health and safety: Truth about obesity — the biggest health hazard

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Truth about obesity — the biggest health hazard

Obesity is a condition of the body, in which there is a generalized accumulation of excess fat in adipose tissue in the body leading to more than 20 per cent of the desirable weight. Obesity has several adverse health effects and can even lead to premature death. It also leads to arthritis, joint pains, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, gall bladder stone and certain types of cancer. Over-eating, reduced physical activity, genetic or hormonal disorders can also lead to obesity.
Causes for Obesity
    Obesity is caused by a chronic imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure or a high intake of dietary fat.
    Poor exercise, sedentary lifestyles, complex behavior or psychological factors are some other causes.
    Metabolic errors in energy utilization may favour fat accumulation.
    Obesity in childhood and adolescence can lead to adult obesity.
    Thyroid and hormonal disorders are other causes.
Ideal Body Weight
The most commonly used measure is Body Mass Index (BMI) and it is computed by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters. BMI < 18.5 : Undernourished 18.5 - 24.5 : Normal > 25 : Overweight > 30 : Obese Former health minister, Anbumani Ramadoss, had issued a warning about the rising obesity problem in the 300 million middle and upper rich class, due to high intake of junk food. Ramadoss has warned that the wealthy middle classes are facing a galloping rise in obesity, heart disease and diabetes. It is estimated that at least 30 per cent of women and 20 per cent of men in urban areas are clinically obese, although some experts put the real figure at closer to two-thirds of women. A country-wide survey has indicated high prevalence of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol levels in women over the age of 35 in India. Abdominal obesity is a major risk factor.
How do we reduce weight?
    Eat less fried foods and include more of fruits, vegetables and fiber rich food items like whole grains, grams and sprouts in your diet. Use low-fat milk. Exercise regularly to keep body weight within normal limits.
    Slow and steady reduction in body weight is advised since severe fasting may lead to health hazards.
    Enjoy a variety of foods needed to balance your physical activity.
    Eat small meals regularly at frequent intervals and cut down sugar, fatty foods and alcohol.
    A weight reducing diet must be in rich in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat.
    At Gorgeous, we have a team comprising a surgeon, dietician, physician, physiotherapist and psychiatrist and have done hundreds of pinhole liposuction, with no stitches or cuts and reduced weights from 100 kgs to 70 kgs in three months. Non invasive liposuction by using Ultralipolysis along with Thermo C for skin tightening is the best in the world to reduce overall inches and weight. Gorgeous provides a permanent and healthy solution to obesity although it depends on a patient's body condition as well. In next 10 years obesity will effect almost 50 per cent or more of the urban population, which will be huge burden on our medical system, which is still trying to cope with the present medical scenario.
— Dr Purnima Mhatre, Medical Cosmetologist Bandra: 26049333 Peddar Road: 32653215 www .getgorgeous .co .in www .drpurnimaskinclinic .com