The term ‘obesity’ is an excess proportion of total body fat. “Morbid obesity” means that a person is either 50%-100% over normal weight, more than 100 pounds over normal weight, has a BMI of 40 or higher, or is sufficiently overweight to severely interfere with health or normal function. There are many reasons as to why/how people become obese. One of the most obvious causes of obesity is simply overeating. When you eat more food than the body requires then the excess is stored as fat. This can occur by eating too much or eating foods that are high in fat and calories.
Other common causes for a person being obese are age, gender, genetics, environmental factors, physical inactivity, illness, psychological factors, and medications.
When it comes to my scope of practice, environmental factors and physical inactivity play a significant role. Environmental factors include lifestyle behaviors such as what a person eats and how active they are. Physical activity or inactivity is self-explanatory. Active individuals require more calories than less active ones to maintain their weight. Additionally, physical activity tends to decrease appetite in obese individuals while increasing the body’s ability to preferentially metabolize fat as an energy source. Much of the increase in obesity in the last 20 years is thought to have resulted from the decreased level of daily physical activity. For those individuals struggling with these causes of obesity, the treatment I would recommend would be to educate yourself on proper food choices and exercise regimens that suit your lifestyle and personality. Then, incorporate what you have learned into your daily life. Some important factors would be proper water intake, carb/protein/fat intake, food proportions, limiting the processed ‘unhealthy’ carbs and replacing them with better choices of foods, knowing the proper caloric intake for your body and activity level, and of course, beginning an exercise program that you can maintain. Too many individuals find excuses as to why they cannot make healthier choices and stick with them, so I would also recommend an accountability group or workout partner and help to hold one another accountable to a healthier lifestyle.
For those causes of obesity which are outside of my scope of practice, I would recommend proper treatment by a medical professional. Some of those treatment options are gastric bypass surgery, stomach size reduction, prescription weight loss medication, and behavioral changes (support groups/counseling). These options are to be used after a healthy effort has been given to weight loss programs which include diet, exercise, and accountability.
I am convinced that with better food choices and exercise, other common causes of obesity such as age, genetics, and illness can be controlled too. Many illnesses such as diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercise, and then the person may be able to decrease their medication per physician. I believe that our food choices can be what make us ill as well as what can heal the body. The number one way to combat obesity is education. To educate the individual on obesity, the cause of their obesity, and then to seek the right treatment to help them lose the weight and become a healthy weight.
If you are ‘obese’ and looking for some personal assistance, contact me. Even if you have just a few pounds to lose. Gaining control of your body, your cravings, and your life will create joy, satisfaction, & you will be a role model for others.
I can’t help if you don’t ask. I have access to hundreds of home workouts and nutritionals to help you along in your journey. Simple changes = big results. *BELIEVE*
Email me at Bashford.lisa@yahoo.com or learn more about me at www.YourFitness-411.com
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