Obesity is the biggest problem of our time. Excess weight is observed in people of any age, while it has a negative impact on the functioning of the body, in particular - on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Obesity prevention is necessary at any age, otherwise you can spoil your metabolism from childhood and suffer from excess weight and many concomitant diseases all your life.
Causes of obesity
There are two main reasons for the development of obesity:
- malnutrition combined with an inactive lifestyle;
- presence of endocrine diseases (diseases of the liver, adrenal glands, thyroid gland, ovaries).
The hereditary factor also has a great influence. In adolescence, children often let their lives take their course: lead a sedentary lifestyle, consume excessive amounts ofjunk food.
The abundance of fast foods, various carbonated drinks, sweets, spending free time at the computer contribute to the wrong daily routine and lifestyle of children. Such a pastime slows down metabolism, contributes to the development of pathologies in all body systems and provokes the appearance of excess weight in a child.
Endocrine diseases affect the correct ratio of height and weight, but are much less likely to cause excess weight. Prevention of obesity in children and adults will prevent deterioration in he alth and appearance.
What factors contribute to the appearance of excess weight
In the absence of genetic predisposition and endocrine pathologies, obesity is caused by the following factors:
- lack of essential physical activity;
- frequent stress and strong feelings;
- malnutrition - eating disorders that lead to the development of bulimia, anorexia and other diseases;
- eating a lot of easily digestible carbohydrates, foods high in sugar;
- violation of sleep patterns, in particular - lack of sleep;
- use of drugs that affect the functioning of the central nervous system, stimulating or depressing it.
In very rare cases, obesity can be the result of surgery (for example, removal of the ovaries) or trauma (with damage to the pituitary gland). Tumor involvement of the pituitary or cortexadrenal glands also provokes the appearance of excess weight. Preventing obesity from an early age will avoid the he alth problems that come with being overweight.
How to calculate body mass index
Obesity is classified by BMI. You can calculate this figure yourself. It is enough to know your weight and height.
It is necessary to divide body weight by height squared. For example, a woman has a weight of 55 kg and a height of 160 cm. The calculation will look like this:
55 kg: (1.6 x 1.6)=21.48 - in this case, the weight ideally corresponds to the height of the patient.
BMI greater than 25 indicates the presence of excess weight, but does not pose a he alth hazard. Prevention of obesity should begin as early as possible, and not when the BMI is already over 25. When a person is just starting to increase body weight, it is much easier to stop this process than at any stage of obesity.
Deciphering BMI
After calculating your body mass index, you need to determine whether it is a variant of the norm or not:
- if the calculation turned out to be a number less than 16, this indicates a severe underweight;
- 16-18 - underweight, most often all girls strive for this indicator;
- 18-25 is the ideal weight for a he althy adult;
- 25-30 - the presence of excess weight, which is not harmful to he alth, but outwardly significantly spoils the outlines of the figure;
- more than 30 - the presence of obesity of various degrees, requiring medical intervention.
If you are overweight, it is better to immediately change your lifestyle and restore optimal parameters. Otherwise, the weight will gradually increase, and subsequently it will be very difficult to return it to acceptable norms. Prevention of obesity in children should start at an early age. That is, you need to carefully monitor the nutrition and activity of your children.
Types of obesity
Depending on the location of a greater percentage of overweight, the following types of obesity are distinguished:
- Upper (abdominal) - the fat layer builds up mainly in the upper part of the body and on the stomach. This type is most often diagnosed in men. Abdominal obesity has a negative impact on overall he alth, causing diabetes, stroke, heart attack or hypertension.
- Lower (femoral-gluteal) - fat deposits are localized in the thighs and buttocks. Diagnosed predominantly in females. It provokes the appearance of venous insufficiency, diseases of the joints and spine.
- Intermediate (mixed) - fat builds up evenly throughout the body.
Types of obesity can be correlated with body types. Thus, an apple-shaped figure will be characterized by the appearance of excess weight in the upper body and on the stomach, while a pear-shaped figure will have fat deposits located mainly in the hips, buttocks and lower abdomen.
Prevention of obesity inelderly patients is necessary, since at this age there are disturbances in the endocrine system and a decrease in metabolism.
Classification of obesity
Primary obesity develops with malnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. When the body accumulates an excessive amount of energy that has nowhere to spend, it accumulates in the form of fat deposits.
Secondary obesity is the result of various diseases, injuries, tumors that affect the body's regulatory system.
