For the past several years, the problem of obesity has become an increasingly frequent topic of discussion. Obesity has become associated with not being skinny, or how it affects people cosmetically, when the real focus should be on how it can adversely change a persons’ health for the worse.
Most people know that obesity is bad for a persons’ health, but many aren’t aware of how bad the problem has become.
This disorder is caused by having too much body fat and can cause a variety of health problems, many extremely dangerous.
Obesity and the Quality of Life
While there are many extreme health issues that can be caused by obesity, one of the most noted is how it can decrease a persons’ quality of life.
For one, obesity is related to higher levels of depression. As people gain weight, they might not be as comfortable participating in the activities they used to enjoy.
Gaining weight can also result in a sense of guilt or even a sense of shame, causing people to be uncomfortable socializing as much. This can lead to feelings of and actual isolation.
Obesity and Emotions
Obesity can put a serious damper on how a person feels about him or herself. There are many outer contributing factors to these feelings, but once the depression takes hold, it can lead to even more issues.
Many anti-depressants can cause weight to fluctuate, which might increase how disheartened a person feels about his or her weight.
One of the most common ways people chose to push the feelings of depression down is by eating, which can lead to weight gain. This can become a vicious cycle.
Obesity and Physical Health
However, the biggest dangers of obesity are not how people feel about themselves as they gain weight, but rather the damage obesity does to the body.
Diabetes is one example of how obesity can adversely affect a persons’ health.
Almost 10% of the population in the United States suffer from some form of diabetes. For those who are overweight, Type 2 diabetes is a very real concern.
This condition can be controlled and, in some cases, even reversed, but it takes a lot of work and money.
High blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, and high blood sugar are also issues often associated with diabetes. People who have consistent high blood pressure are at risk for kidney and heart failure, stroke, and heart disease.
High triglycerides can also lead to heart disease. And, of course, blood sugar levels are directly related to insulin levels and diabetes, which was discussed earlier.
In recent years, there have been serious links discovered that connect obesity with cancer. While not all cancers are caused by obesity and not all obesity causes cancer, those who are obese are at a much higher risk of contracting cancer.
The types of cancers that are being seen with increasing frequency in obese patients include breast cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer.
Not all health issues with obesity are as serious as the ones listed above, but they can still change how a person lives life day to day.
For example, breathing becomes more difficult for those who suffer from obesity. This ragged breathing can change how well a person sleeps, making him or her feel more agitated and sleepy during the day.
Infertility and erectile dysfunction are also more common in those who are obese. And, there are several issues involving the bones, especially those in the knees, that people who are obese are more likely to experience.
How to Fight Obesity
While fighting obesity can be extremely daunting, there are a few simple steps that can be taken that can help people regain control of their weight and begin living much healthier lives.
Healthy Diet – The first, and most stated, way to get obesity under control is to adjust ones diet. Calorie intake should be decreased and the amount of vegetables and fruits eaten should be increased. Cutting back on over processed and sugary foods will also work as an advantage for those trying to control their weight.
Exercise – Staying active is another great way to battle obesity. For those who don’t like exercise or don’t know where to begin, finding an activity that keeps them moving is a perfect place to start. Not all exercise takes place in the gym. Doing something as simple as taking a short walk or bike ride can help get the heart beating and the body burning calories.
Obesity is a horrific problem and an increasing number of people are facing it every single day. However, by controlling their lifestyles and eating habits, obesity and all the health risks that come with it can be better controlled.
If you find it difficult to control your appetite or don’t have energy to exercise there are effective diet supplements that can help curb your appetite, boost your energy levels, increase your metabolism and help jump start your weight loss journey and fight obesity.
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