of normal weight. Moreover there are certain other diseases that are very closely related to obesity; i.e. deep vein thrombosis, breathing problems, chronic venous insufficiency, fatty liver disease and health risk of expectant mother and baby etc.

There are certain symptoms that signify greater risk hence it is important for every obese person to have knowledge about the same. In case of central or abdominal obesity there is a higher risk of weight-related physical problems. Abdominal obesity is a warning sign of cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance syndrome.

Again, women with waist circumference of about 35+ inches and men with waist measurement of 40+ inches are endangered with more susceptibility towards diseases. You can also check your waist-hip ratio in which a woman with a waist-to-hip ratio of more than 0.8 or a man with waist-to-hip ratios of more than 1.0 are considered "apples". This is a condition of bigger health risk owing to their body fat distribution.

But there is always light at the end of the tunnel. You can reduce the chances of developing heart disease or a stroke by losing just a small amount of weight. A 10 percent reduction will be enough to improve your heart function, blood pressure, and levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Many researchers have proved that you can develop your health condition just by losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds. Is not it an easy answer to your obesity induced health problems?

Check your BMI and tighten your belt. It is your time to shed a few kilos, if not for beauty, may be you will do it at least for the sake of your health. Get set go!!

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The author, Monalisa Hyden, addresses health and fitness related issues. If you wish to help yourself and your loved ones, you can log on to http://www.adipexpower.com for more information and advice.

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Obesity Health Risk - Heart Disease, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Obesity is a worrisome epidemic, that's spreading like wildfire in the industrialized world today. The more obese or overweight a person becomes, the more he or she is likely to develop a wide array of associated health problems. According to health experts, mild obesity involves having a body mass index or BMI of 30+, while morbidly obese individuals have a BMI of 40+, and malignantly obese people have a BMI of 50+. Dietitians also contend that those who are forty percent overweight have twice more chances of dying prematurely as compared to the average-weight individual.

Enhanced Risks Of Premature Death

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, estimates that an average of 300,000 plus Americans die each year from obesity-related complications. The CDC also adds that even a moderate weight gain is good enough to increase the risk of death, especially among people aged between 30 to 64 years old. A new study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has concluded that obesity kills roughly 112,000 individuals each year, which is quite lower than the CDC estimate.

Increased Stroke and Heart Disease Risks

The study made by the US CDC has also concluded that obesity increases your chances of developing atherosclerosis, or the narrowing of the arteries. Atherosclerosis leads to the development of arterial blood clots, which are an important harbinger of strokes. This condition is often enhanced by high blood pressure, lack of exercise, smoking and high cholesterol levels. Morbid obesity is often correlated with a high-fat diet, lack of exercise as well as increased high blood pressure. Obesity also increases the chances of developing heart disease. The chances of getting congestive heart failure, heart attack, sudden cardiac death and angina is more heightened by being overweight or worse, obese. The rates of high blood pressure are twice as high in obese adults, as compared to those who have average or moderate weight. Obesity also leads to a decrease in HDL cholesterol, or good cholesterol, and also leads to high triglyceride levels.

Enhanced Risk Of Developing Diabetes Type 2

Obesity also heightens your chances of developing diabetes type 2, where an increase of just 11 to 18 pounds is enough to compound your health, as compared to those who have not gained any weight at all. Health experts contend that around eighty percent of individuals who already have diabetes are either overweight or obese. This phenomena could account for the development of the word "diabesity" which practically denotes the close link between diabetes and obesity.

Increased Chances of Getting Fatty Liver Disease and Other Cancers

The list of the many associated risks of obesity goes on and on. Once you become overweight, and continue to pack more kilos or pounds, it also leads to an increase in the risks of developing different types of cancers, including higher chances of developing colon cancer, gall bladder, kidney, prostate, post-menopausal and endometrial cancer. The CDC also noted that women who gain more than twenty pounds, and are aged from 18 years old to midlife are known to develop higher chances of getting post menopausal cancer, as compared to women who manage to control their weight. Fatty liver disease is also among the many risks of being obese.

Fatty liver disease is common in alcoholics, and is also induced by insulin resistance. This happens once a metabolic disorder takes place in the cells, and the cells become insensitive or non-responsive to the effects of insulin. A number of health studies have repeatedly emphasized that there is a clear correlation between an increased body mass index and the degree or level in liver damage. The studies have agreed that the higher the body mass index, the higher the chances of developing liver disease.

Increased Chances of Developing Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is also one of the additional risk factors associated with obesity, although health experts contend that obesity may not be a direct cause of it. Morbid obesity often leads to high blood pressure and the development of musculoskeletal deficiencies. This, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, all contribute to the development of chronic venous insufficiency. Obese individuals also face a greater chance of getting other harmful vascular disorders such as lower limb ischemia, which is often a direct result of hampered or inadequate blood flow to the extremities.

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Belly Fat, A Higher Risk Than Obesity?

People who have a normal weight but have excess belly fat face a higher risk at dying from heart disease than people who are obese, a study from the Mayo Clinic reveals.

