Obesity
Obesity is described
as a bodily condition characterized by excessive deposition or storage
of fat in adipose tissue resulting from excess consumption of
food. Obesity can occur at any age in either sex. Its incidence
is higher in persons who consume more food and lead sedentary lives.
Among women, obesity is liable to occur after pregnancy and at
menopause. A woman usually gains about 12 kgs. weight during pregnancy.
Part of this is an increase in the adipose tissue which serves as a
store against the demands of lactation. Many women gain more and retain
part of this weight. They become progressively obese with each
succeeding child.
Obesity is a
serious health hazard as the extra fats puts a strain on the heart,
kidneys and liver as well as the large weight bearing joints such as
the hips, knees and ankles, which ultimately shortens the life span. It
has been said, ‘the longer the belt, the short the life. ‘Overweight
persons are susceptible to several diseases like coronary thrombosis,
heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gout and liver
and gal-bladder disorders.
Causes
The chief cause of
obesity is overeating. Some people are habituated to eating too much
while others may be in the habit of consuming high-calorie foods. These
people gain weight continuously as they fail to adjust their appetite
to reduce energy requirements. There has been an increase in awareness
of psychological aspects of obesity. Persons who are generally bored,
unhappy, lonely or unloved, those who are discontented with their
families, or social or financial standing usually tend to overeat as
eating is a pleasure and solace to them.
Obesity is
sometimes also the result of disturbances of the thyroid or pituitary
glands. But glandular disorders account for only about two per cent of
the total incidence of obesity. In such persons, the basal metabolism
rate is low and they keep gaining weight unless they take a low-calorie
diet.
Treatment
Click
Here For The Treatments
|