Obesity

Introduction

Obesity is a health condition which is characterized by excess body fat which accumulates to dangerous

levels such that the health of the person is affected. The target population that is largely affected by

obesity is adolescence which is characterized by a high affinity for snacks as well as a sedentary lifestyle.

The disease affect major body parts such as the blood vessels which become clogged with fat and the

flow of blood is interfered with. Risk factors such as elimination of snacks in school canteens can be

controlled so as to reduce the craving for highly processed snacks. Over the years, nutritionists have

developed quite a number of diets to eradicate the problem while other victims have used drugs which

depress their appetites to control their eating habits. As the disease ha sled to loss of so many young

lives, the government has incorporated a lot of resources in fighting the condition such as the recent

campaign which seeks to eliminate high caloric foodstuffs in school canteens. With such moves being

put in place by the government, obese teenagers can rest assured that within no time they will not have

to worry about their physical appearance.

Discussion

Obesity and characteristics of the affected population

Obesity is a medical condition whereby the body fat is in excess and it accumulates to the extent that it

may have detrimental effect on the general health of the individual. Obesity is identified by calculating

the body mass index of the individual (BMI) as well as the hips-waist ratio of the individual. This

eliminates the conflict which is exemplified by most people who often refer to overweight people as

being obese WHO (2003). Being overweight refers to weighing more than required for that particular

age while obesity refers to the measurement of body fat expressed as a percentage of the total body

weight in kilograms. The international standard of analyzing the two terms is the body mass index

(BMI). Body mass index is calculated by dividing the average weight (in kilograms) of an individual by

height in square meters. An eighteen year old with a body mass index of twenty five and above is

considered overweight and an age mate with a body mass index of thirty and above is considered obese.

Hence it is possible for one to be overweight without necessarily being obese while al obese people are

overweight.

Although all age groups are prone to being obese, the disease usually has a more convenient onset

during adolescence as this is the stage when the young adults are overly conscious about their physical

appearance. It is also at this stage when the teenagers are trying out new things including new diets as

well as adoption of a new lifestyleSinghal, Schwenk and Kumar (2008). Similarly, at this age the

metabolism of the teenagers is very high hence there is a need to eat more food to supplement the

body’s energy requirements. The activities which are presented for the affected population often leave

the individual feeling hungry and thirsty such that they indulge in anything which is edible along their

path. It so happens that in most instances the only food that is available is highly processed snacks and

carbonated soft drinksSinghal, (2008).This age group is also characterized by the sense of belonging such

that those who do not follow the crowd are seen as odd. The feeling associated with belonging to a
certain cliché makes even the most disciplined youth to indulge in unhealthy living habits which are

predisposing factors for obesity Singhal, (2008).

Major causes of obesity

The dietary component of teenagers has been known to have a remarkable influence on their ability to

become obese. Research has shown that an average American teenager consumes 2678 calories of food

per day is taken. A larger portion of the calories is obtained from increased uptake of carbohydrates

obtained from sweetened beverages and snacks. The increased consumption of sweetened drinks in

addition to increased access to fast-food joints have been attributed to increased obesity cases among

the teenagers Singhal, (2008).Sedentary lifestyles have also been blamed for causing extreme cases of

obesity especially among the young Americans. Use of mechanized transportation to and from school

with a larger percentage of Americans driving their own cars leaves little room for exercising. Similarly,

at home their parents could have invested in labor-costing technology such that all manual activities are

handled by machines rather than assigning the task to the energetic teenagers. The children are

therefore not exposed to an atmosphere which calls for physical exercise which is essential in burning

excess calories Weight watchers international (2007).The other factor that has been closely linked to

obesity is the genetic composition of the individual.

Polymorphism of various genes controlling metabolism as well as appetite in animals ahs been known to

trigger obesity. A close interaction of the genes with favorable external stimulus creates an increased

appetite for certain foods thus increasing the chances of developing obesity. Mutation of certain genes
generally leads to all sorts of syndromes such as the Cohen syndrome which is a predisposing factor

towards being obese WHO (2003).The social class of the affected population is also a determinate of

whether a certain individual will develop obesity. More cases of obesity are reported among American

teenagers who come from high class families. Research has shown that teenagers who live in third world

countries rarely develop obesity as compared to those who live in developed countries such as the

United States Singhal, (2008).Individuals with psychological problems are usually treated using a variety

of drugs some which may affect the metabolism as well as the appetite of the individuals. Such

treatment increases the rate of consuming food and at the end of it all such people are presented by an

increased consumption of high calorie foods Singhal, (2008).

Body systems affected by the disease

Excess body fat which is deposited around vital body organs usually causes them to fail in their normal

functioning as well as inhibiting their full exploitation. Individuals who are suffering form obesity have

been known to see simple tasks such as moving up the stairs as a form of torture. They find it being

quite difficult to carry their body weight as well as some bodily movements such as moving their limbs

WHO (2003).Obesity affects the general body systems in different ways such that the overall

physiological and psychological state of the victim is affected. Excess accumulation of fat around blood

vessels has been linked to increased heart diseases.

This is caused by deposition of fat around the vessels such the overall capacity of blood is reduced thus

applying more pressure to the walls of the circulatory system. Sometimes a lot of fat can be deposited
around the heart such that the force required to pump blood out of the heart is interfered with hence

leading to inefficiency and in extreme cases the individual get a cardiac arrest WHO (2003). Obesity

often interferes with the absorption of as well as the assimilation of certain minerals in the body thus

leading to ailments associated with deficiency. Teenagers who are obese are more likely to develop type

II diabetes as compare to those who have normal weight. The close linkage is associated with failure of

the pancreas to release insulin due to clogging of the ducts with fat deposits Singhal, (2008).