Endocrine is an increase in the patient's weight due to disturbances in the functioning of the organs of the endocrine system, in particular - the thyroid gland, adrenal glands or ovaries. Recommendations for the prevention of obesity in this case can only be given by a qualified doctor who has studied the patient's history and conducted all the necessary examinations.
Obesity Diagnosis
The following are used as diagnostic measures:
- body mass index;
- electrical measurements of body fat and lean tissue;
- measurement of body volumes;
- measuring total subcutaneous fat;
- blood test - used to diagnose diseases that cause excess weight.
Based on the results obtained, the doctor can make a conclusion about the presence or absence of the disease. Prevention of obesity in children and adolescents helps to maintain the normal functioning of the body in adulthood and old age.
Obesity treatment
In some cases, the lossweight is not observed even with a he althy diet and sufficient physical activity. In this case, doctors can prescribe appropriate pharmacological drugs that promote weight loss. Prevention of obesity and diabetes is essential if the patient has cardiovascular disease.
If a patient with obesity has developed diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory or musculoskeletal system, it is necessary to take medications that primarily solve these problems. The intake of such drugs should be combined with a change in the habitual lifestyle, and, if necessary, with the use of drugs that stimulate weight loss.
It is forbidden to choose and take drugs for weight loss without consulting a doctor. Advertised remedies do not give the desired effect, and effective drugs should be prescribed only after a full examination by a qualified doctor. Due to the large number of contraindications and side effects, the use of such drugs should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor in a strictly prescribed dosage.
Consequences of untreated obesity
If you do not diagnose the cause that caused the appearance of excess weight in time, and do not start treating obesity, serious complications may appear. Prevention of obesity in the elderly is essential to prevent the occurrence of comorbidities and conditions such as:
- diseases of the joints and bones;
- increased blood pressure;
- liver and gallbladder diseasebubble;
- sleep disorders;
- depression;
- increased blood cholesterol levels;
- asthma;
- eating disorders;
- diabetes;
- cardiovascular disease;
- early death.
Increase in body weight negatively affects the general condition of the patient and his he alth. The more fat deposits, the more difficult it is for the body to cope with its functions. The processes of respiration, digestion, blood circulation are disturbed, brain activity decreases, diseases of the genital area and reproductive dysfunction appear.
Diet for obesity
When obese, the doctor refers the patient to a nutritionist who takes into account the preferences of the child or adult and makes a new diet. Prevention of obesity in adolescents should include a psychological factor combined with basic medical advice. The most important and actionable recommendations are:
- limiting the consumption of fatty, fried and high-calorie foods, processed foods, soda, foods high in sugar;
- eating low-fat dairy;
- The basis of the daily diet should be fresh vegetables and fruits;
- meat and fish preferred lean, steamed, baked or boiled;
- limiting high sodium foods;
- reduce refined carbohydrates (bread, rice, sugar);
- eat at the same time;
- must have breakfast;
- replaceany drinks with clean water and drink 2-3 liters a day.
Purchase mostly he althy foods and cook your own at home. With the development of a severe form of obesity, these recommendations will not give a good effect, strict control of a nutritionist and adherence to a strict diet will be required.
Physical activity for obesity
Moderate physical activity will improve the result of dietary nutrition. It is necessary to choose the optimal sport in which the body will not be brought to exhaustion. Otherwise, it will be quite difficult to motivate yourself to study. Sports should bring pleasure and give a boost of energy and positive emotions.
Prevention of obesity in children should include reducing the time spent at the computer or TV to 1-2 hours a day. The rest of the time you need to be active, go to sports clubs or work out at home, even if it is empty, it will be cleaning the house, jogging, swimming or fitness. Everyone chooses activities to their liking.
Obesity: treatment and prevention
Treatment of obesity should start early. In this case, dieting, an active lifestyle and he althy sleep can normalize weight and return the body to the desired shape. In rare cases, weight loss drugs or surgery to reduce the size of the stomach may be needed.
To prevent the development of obesity, it is necessary to adhere to several basic points:
- give awaypreference for he althy food and not to consume more than is necessary for the full functioning of the body;
- lead an active lifestyle - if the work is sedentary, then in your free time you should go in for sports, walk more in the fresh air;
- It is important to get enough sleep and avoid stressful situations that can provoke metabolic or endocrine disorders.
Compliance with all the rules will prevent obesity. The causes, prevention and treatment of frolic obesity should be interconnected and aimed at changing lifestyle and returning the previous body volumes.
