Obesity is something that you’ve heard a lot about, no doubt. Most of us known that we are in the grips of an epidemic, particularly in the Western world. Unfortunately, we are collectively, as humans, eating way too much food. It is believed that 35.7% of the adult population in this country is obese (68.8% is overweight). This is alarming, not in the least because the statistics are equally frightening for children.
Obesity is one of the biggest threats to public health now. It is very important, therefore, to understand it and to know about its dangers. Let’s explore.
What Is Obesity?
Very simply put, it is when a body has too much body fat and this leads to health issues. In most cases, obesity is measured through someone’s BMI (Body Mass Index), which is calculated through a formula that involves someone’s height and weight. If the BMI is higher than 30, they are classed as obese. Again, this is more than overweight.
What Causes Obesity?
There are two main causes of obesity: poor diet and inactive lifestyles. Yes, there are some genetic factors and illnesses that can lead to obesity, but these are few and far between. The reality is that people eat too much non-nutritious food and do not get enough physical activity anymore. Unfortunately, this now expresses itself in children as well. It is very important to address this, because obesity causes a number of specific health threats.
The Dangers of Obesity
Obesity is very dangerous as it leaves the body open to a wealth of health problems. Some of these problems include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
Basically, being obese means putting yourself at increased risk of developing life threatening illnesses.
Then, there is the fact that the circulatory system of the body is also significantly taxed, as are the bones. People who are obese become even more inactive because they become lethargic. Additionally, this can lead to depression. This really shows that obesity is essentially a vicious circle of illnesses.
It is vital to not underestimate the dangers posed by obesity and the fact that the entire modern world is at risk of it. As our world developed, life became easier for people, which means we have been enabled to indulge in things as well. The only way to stop it is to eat health and start exercising more. For some people, unfortunately, it is too late for that and they need more serious interventions. These can be offered by clinics such as Stop Obesity For Life – Bariatric Surgery. Bariatric surgery has to be seen as a last resort option when all other avenues have been exhausted. Unfortunately, some people now see it as a quick fix way, particularly because most insurance companies now cover it. However, they would be in for a bad surprise, as the road towards recovery from bariatric surgery is very long and requires significant and permanent lifestyle changes.