Obesity refers to an excess amount of body fat and weight. Most health care providers agree that men with more than 25 percent body fat and women with more than 35 percent body fat are clinically obese. Another measure used is body mass index, with 30 or higher being considered obese. It is estimated that one-third of American adults are either overweight or obese.
How does obesity develop?
In scientific terms, obesity occurs when an individual consumes more calories than he or she burns. Although the cause of this imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned differs from person to person, overeating, eating for the wrong metabolic type (resulting in a chronically low metabolic rate) and lack of physical activity are the main factors.
Other risk factors include a high fat diet; psychological factors that cause one to eat when faced with a problem or stressful situation; genetics; environment; gender, with women at higher risk; age; cigarette smoking; pregnancy; and illnesses or medical problems. For example, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, depression and certain neurological disorders that can lead to overeating can also lead to obesity or a tendency to gain weight. In addition, medications such as steroids and antidepressants may cause a person to gain weight.
Obesity is more than just a cosmetic concern – it is a serious health hazard. Approximately 280,000 adult deaths in the United States each year are related to obesity. Several serious medical conditions have been linked to obesity, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Obesity is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer in both males and females. Obese men have a marked increase of colon cancer, rectal cancer and prostate cancer. Obese women are more likely to develop cancer of the gallbladder, breast, uterus, cervix and ovaries.
Additional risks of obesity include:
•Gallbladder disease and gallstones
•Liver diseases
•Osteoarthritis
•Gout
•Sleep apnea
•Reproductive problems
•Menstrual irregularities and infertility
What are the symptoms of obesity?
Accumulation of excess fat below the diaphragm and in the chest wall may put pressure on the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath, even with minimal exertion. Difficulty breathing can seriously interfere with sleep and cause sleep apnea, as mentioned above. Obesity may also cause various orthopedic problems, including lower back pain. Osteoarthritis may also get worse, particularly in the hips, knees and ankles. Excessive sweat and swelling in the ankles are also symptoms.
Discover why we believe that Naturopathic Medicine treatments are the best way to treat obesity.
The treatment regimens suggested here are based on the experience North Tacoma Family Health & Apothecary. They do not apply to every case or condition. A person using these recommendations without the aid of a personal physician does so at their own risk. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is essential to have your condition evaluated by your own personal physician. For an appointment please call (253)503-8792. or email us at contact@northtacomafamilyhealth.org
