What is Obesity?What is obesity? With all the diets on the market and everyone talking about losing weight, you might be asking yourself that very question. Well, first of all, let me say that obesity is the most prevalent, preventable health problem in the United States and the world. However, to answer the question, what is obesity, we must first understand weight gain. Weight gain occurs when energy consumption exceeds energy expenditure. In other words, a person consumes more food than they exercise. The term overnutrition (overweight) designates body weight that is more than the ideal but less than 20% over the ideal. The term obesity designates body weight that is more than 20% above the ideal. Obesity may result in grave physiologic and psychologic consequences, such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and depression. It is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality rate. The term morbid obesity is applied to a person who is more than 100% over ideal body weight. As you can see, the answer to the question, what is obesity, is extremely important. It is literally a life or death situation. A few of the health-related problems in obesity include arteriosclerosis, arthritis, atherosclerosis, cancers of the breast, uterus, prostate, and colon, heart enlargement, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, chronic renal failure, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus (type 2), hiatal hernia, high blood pressure, impaired pulmonary function (lung problems), low back pain, muscle strains and sprains, stress incontinence, thrombophlebitis, and varicosities. So how does obesity occur? Obesity occurs when excess calories are stored as fat. The central nervous system plays a significant role in calorie use, eating behaviors, and satiety. However, most experts agree that obesity is due to many factors, including genetic, physiologic, phychologic, environmental, and sociocultural factors. This is why answering the question, what is obesity, is quite complex and goes way beyond the scope of this article. Many studies demonstrate a strong link between hereditary factors and obesity. A person with one obese parent has a 40% chance of becoming obese; one with two obese parents has an 80% chance of becoming obese. Researchers have, moreover, reported a strong correlation between the weight of adopted children and their biologic parents. Environmental influences, such as an abundant and readily accessible food supply, fast-food restuarants, advertising, and vending machines, contribute to increased food intake. Sociocultural influences that contribute to obesity include overeating at family meals, rewarding behavior with food, religious and family gatherings that promote food intake, and sedentary lifestyles just to name a few. So, in answering the all important question: What is obesity, what does all of this do to a persons psyche? Well, theorists have speculated that many psychological factors interact as a person becomes obese and then suffers from obesity. I personally have experienced this within my own life. Low self-esteem may precipitate unhealthy eating behaviors, and the resulting weight gain in turn may diminish self-image even further. A person may overeat as a result of anxiety, depression, guilt, or boredom or as a means of getting attention. Social prejudices and discrimination may also foster these negative self-beliefs and behaviors. Some experts characterize overeating as a food addiction and as a coping mechanism for stressful life events. However, it is important to note that researchers have not identified a single psychological disorder or personality type associated with obesity. In conclusion, I personally have one final answer to the question, what is obesity. Obesity is a major problem in a person's life that must be solved as quickly as possible in order to improve the quality of that person's life; no matter what the cost. Overcoming this devastating condition we call obesity will cost a person time and money; however, a person's health is their greatest asset. For without optimal health one can not and will not live a full, happy, productive, and content life. So, now that you know the answer to the question, what is obesity, how do you solve your weight issues? Simple. Here is what you can do to start losing weight right now.
So, go ahead. Follow the steps above to begin your journey of overcoming obesity. Once you do, then you will lead a more happy, productive, fun-filled life that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. So, remember, when someone asks you the question, what is obesity, you will now have the answer that will benefit them as well. I wish you all the best in your weight loss efforts. Good luck and God bless. Return to Begin Your Journey of Overcoming Obesity from What is Obesity? |