Obesity and Growing Health Risks - A Review

Mr. Manjunatha D. M.*

Assistant Professor, Daund Medical Foundations Sushrusha Institute of Nursing Sciences,

Daund, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

*Corresponding Author Email: dmmanju31dec@gmail.com

ABSTRACT:

Obesity is a multifaceted disease that is frequently linked to a number of other serious illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular disorders, osteoarthritis, and some malignancies. Obesity management will thus necessitate a wide range of strategies aimed at both people who already have weight problems and those who are at high risk of becoming obese. As a result, childhood obesity prevention should be prioritised, as there is a danger of obesity persisting into adulthood. This article discusses numerous obesity prevention and treatment options, with a focus on the most recent study findings. Since 1975, the worldwide obesity rate has nearly tripled. In 2016, approximately 1.9 billion adults and children aged 18 and up were overweight. Obesity affected around 650 million people. In 2016, 39% of adults aged 18 and above were overweight or obese, with 13% being obese. In the majority of the world's population, obesity and overweight kill more people than underweight. In the year 2019, there were 38 million overweight or obese children under the age of five. Over 340 million children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 19 were overweight or obese in 2016. Obesity is preventable. India currently has more than 135 million obese people. Obesity was previously measured using the body mass index (BMI). Obese children will number 158 million worldwide by 2020, rising to 206 million by 2025 and 254 million by 2030. In actuality, India will have the second-highest number of obese children after China, with 27, 481, 141 or 27 million, much above the 17 million in the United States.

KEYWORDS: Obesity, Body Mass Index (BMI), Underweight, Overweight, Skinfold thickness.

INTRODUCTION:

Obesity is defined as an unhealthy or excessive accumulation of fat that is harmful to one's health. The body mass index (BMI) is a basic demographic indicator of obesity that is computed by dividing a person's weight (in kilograms) by the square of his or her height (in meters). Obesity is defined as a body mass index of 30 or above. A BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight. Obesity and overweight are major risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, among other chronic illnesses. Obesity and overweight, formerly thought to be a problem exclusively in high-income countries, is now rapidly increasing in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban areas¹.

Definition:

Obesity is a condition in which the individual is overweight due to deposition of fat in the adipose tissue².

Obesity is induced by a number of factors, including:

1. Inadequate physical activity: As a result of our sedentary lifestyles, our daily physical activity levels are diminished, leading in the accumulation of fat in our bodies.

2. Socioeconomic status: Those with greater salaries are more likely to have it.

3. Unhealthy eating habit: A high-fat diet combined with a lack of fruits and vegetables will almost likely lead to weight gain.

4. Rating habits: in-between-meal candies, refined foods, and fats are preferred. Fats in foods and beverages are rated.

5. Psychosocial factors: Overeating is accompanied by emotional illnesses such as depression, anxiety, rage, and solitude.

6. Obesity predisposition: Obese parents have a higher chance of having obese children.

7. Obese parents are more likely to have obese children due to genetic tendency.

8. Endocrine factors: A lack of growth hormone is a defining feature of Cushing's syndrome.

9. Alcohol: While it contributes to male obesity, it is generally favourable to them.

10. Smoking is linked to obesity.

11. Medications: corticosteroids, hormones, insulin, and beta-blockers are just a few examples³.

Signs and Symptoms:

1. Increased weight

2. Increased abdominal girth

3. Difficulty in doing daily activities.

4. BMI (body mass index) rises

5. Large body frame

6. Inability to take a breath

7. Knock knees

8. Laziness⁴

Assessment of Obesity:

Body Mass Index = Weight (kg) / Height (m²)

· Skinfold Thickness:

Measurements are taken from 4 sites i. e. mid-triceps, biceps, sub scapular, supra iliac regions sum of measurements should be less than 40 mm in boys 50 mm in girls⁵.

Obesity and health issues:

Being overweight or obese increases the chances of contracting the following diseases:

· Heart attack

· Type 2 diabetes

· High blood pressure

· Stroke

· Gallstones

· Gout

· Sleep apnea

· Breast cancer

· Hypercholesterolemia

· Osteoarthritis

· Varicose veins

· Abdominal hernia

· Large bowel cancer

· Low backache pain

· Infertility

· Inability to take a breath.

Prevention and Control of Obesity:

Diet:

· Obesity Prevention and Control: Diet: It is recommended that you eat unprocessed foods that are high in nutrients and minerals.

· To aid in the burning of extra fat, eat a green salad with tomatoes and mint leaves.

· Carrots, pineapple, papaya, and apples are just a few of the fruits that may keep you healthy and fit.

· After your typical meal and dinner, drink a glass of lukewarm water to aid in fat burning.

· When blended with other vegetable oils, such as groundnut oil, sunflower oil is good for cooking.

· Consume lush green veggies in their original state.

· Limit your consumption of butter, deep-fried meals, and salt.

· Breakfast should never be skipped because it is a poor habit that adds to weight.

· Potatoes should be avoided in your diet.

Exercise:

· Encourage the individual to participate in more physical activity.

· Regular physical activity is required to increase your energy consumption.

· Walking every day will help you burn more calories.

· To keep your body in condition and your mind safe, do some breathing exercises and yogic asana on a daily basis.

· Take a morning stroll every day, especially during the summer, as brisk walking can help you lose weight.

· To tone the abdominal muscles and make our bodies more flexible, do some sit-ups and push-ups.

Water:

Drink enough of water on a daily basis, as water is particularly effective in reducing obesity.

Other factors:

include the use of appetite suppressants

Surgical intervention:

· Gastroplasty is a procedure that removes the stomach from the body.

· Gastric Bypass Surgery is a procedure that is used to bypass the stomach⁵

CONCLUSION:

People learn how to reduce weight and avoid obesity through nutrition, exercise, and self-control of overeating through health education.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

There is no conflict of interest.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATION:

We have ensured the quality and integrity of research by follow the principle of non-maleficence (no harm). Confidentiality and anonymity have assured.

REFERENCES:

1. Veerabhadrappa G Mendagudli, Shivaleela S Sarawad. Obesity and its Impact on Health. International Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2021; 9(4):485-7. doi: 10.52711/2454-2660.2021.00113

2. Kamala G. Community Health Nursing-I. 1^sted. Hyderabad: Florence publishers Pvt Ltd:2017

3. https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/resources/e_health_topics/pdfwav_11003.html?page=4

4. Veerabhadrappa G Mendagudli. The short textbook of community health nursing. 1^sted. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Health Publishers(P) Ltd:2016.

5. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

Received on 27.03.2022 Modified on 23.04.2022

Asian J. Nursing Education and Research. 2022; 12(3):350-352.

DOI: 10.52711/2349-2996.2022.00073