The Study, Diagnosis, and Prevention of Obesity

Obesity is a prevalent disease in many countries today, leading to various complications and life-threatening illnesses. While medication intervention is not always necessary, lifestyle changes are often required to treat and prevent obesity. However, more research is needed to encourage individuals to make these necessary changes for their health. Therefore, the study, diagnosis, and prevention of obesity are essential priorities in modern medicine.

Causes of obesity

There are two major groups of causes of obesity. According to Blucher (2019), most cases of obesity are related to improper lifestyle, while only a small portion is linked to hormonal or genetic factors. The primary causes of obesity are improper diet and lack of physical activity. Prevention in this context refers to avoiding the factors that contribute to obesity.

Improper nutrition is a significant factor contributing to obesity. Safaei (2021) emphasizes the importance of consuming the optimal daily caloric intake, avoiding junk foods, and eating small meals frequently throughout the day. These recommendations are directly related to the overconsumption of calories, which is a fundamental cause of obesity. Fast food, sugary drinks, and other unhealthy foods do not provide proper satiation and can lead to excessive calorie intake.

A sedentary lifestyle is another significant cause of obesity. Modern advancements such as technology and cars have made people more passive, leading to a lack of physical activity. In addition to consuming the right amount of calories, the body needs to expend them correctly. Insufficient physical activity leads to the accumulation of fat deposits, resulting in obesity. Unfortunately, many individuals are forced to lead sedentary lives due to professional obligations and a lack of time, which further contributes to the problem.

Internal factors of obesity

Meldrum (2017) discusses another crucial group of factors that can cause obesity, which includes failures in internal organs and systems. These factors can include various endocrine diseases, brain tumors, the influence of hormonal drugs, or genetic heredity related to the breakdown of fats. In these cases, obesity is a symptom of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Psychological factors such as stress, depression, and insomnia can also contribute to obesity by affecting the hormonal balance and digestion.

Effects of obesity

Obesity increases the risk of various internal diseases. The World Health Organization (2020) warns that obesity can lead to respiratory and heart failure, coronary heart disease, hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, and certain cancers. Obesity affects the functioning of all internal organs and can lead to the development of other health issues. Additionally, excess weight puts strain on the bones and joints, increasing the risk of age-related diseases.

Causes of atherosclerosis development

Obesity is often accompanied by high cholesterol levels, leading to the development of atherosclerosis. This condition involves the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries, causing them to narrow or become blocked. Obesity contributes to the development of other diseases, further increasing the risk of premature death.

The relationship between obesity and diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is more common in obese individuals. Obesity leads to increased insulin secretion, resulting in higher blood glucose levels. Therefore, obesity can be a significant factor in the development of diabetes, necessitating lifestyle changes.

Difficulties arising from obesity

Being overweight presents numerous challenges in daily life. Obese individuals experience rapid exhaustion, difficulty performing physical activities, increased shortness of breath, and fatigue. Obesity can also affect sexual activity in men due to hormonal imbalances. It not only increases the risk of other diseases but also interferes with daily life and reproductive function.

Conclusion

While poor diet and inactivity are the primary causes of obesity, genetic, hormonal, and psychological factors can also contribute to the disease. Obesity poses a significant threat to human civilization, leading to various severe health issues and reducing life expectancy. Encouraging an active lifestyle and a proper diet can help reduce the burden on the human body, lower the risk of diseases, and prolong life.

References

1. Blucher, M. (2019). Obesity: global epidemiology and pathogenesis. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 15(5), 288-298.
2. Meldrum, D. R., Morris, M. A., & Gambone, J. C. (2017). Obesity pandemic: causes, consequences, and solutions—but do we have the will?. Fertility and sterility, 107(4)