Recent National Institute of Health (NIH) reports came back with a survey conducted by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NAHNES) with 2017-18 statistical figures that said approximately every 1 in 3 adults are overweight; more than every 2 in 5 adults are obese; and, around every 1 in 11 are morbidly obese. Another study in their report said that every 1 in 6 children (ages 2-19) are overweight with every 1 in 5 and 1 in 16 children being obese or morbidly/severely obese, respectively.

Being overweight and obese has been an ongoing concern for a lot of reasons – particularly, here in the US.  Surveys say that the population of obese people has increased drastically in the United States alone, and that cases of obesity-related health risks have grown at an alarming rate.  There are many factors behind it. Some of them are physical, some are psychological. 

Contributing Factors

A variety of factors play a contributory role in obesity. Some are:

1. Energy imbalance:  This occurs when the amount of calories consumed does not amount to the amount of calories used or burned.  

2. Caloric Consumption:  The overwhelmingly available pre-packaged foods, fast food restaurants, and soft drinks which are generally high in fat, sugars (real and substitute), and calories contributes to an excessive caloric intake.

3. Calorie Usage: People are becoming more and more sedentary, and the lack of physical activity is causing the excess calories to become stored fat.

4. Environment:  People eating terrible or excessive “comfort” foods while spending too much time inside in front of the television may find it less enticing to go out for a walk or engage in any athletic activities.

5. Genetics:  Genes play a huge part in passing on disorders that may cause obesity.

6. Diseases:  Illnesses like Cushing syndrome, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and many others may cause or contribute to obesity.

7. Medications:  Drugs such as steroids and some antidepressants may cause significant weight gain.

Complications/Risk Factors

Obesity isn’t just a simple concern for one’s appearance. It causes a multitude of health dilemmas that can be harmful and fatal in some cases.  Among these complications are insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, cancer, gallstones, gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and even pickwickian syndrome.

Weight Loss

Now that you’ve learned of the repercussions of being overweight and obese, it’s time to consider shedding some pounds.  Here are some ways to lose weight:

Diet:  Watch what you eat.  This doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself or count how much you eat.  A balanced diet makes sure that your body is nourished with the necessary nutrients needed for the day.

Exercise: Integrating a simple exercise routine for an hour or so everyday may prove helpful to burn off the calories you eat per day.  This may be as simple as walking a block or two, doing a set or two of sit-ups, or performing basic stretching exercises. Please keep in mind there are exercises that can be counterproductive to your weight loss. Yes, that’s hella possible! I’ve witnessed people stay overwieght or even gain more weight because they wrongfully assume cardio alone or at the wrong time is all they need. I tried to told them. I don’t stay effortlessly toned by doing/eating the wrong things. People, please seek a trainer or healthcare professional for advice before undertaking your own regimen. Once you are down to your safe weight and all else is in order, you can modify your exercise regimen as needed.

Surgery: Weight loss surgery is performed only for severe obesity cases where diet and exercise has very little effect.  This is advised for people suffering from serious obesity-related health concerns.  The operation aides in weight loss by restricting food intake and, in other operations, interrupt the digestive process. Please research this option for yourself because not everyone will qualify. Which will, ultimately, mean you gotta get yo fat ass off the couch and eat right. You have to start somewhere.

Living with obesity is difficult.  Much more if you’re living with its complications.  Keep in mind that you don’t have to stay obese.  Stand up and take action.  Rid yourself of this heavy burden and work your way out to a slimmer, healthier, happier you.  Take comfort in knowing that you have the power to save yourself from the trap of obesity and its long-term consequences. So put the cakes and pies down and treat yourself better by valuing yourself higher. I promise you those cakes don’t care one iota about you and, in reality, can provide no substantial, long-term ‘comfort’. Your inner peace and strength is all you need. And, make sure your kids are outside being active and don’t use food as an award for doing good or way to show your love. Juvenile diabetes is real and very harmful. Don’t set your kids up for this detrimental way of life.

I promise you’ll make it through, and so will your kids.

Soure: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity