Obesity - UK Health Insurance

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[Obesity] [Osteoarthritis] [Osteoporosis]

OBESITY

Accumulation of excess fat on the body is known as obesity.

TARGET GROUP:

Obesity has become the most common ailment in the world, and is the second leading cause of preventable deaths. It affects both sexes equally, but women are more likely than men to gain weight with the same calorie intake. It occurs in children as well as adults.

TYPE OF DISEASE:

Obesity is a chronic disease, like high blood pressure or diabetes. Obesity indicates that the body weight is much greater than what is considered healthy. Adults with a BMI greater than 30 are considered obese. The BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your height. Obesity refers to an increase in total body fat. Obesity is on the rise in our society because food is abundant and life style is sedentary.

 

SYMPTOMS:

The immediate symptoms of obesity include:

• Shortness of breath
• Excessive perspiration
• Sleep disorders
• Snoring
• Tiredness
• Unable to do physical activity
• Pain in the back and joints

 

CAUSES:

A person becomes obese when he/she consumes more food than the body can use, and all the extra calories are converted into fat. Heredity as well as shared environment at home can cause obesity. Some people overeat even if they are not hungry because of depression, desperation, anger, and boredom, Hypothyroidism or pregnancy. Certain medications, such as steroids, antidepressants, birth control pills, can also cause obesity. A sedentary life style with no exercise and excessive intake of alcohol can also cause obesity.

 

RISK TO OTHERS:

Genetic factors play an important part in developing obesity. Children of obese parents are more likely to be obese than children with parents of normal weight. Overeating, poor nutrition and sedentary habits are the most important risk factors for obesity. Certain illnesses, such as Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism, and medications, such as glucocorticoids, can also increase the chances of obesity.

RISK TO SUFFERER:

Obesity increases a person's risk of illness and death due to diabetes, high cholesterol levels, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, arthritis, gallstones, female infertility, amenorrhea, certain types of cancer, high cholesterol, and kidney and gallbladder disease. It is also a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis and sleep apnea. It can also cause psychological distress. It causes reduced life expectancy on the whole.

TREATMENT:

A weight-loss program may include exercise, a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate, high fibre diet, reducing alcohol consumption, and positive thinking. Prescription weight loss drugs are an option for some people. There are many over-the-counter diet products but most are unsuccessful and can be dangerous. Surgery may be an option for those people who are unable to lose weight by other methods. Stress, frustration, and boredom should be avoided.