Overview
The term "obese" describes an individual who is extremely obese and has a lot of fat.
It's a widespread issue in the UK and is estimated to affect approximately 1 in four adults and 1 out of 5 children aged 10-11.
How can you determine if you're overweight?
The most commonly used method of determining whether you're at a healthy weight is the body mass index (BMI).
BMI measures the extent to which you're at a healthy weight about your height. It is possible to make use of BMI to calculate your height. NHS BMI calculator for healthy weight to determine your BMI score.
For the majority of adults, a BMI of:
- 18.5 to 24.9 indicates that you're at a healthy weight
- 25 to 29.9 indicates that you're overweight
- 30 to 39.9 is a sign that you're overweight.
- 40 and above indicates you're incredibly obese
BMI does not serve to identify obesity since incredibly muscular people can have a high BMI but not any fat.
For most individuals, BMI is a helpful indicator of whether they're a healthy weight.
An alternative measure for excess fat is waist size, which is utilized as an additional indicator for those who are obese (with BMIs of 25 - 29.9) and moderately overweight (with BMIs between 30 and 34.9).
In general, those with a waist size of 94cm and above and women with an 80cm waist or more excellent are more likely to be diagnosed with obesity-related health issues.
The risk of obesity
It is crucial to take the necessary steps to combat being overweight because, in addition to the noticeable physical changes it causes and several health issues, it could also trigger several dangerous and life-threatening ailments.
They include:
- type 2 diabetes
- coronary heart disease
- Certain types of cancer, for instance, breast cancer and colon cancer
- stroke
Obesity can affect your lifestyle and cause psychological issues, including depressive symptoms and low self-esteem.
The causes of obesity
Obesity generally results from taking in more calories, specifically those in sugary and fat-rich food items and drinks, which you then lose through physical activity. The extra energy is stored in the body in the form of fat.
Obesity is a growing issue because many people's modern lifestyles consume large quantities of low-calorie, high-calorie foods and spend lots of time seated at their desks, on sofas, or in automobiles.
Learn why sitting too often is detrimental to your health
Some diseases could sometimes contribute to weight gain, for instance, an thyroid gland that is not functioning correctly (hypothyroidism). However, these conditions are not likely to result in weight gain when managed effectively by medication.
Treating obesity
The best method to tackle overweight is to follow a calorie-reduced healthy diet and regular exercise.
To accomplish this, you must:
- Eat a balanced, calorie-controlled, and balanced diet, as suggested by a GP or weight healthcare professional (such as a dietitian)
- Join a local weight loss club
- Engage in activities such as running, fast walking, tennis, or swimming for up or 300 minutes (2.5 to 5 hours) every week.
- Eat slowly and stay clear of situations in which you are likely to eat more than you should
Getting psychological help from a certified health professional can also help you change your thinking about food and food.
If lifestyle adjustments alone are not enough to assist in losing weight, a drug known as orlistat could be suggested.
If you take it correctly, the medicine will reduce the amount of fat you absorb through digestion. Your GP can tell you if orlistat is a good choice for you.
In some instances, weight loss surgery might be suggested.
Other issues related to obesity
Obesity can trigger many other problems, including issues with everyday activities and severe health issues.
Problems that arise from obesity every day are:
- breathlessness
- more sweating
- Snoring
- difficulties in doing physical exercise
- frequently feeling extremely tired
- back and joint pain. back discomfort
- Low self-confidence and low self-esteem
- feeling lonely
The psychological challenges accompanying being overweight can affect your relationships with your family members and friends and cause depression.
A serious health issue
Being overweight may also increase the chance of developing a variety of severe health issues, such as:
- type 2 diabetes
- hypertension
- excessive cholesterol and atherosclerosis (where the deposits of fats restrict your arteries) that could lead to coronary heart diseases as well as stroke
- asthma
- metabolic syndrome is a result of diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, and overweight
- various kinds that are cancerous cancer, such as colon cancer, breast cancer, and the womb cancer
- gastro-oesophageal respiratory condition (GORD), where stomach acid leaks from the stomach into the gullet
- gallstones
- decreased fertility
- osteoarthritis is a disease that causes stiffness and pain in your joints
- Sleep apnoea is a disorder that causes breathing to be interrupted at night, which could result in daytime sleepiness, with an increased likelihood of accidents on the road and an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
- kidney condition, as well as kidney diseases
- Pregnant complications, for instance, gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia, occur when pregnant women experience a risky increase in blood pressure.
Obesity decreases life expectancy by three to 10 years, depending on the condition's severity.
It's believed that being overweight and obese causes at most one of 13 deaths in Europe.
Outlook
There's no quick fix for obesity. Weight loss programs take time and commitment and are most effective when executed.
Healthcare professionals involved in your care should offer guidance and encouragement on keeping up the weight loss you have achieved.
Keep track of your weight and set achievable goals, and engaging your family and friends in your efforts to shed some weight can be beneficial.
Keep in mind that even losing the appearance of a small number of pounds, for instance, three percent at or higher of initial body weight, and sustaining it for the rest of your life could dramatically reduce the risk of developing obesity-related problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
Couch to 5K
If you've been a long since you've done any exercise and are looking for a plan, take a look at this Couch to 5K running program.
It is comprised of podcasts that are delivered in nine weeks. It was created explicitly for complete beginners.
In the beginning, it is a matter of running for short durations. As the program develops, you will gradually increase the duration.
After 9 weeks, you'll be in a position to run for 30 minutes at a time that, for the majority of people, is 5km (3.1 miles)