Risk factors that can be controlled

Some of the risk factors of obesity that can be controlled include modification of the sedentary lifestyle

and adopting a life full of frequent exercises. Parents should be in the forefront of creating an

environment which increases physical activities which help in burning the extra calories. Schools should

incorporate programs which increase physical; activities especially during leisure time such that instead

of the students heading for the canteen they advance towards the playing ground Weight watchers

international (2007).The government should increase awareness on the health implications brought

about by consumption of sweetened beverages as well as highly processed snacks. School canteens

should be encouraged told stock fresh fruits as well as nutritious such that the students do not end up

adding storing unnecessary fat in their bodies(McKlvie, 2010).

Risk factors which cannot be controlled

The genetic composition of the teenage cannot be modified or controlled to prevent obesity as it may

involve a lot of unethical activities in addition to being expensive such that most patients cannot afford

it. However, the environmental stimuli can be inhibited such that it does not present the conducive

environment for the occurrence of obesity.The social class may prove to be quiet a challenge to control

as it is sort of inherited from ones parents. Unless the lifestyle of individuals in that particular social class

is modified or changed to adapt healthy loving habits it is quiet difficult to control obesity as a result of

the social class (McKlvie, 2010).

Evolution of treatment options in obesity

In the 6th century, medical professionals used to recommend more manual work as well as increased

physical activities as a remedy for obesity. People who were lazy were more prone to being obese such

that obesity was seen as a punishment to make them work and after the punishment, all was okay for

them. Reduction in the food portions served to obese individuals was also a common remedy although it

failed terribly as people who ate small portions of food became hungry quiet easily hence they ended up

eating more (McKlvie, 2010).However, it is not until the 21st century when pharmaceutical companies

started developing drugs which have improved the treatment methods involved in treating obesity.

Nutritionists have also develop quite a number of diets which are aimed at helping the patients reduce

their intake of certain foods which are mainly made from carbohydrates while at the same time

increasing consumption of vegetables as well as fruits. Surgery has also been incorporated in the

treatment of obesity with most people opting for liposuction as opposed to exercises and diets Singhal,

(2008).
Current treatment methods

Diets

Dieting has been developed to promote weight loss such that the affected individual is able to choose

from quite a variety of low-fat foods containing little carbohydrates as well as consumption of food

which has low calories. Most of the diets usually contain low fats and carbohydrates while the proteins

component usually high. Diets usually result in starving the body hence reducing the general body

weight. Diets have been known to produce quite diverse side effects on individuals who follow their

rules such that constant medical care is required (McKlvie, 2010).

Physical exercises

Physical exercise is a form of therapy in which the obese individual indulges in at certain designated

times at specific intervals in order to make their muscles consume energy which is derived from the

excess fats and sugars that are consumed. Physical exercise may involve normal walking or running as is

applicable in the level of obesity Weight watchers international (2007).This form of therapy affects the

macronutrients balance such that the body is able to use most of the stored fats in the form of energy

required to carry out the exercises. Other than engaging in the exercise during weekends and in the

evenings, most institutions discourage their members against subsequent use of the elevator and they

are asked to use stairs (Weight watchers international (2007).

Weight loss programs

These are rules and guidelines set up by obese individuals as away of controlling their weight through

promotion of healthy lifestyles and change in diets such that only food that’s is nutritional is consumed.

An example of people who have come together to fight obesity are the Weight Watchers based in

Brooklyn who recommend that obese people should practice consuming small meals as well as

increased participation in physical exercise at least every day. The group believes that incorporation of

more individuals sharing the same problem will motivate more people to control their weight (Weight

watchers international 2007).

Medication

The pharmaceutical industry has developed two drugs which are used by obese people to fight the

disease in various capacities. One of them is Xenical which reduces the capacity of the small intestines to

absorb fats thus they are egested before undergoing complete digestion. The other option is Meridia an

anti-depressant which reduces an individual’s appetite hence they consume less food (McKlvie, 2010).

Surgery
Surgical removal of excess fat is the latest development in the treatment of obesity whereby the

individual undergoes bariatric surgery. Laparoscopic procedures are also carried out where the

individuals stomach is reduce such that after the operation it will be holding less food (McKlvie, 2010).

Future treatment options based on current research

More obese people are opting for control measures which do not have adverse effects on their eating

patterns such that most of them would prefer to incorporate medicinal treatment rather than indulge

physical exercise. Consequently, research has shown that more people prefer surgical removal of excess

body fat as compared to all other treatment options WHO (2003).

Current programs to curb the disease

The American government has incorporated several programs to curb the disease with the recent one

being prohibition of selling high calorie snacks in school canteens. The program has achieved quiet a

large following with many parents and teachers forming a lager percentage WHO (2003).

Conclusion

Obesity is a major disease which causes huge losses of life each year in America and therefore it is upon

the government to come up with more persuasive ways of controlling as well as maintaining it.
References

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Losing Weight and Keeping It Off. Retrieved on May 29, 2010 from:

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Singhal,V., Schwenk, F.W. and Kumar, S. (2008), Evaluation and Management of Childhood

and Adolescent Obesity

www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/content/82/10/1258.full

WHO (2003), Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic disease. Report by WHO/FAO expert

consultation. WHO technical Report Series 916

Weight watchers international (2007), “research has shown that people who attend Weight

Watcher meetings lose three times more weight than those who try to loose weight on

their own”. Retrieve don May 29, 2010 form: www.weightwatchers.com.