Obesity is a public health and policy issue because of its prevalence, expenditure and health impacts. Obesity has a substantial adverse health effect. Obesity may increase the risk of many health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Obesity is becoming a concern as a non-communicable disease. However, there is a lack of information about the disease.
In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) formally proclaimed obesity to be a disease.
Difference between Obesity and Overweight
Overweight and obesity both indicate an individual’s overweight condition. Overweight implies weighing more than ordinary or healthy body weight. Obesity, on the other side, shows an excess fat with more than 30 BMI. While an overweight person will carry excess weight, he may or may not have an excessive accumulation of fat.
What is BMI (Body Mass Index)?
You must learn how BMI is calculated to know the differences between obesity and overweight. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fat. You can calculate your own BMI and evaluate if you are at risk of obesity.
If your BMI is less than 18.5, you will be underweight. If BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, it will indicate if you are at a good weight. Whereas the BMI is between 25 and 29.9, which will indicate an overweight condition and if your BMI is more than 30 it demonstrates as an obese condition. Thus, obesity can be classified using the BMI.
Health risk of obesity
Overweight is one of the risk factors for osteoarthritis, along with joint injury because the extra weight may place extra pressure on joints and cartilages. Obese people have an increased risk of malignancies also, such as prostate cancer in men, and breast cancer in women. Complications in pregnancy encountered by obese women include gestational diabetes, hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. Labor is usually difficult and may be prolonged.
Besides the health risk, there are numerous social and psychological problems of obesity too. The obese woman may be a cause of embarrassment to herself and also becomes irritable and anti-social.
If you are considered overweight, a breakdown of 5% of your body weight may reduce the risk of various diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The health expenses of obesity are considerable, especially when complicated by health problems. Preventing obesity is, therefore, cost-efficient and should start with endorsing a healthy lifestyle and diet plans.
Thus, the goal of obesity treatment is to reach and stay at a healthy weight. Medications also can be used, along with a suitable diet, to reduce appetite or decrease fat absorption.
To maintain an ideal body weight there are numerous strategies available offline as well as online. Canadian pharmacy could be an option for OTC (Over the Counter) medications of obesity right at your doorstep.
However, along with medicines, taking a low carbs diet and increasing the intake of dietary fibers is essential. If diet, exercise, and medication are not effective, surgery may be performed to reduce the volume or length of the intestines in the stomach, reducing the ability to absorb nutrients from food. You also have to remember that keeping your normal weight can help you and your loved ones to stay healthier when you grow older.