FITNESS Friday

A Battle of Great Proportions: The Fight Against Obesity

Recent studies revealed a statistical figure that approximately fifty-eight million men and women are overweight; roughly forty million are obese; and around three million are morbidly obese. Another study said that eight out of ten adults over twenty-five are overweight.

Being overweight and obese has been an on-going concern for a lot of adults. 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.

Contributing factors

A variety of factors play a contributory role in obesity, and these are:

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

2.Calorie consumption. The availability of a lot of pre-packaged foods, fast food restaurants, and soft drinks which are generally high in fat, sugar, and calories contributes to an excessive calorie intake. A good rule to follow is this: If it’s in a bag or a box, avoid it like the plague.

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

4.Environment. People spending too much time inside the house in front of the television may find it less enticing to go out for a walk or engage in any sporty activities.

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

6.Diseases. Illnesses like Cushings disease, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome may cause 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 dilemma that can be harmful to one’s health. Among these complications are: Insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, cancer, gallstones, gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and 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 many calories you consume. 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 at least 30 minutes a day for at least three days per week will prove helpful to burn off the calories you ate. This may be as simple as walking a block or two, doing a set or two of sit-ups and push-ups, or performing basic stretching exercises.

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, interrupts the digestive process.

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. You can stand up and take action right now. Rid yourself of this heavy burden and work your way to a slimmer, healthier you. Take comfort in knowing that you have the power to save yourself from obesity and improve your quality of life.

Concluding Challenge:

As a former college athlete, I stayed in great shape. Alas, the years have not been so kind. My complacency, apathy, and downright laziness have put me in a position where I’m at least 20 lbs. overweight.

Well, I’m going to take my own advice and mount the weight loss horse on the way “to a slimmer, healthier” me.

Starting today and continuing every Friday, I will post my weight at the end of every FITNESS Friday article. This will accomplish two things: 1) It will serve to hold me accountable. 2) It will show you that you’re not alone, that we’re fighting the same battle.

Weight as of May 11, 2024: 244 lbs.

dhf

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