The study analyzed that individuals who had a normal body-mass index but also had central obesity (a high waist-to-hip ratio) had the greatest cardiovascular death risk from all causes. Throughout all the years of research and studies I have encountered, I would have never thought that a person of normal weight with belly fat would be at a higher risk of death than an obese person.

"We knew from previous research that central obesity is bad, but what is new in this research is that the distribution of the fat is very important even in people with a normal weight," says senior author Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D., a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. "This group has the highest death rate, even higher than those who are considered obese based on body mass index. From a public health perspective, this is a significant finding."

I always thought that the skinny or normal weight guys with the beer bellies were okay since they didn't have fat all over but this current research has definitely changed my perspective. According to Lopez-Jimenez, central obesity increases insulin resistance and people tend to have less fat in areas where fat may be protective, such as the legs and hips. Individuals that have central obesity also tend to have much less muscle mass.

Lopez noted that some of the risk is tempered or lessened by fat distribution for obese people. People who are obese usually have fat in those places where it may be protected, and they seem to have more muscle mass, he says.

The study contained more than 12,000 people 18 and older from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which is a representative sample of the U.S. population. The survey recorded body measurements such as height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference, as well as socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and physiological and laboratory measurements. Baseline data were matched to the National Death Index to assess deaths at follow-up.

People with cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were excluded by researchers to make sure their results reflected body type. Adjustments for age, sex, race, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and baseline body mass index were analyzed as well.

The results concluded that the risk of cardiovascular death was about three times higher, and the risk of death from all causes was two times higher, in the individuals of normal weight with central obesity, compared with those with a normal body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio.

The only way to reduce the risk for normal weight people is to lose weight and build muscle mass, says Lopez-Jimenez, so that the weight is redistributed. Exercise and a healthy diet is the proper way to treat this problem because you lose weight and build muscle mass at the same time.

Many individuals know their body mass index these days; it's also vital for them to know that a normal BMI doesn't mean their risk for heart disease is low, concludes Dr. Lopez-Jimenez. Where the fat is distributed on their body is important, and it can be determined easily by getting a waist-to-hip measurement, even if their body weight is within normal limits, says Lopez-Jimenez. To be on the safe side you should always engage in a proper diet and exercise for at least thirty minutes a day. This will limit all health risks, improve your physique and make you feel great about yourself.

Sources: Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D., cardiologist, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.; Gregg Fonarow, M.D., spokesman, American Heart Association, and professor, cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles; Aug. 27, 2012, presentation, European Society of Cardiology Congress, Munich, Germany. http://news.health.com/2012/08/28/belly-fat-may-hit-your-heart-the-hardest/

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How to Prevent Obesity! Learn About Obesity Health Risk in America!

There are many contradictions that cause Obesity, and many other health risks that come along with being obese in America. Obesity basically means that the person suffering from this Diseases has an excessive storage of fat in there human body. If a person is over 25 % percent of the national normal Height, and weight system then that person is considered obese. Roughly 35-40 % of Americans are suffering from this serious American epidemic. After some serious research I have came up with some problems and solutions that are circulating around obesity. Being a chef I under stand the importance of educating people about good eating habits and I am here two help educate your self about the issues surrounding Obesity.

Not many people under stand all the Obesity risks, Being over weight and obese can start causing other serious problems such as, diabetes, hypertension, coronary arty disease, and it can also lead to serious strokes. The list doesn't stop there people also have a higher chance of creating cancers, in the colon, rectum, and also breast, and the cervix. Not two mention the social and mental issues obesity stigma creates.

The best solution is properly dieting and physical activity on a regular basis. In some serious cases there are surgeries and anti inflammatory drugs that help to reduce appetite or inhibit fat absorption. Eating healthy and exercising regular is a must. If we create a healthy way of living for younger children then there is a better change that the children will grow up healthier and eating properly. Obesity does not discriminate, nor is it sexist. Obesity can affect all people of every age, size, gender, and color.

When more people under stand the reasons for obesity, then the better educated we all can come witch means,better and more saver solutions two handle this serious problem. I hope I have helped you in under standing the situations of obesity better.

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Risk Management and Obesity

If you work in the medical field you are probably familiar with the phrase Risk Management. Outside of caring for the patients, risk management is perhaps the most important issue facing a medical practice today. In recent years, American's of all ages have gotten heavier and health care professionals around the country seem to be struggling with obesity related risks. Managing these risks properly may prove to be the key in keeping a successful practice free of lawsuits.

Obesity can affect a medical practice in a number of ways. In order to protect itself from potential litigation, a medical practice needs to focus risk management efforts on creating a safe environment for patients of all sizes. The first step is creating awareness in the office. Talking to employees about the obesity epidemic is a good start. Statistics show that two out of three patients are obese and that number is expected to rise in the future. Encourage everyone working at the office to lead by example and cut down on their own unhealthy habits. Making sure the staff is trained in the correct methods for moving obese patients in the case of an emergency is also important.

