According to American Obesity Association and National Institutes of Health, in United States we have 44% of obese adults and 17% of obese children and teens, 49 out of 50 states in the United States have declared obesity as a national epidemic. The government is spending billions of dollars in teaching and campaigning about obesity. Most recent visit of Michelle Obama, our first lady, to the schools for campaigning about obesity is the best example.
Side Effects of Obesity
Yes, physical shape and appearance does matters, but remember that there are many other issues to be addressed. Obesity also has many physical and mental side effects. It also has many diseases and heath problems underlying.
Health Problems
Type 2 diabetes (also the top national epidemic) is the major side effect of obesity. This is caused when the body cannot convert sugar, starch and other foods into energy. It will further lead to kidney failure and some heart diseases.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is diagnosed in 60% of obese people. Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher is considered as hypertension
Osteoarthritis is a bone and joint disorder. Because of excess weight and lack of exercise, all the pressure of your weight will damage the cartilage tissues resulting in worn out bones and tissues.
Stroke happens due to blood clotting in the brain or due to disrupted supply in oxygenated blood to the brain. This is caused due to the accumulation of cholesterol in brain arteries. Stroke can cause difficulty in breathing, weakness and some times paralysis.
Psychological Effects
Let’s agree one thing frankly that, we give great emphasis on looks. Most of us (even many obese people) do not want an obese partner or an obese boss or at least an obese statesman.
Obesity leads to
- Discrimination in every part of life
- Reduced self-esteem
- Stress and mild depression
Overall, obesity is almost killing us leaving disappointments in every thing we do and causing premature deaths because of severe health conditions
How Important are Regular Exercise and Dieting ?
According to a latest research study (April 2010), Australian researchers have found out that even moderate reduction in the body weight can increase the efficiency of the immune system in obese type 2 diabetic people. Excess fat disturbs the inherent balance that exists between different types of cells which collectively form our immune system. This dis balance turns these cells to be hostile in turn. Fat cells initiate the production of what the scientists call the Pro-inflammatory immune cells. These cells travel along the blood stream and cause destruction to our body organ.
The study found that if even 6 kgs of weight loss is achieved, it can bring the presence of these harmful cells to normalcy. Proper dieting and regular exercise regime can bring down the presence of these cells by 80 percent. As two-third American adults are either obese or overweight, it is time to utilize this research finding and begin some kind of physical activity on regular basis.
