Weight Management - Am I Fat?
Obesity is defined as a condition of excessive fat accumulation in the body to the extent that health and well-being are adversely affected (WHO). It is also the fastest growing medical condition affecting people all over the world. People who are obese have much higher risks of many serious health problems than non-obese people. These include:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Cancers
- Sleep Apnoea
- Orthopaedic problems
- Emotional problems
The exact causes of obesity are still not clear to scientists, although several factors may contribute to obesity:
- Genetic factor
- Environment factor
- Psychological factor
- Specific illnesses
- Certain medication
In 1997, WHO classified Body Mass Index (derived from weight, height2, measured in kg/m2; BMI) has been found to be the most suitable for assessing the presence of excessive body fat and adverse effects on adult’s health. With this height-weight index, we can define the overweight and obesity accordingly.
Research shows that by reducing one’s weight, health problems can be prevented from developing or can be reduced in severity. Besides improving your health losing weight definitely makes you feel better. The good news is that you don’t have to reach your “ideal” weight to lower your risk of developing obesity-related medical problem. Losing even 10% of your total body weight can significantly lower your risk. For example, if you weigh 80 kg, losing 8kg can have a significantly positive effect on your health. With this good start, you can always continue to lose more weight.
Obesity is a chronic disease, just like diabetes or high blood pressure, losing weight will be a long term commitment. As such, there is no overnight solution.
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT
- Eat right - Choose your food wisely
- Get up - Increase your activity level
- Be positive - Change in habits and attitude
- Hang in there - Emotional support
Lastly, new and safer methods of surgery are now available to those who are severely obese (BMI>40), or BMI>35 with obesity-related health problems and have failed repeated attempts at weight reduction.
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