Ask members of the staff to check for a maximum weight rating on all of the exam tables and waiting room furniture. Obese patients sometimes have limited mobility and may walk with the assistance of canes or walkers so thoroughly examine carpeting and other flooring in the office for signs of wear. Make sure that any loose wires or electrical cables are safely covered so as not to become a tripping hazard. If wheelchairs are present in the office, make sure that they are in proper working order and check for a maximum weight rating. Taking these steps will dramatically reduce risks in the office. Helping obese patients lose weight quickly and safely should also be a focus for risk management. The longer a patient is obese, the more at risk they are for developing other illnesses. Obesity has already been linked to osteoarthritis, type II diabetes, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer and a variety of other ailments.

Doctors everywhere know that do-it-yourself dieting and fad products do not work for the vast majority of their obese patients. Impressive new methods have been developed within the medical community to address the needs of millions of overweight American's. Physicians are communicating with their obese patients about the scientific options for weight loss. The sheer number of options can be overwhelming and each has pros and cons associated with it. They range from meal planning with a dietitian and a customized exercise regimen with a personal trainer to prescription appetite suppressants or bariatric surgery. One of the more appealing options has come in the form of a comprehensive program offered by Smart for Life Weight Management Centers.

The Smart for Life Weight Management Program was developed and is administered by physicians. It has proven successful for thousands of patients because it focuses on helping them to change their eating habits for life. Instead of focusing only on weight loss, Smart for Life has added a weight maintenance portion for patients who reach their goal weight. By addressing the downfalls of other weight loss approaches, the Smart for Life team feels they have come up with a winning combination that will appeal to the masses.

Smart for Life has discovered the six most common reasons a person will fail on a diet. Many weight loss systems over the years have addressed one or more of these issues but Smart for Life is the first to have developed a system that addresses them all. A person might fail due to the following reasons:

1.) They are not losing weight fast enough to stay motivated

2.) They are too hungry to stay compliant with their nutrition plan

3.) They are not monitored on a regular basis and therefore do not feel accountable for their progress

4.) The nutrition plan they have been given is not convenient

5.) Their individual risk factors are not continually monitored by a medical professional.

6.) They are not including long term lifestyle change as a priority.

The Smart for Life Weight Management Program was designed to deal specifically with each of these items. Patients on the program see an average weight loss of twelve to fifteen pounds per month which helps them to stay motivated. To control hunger through the day, a patient will eat six specially formulated organic cookies. Each cookie is full of nutrients, amino acids and, fiber to naturally suppress hunger while supplying the body with the protein and healthy fats it needs to maintain energy. Going with an organic formula means that the cookies have a higher nutrient content, more protein and, no pesticides or chemicals. The dinner meal consists of six to eight ounces of healthy protein (some patients will consume additional protein during the day depending on their gender and unique nutritional needs) and two cups of vegetables.

Another aspect that is crucial to the program's success is accountability. Each patient receives a one-on-one consultation with a physician, nurse practitioner or physicians assistant before starting. The consultation includes analysis of blood work BMI and an EKG. Appropriate long term and short term goals are also discussed. Most patients will also be put on vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure proper nutrition.

Accountability does not end there. Each week the patient comes in to have their weight, pulse and, blood pressure monitored. Every fourth week, the patient meets with one of the providers to discuss their progress. This cycle continues until the patient gets close to a healthy BMI. At that point, their caloric intake is increased and their exercise routine enhanced. Patients are weened off of the organic cookies and encouraged to continue eating six small healthy meals during the day. As part of weight maintenance, patients still come in to have their vital signs checked on a regular basis.

The cookies are a convenient meal form because they require little to no planning. A single package contains all six cookies needed for the day. Offered in a growing variety of flavors these cookies provide a safe and healthy alternative to prescription based appetite suppressants. With an average weight loss of twelve to fifteen pounds per month the Smart for Life Weight Management Program is comparable to bariatric surgeries without the associated health risks and co-morbidity rates.

From a risk management point of view, it makes sense for doctors, nurses and physicians assistants to refer their patients to programs like Smart for Life. Practitioners also need to make sure that they are adequately documenting their recommendations in these situations. There have been cases recently where doctors have been found at fault for not helping their obese patients to lose weight. In the case of Lawrence Smith's family vs Doctor Franklin Price, a Cleveland internist, a jury leveled a $3.5 million judgment against Dr. Price for not doing enough to keep Lawrence Smith from developing coronary heart disease which led to a fatal heart attack. Through documenting appropriately medical professionals can avoid future accusations of "not doing enough to help" their obese patients.

Programs like Smart for Life can further lower the risk to primary care physicians, family practice physicians and OB/GYN practices by helping patients to lose weight before they develop weight related illnesses. More importantly, a program like Smart for Life helps patients keep excess weight from coming back which lowers longer term risks.

Medical professionals will have to adapt in order to manage their obesity related risks. Legal precedence and a rising national obesity rate have highlighted the need for changes in patient care and office protocol. Even with the safety net of risk management practices around the country will face litigation in the future. Referring patients to healthy, medically supervised weight loss programs may prove to be the difference between winning and losing the cases centered on obesity.

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