Obesity causes & treatments – Illnesses & conditions

If you’re obese, speak to your GP for advice about losing weight safely.

Your GP can advise you about losing weight safely by eating a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity.

They can also let you know about other useful services, such as:

• local weight loss groups – these could be provided by your local authority, the NHS, or commercial services you may have to pay for
• exercise on prescription – where you’re referred to a local active health team for a number of sessions under the supervision of a qualified trainer

If you have underlying problems associated with obesity, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, diabetes or obstructive sleep apnoea, your GP may recommend further tests or specific treatment. In some cases, they may refer you to a specialist.

Read more about how your GP can help you lose weight

Diet

There’s no single rule that applies to everyone, but to lose weight at a safe and sustainable rate of 0. 5 to 1kg (1lb to 2lbs) a week, most people are advised to reduce their energy intake by 600 calories a day.

For most men, this will mean consuming no more than 1,900 calories a day, and for most women, no more than 1,400 calories a day.

The best way to achieve this is to swap unhealthy and high-energy food choices – such as fast food, processed food and sugary drinks (including alcohol) – for healthier choices.

A healthy diet should consist of:

• plenty of fruit and vegetables
• plenty of potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy foods (ideally you should choose wholegrain varieties)
• some milk and dairy foods
• some meat, fish, aggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein
• just small amounts of food and drinks that are high in fat and suagr

Try to avoid foods containing high levels of salt because they can raise your blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people who are already obese.

You’ll also need to check calorie information for each type of food and drink you consume to make sure you don’t go over your daily limit.

Some restaurants, cafés and fast food outlets provide calorie information per portion, although providing this information isn’t compulsory. Be careful when eating out because some foods can quickly take you over the limit, such as burgers, fried chicken, and some curries or Chinese dishes.

Diet programmes and fad diets

Avoid fad diets that recommend unsafe practices, such as fasting (going without food for long periods of time) or cutting out entire food groups. These types of diets don’t work, can make you feel ill, and aren’t sustainable because they don’t teach you long-term healthy eating habits.

This isn’t to say that all commercial diet programmes are unsafe. Many are based on sound medical and scientific principles and can work well for some people.

A responsible diet programme should:

• educate you about issues such as portion size, making behavioural changes and healthy eating 
• not be overly restrictive in terms of the type of foods you can eat 
• be based on achieving gradual, sustainable weight loss rather than short-term rapid weight loss, which is unlikely to last

Very low calorie diets

A very low calorie diet (VLCD) is where you consume less than 800 calories a day.

These diets can lead to rapid weight loss, but they aren’t a suitable or safe method for everyone, and they aren’t routinely recommended for managing obesity.

VLCDs are usually only recommended if you have an obesity-related complication that would benefit from rapid weight loss.

VLCDs shouldn’t usually be followed for longer than 12 weeks at a time, and they should only be used under the supervision of a suitably qualified healthcare professional.

Speak to your GP first if you’re considering this type of diet.

Exercise

Reducing the amount of calories in your diet will help you lose weight, but maintaining a healthy weight requires physical activity to burn energy.

As well as helping you maintain a healthy weight, physical activity also has wider health benefits. For example, it can help prevent and manage more than 20 conditions, such as reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes by 40%.

The Chief Medical Officers recommend that adults should do at least 150 minutes (two-and-a-half hours) of at least moderate-intensity activity a week – for example, five 30-minute bouts a week. Something is better than nothing, and doing just 10 minutes of exercise at a time is beneficial.

Moderate-intensity activity is any activity that increases your heart and breathing rate, such as:

• brisk walking
• cycling
• recreational swimming
• dancing

Alternatively, you could do 75 minutes (one hour, fifteen minutes) of vigorous-intensity activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity.

During vigorous activity, breathing is very hard, your heart beats rapidly and you may be unable to hold a conversation. Examples include:

• running
• most competitive sports
• circuit training

You should also do strength and balance training two days a week. This could be in the form of a gym workout, carrying shopping bags, or doing an activity such as tai chi. It’s also critical that you break up sitting (sedentary) time by getting up and moving around.

Read more about strength and balance exercises.

Your GP, weight loss adviser or staff at your local sports centre can help you create a plan suited to your own personal needs and circumstances, with achievable and motivating goals. Start small and build up gradually.

It’s also important to find activities you enjoy and want to keep doing. Activities with a social element or exercising with friends or family can help keep you motivated. Make a start today – it’s never too late.

Read more about the physical activity guidelines for adults and the physical activity guidelines for older adults.

Other useful strategies

Evidence has shown that weight loss can be more successful if it involves other strategies, alongside diet and lifestyle changes. This could include things like:

• setting realistic weight loss goals – if you’re obese, losing just 3% of your original body weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing obesity-related complications
• eating more slowly and being mindful of what and when you’re eating – for example, not being distracted by watching TV
• avoiding situations where you know you may be tempted to overeat
• involving your family and friends with your weight loss efforts –they can help to motivate you
• monitoring your progress – for example, weigh yourself regularly and make a note of your weight in a diary

Getting psychological support from a trained healthcare professional may also help you change the way you think about food and eating. Techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be useful.

Avoiding weight regain

It’s important to remember that as you lose weight your body needs less food (calories), so after a few months, weight loss slows and levels off, even if you continue to follow a diet.

If you go back to your previous calorie intake once you’ve lost weight, it’s very likely you’ll put the weight back on. Increasing physical activity to up to 60 minutes a day and continuing to watch what you eat may help you keep the weight off.

Medication

Many different types of anti-obesity medicines have been tested in clinical trials, but only one has proved to be safe and effective: orlistat.

You can only use orlistat if a doctor or pharmacist thinks it’s the right medicine for you. In most cases, orlistat is only available on prescription. Only one product (Alli) is available over the counter directly from pharmacies, under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Orlistat works by preventing around a third of the fat from the food you eat being absorbed. The undigested fat isn’t absorbed into your body and is passed out with your faeces (stools). This will help you avoid gaining weight, but won’t necessarily cause you to lose weight.

A balanced diet and exercise programme should be started before beginning treatment with orlistat, and you should continue this programme during treatment and after you stop taking orlistat.

When orlistat should be used

Orlistat will usually only be recommended if you’ve made a significant effort to lose weight through diet, exercise or changing your lifestyle.

Even then, orlistat is only prescribed if you have a:

• body mass index (BMI) of 28 or more, and other weight-related conditions, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes
• BMI of 30 or more

Before prescribing orlistat, your doctor will discuss the benefits and potential limitations with you, including any potential side effects (see below). 

Treatment with orlistat must be combined with a balanced low-fat diet and other weight loss strategies, such as doing more exercise.  It’s important that the diet is nutritionally balanced over three main meals.

If you’re prescribed orlistat, you’ll also be offered advice and support about diet, exercise and making lifestyle changes.

Orlistat isn’t usually recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Dosage and duration of treatment

One orlistat capsule is taken with water immediately before, during or up to one hour after, each main meal (up to a maximum of three capsules a day).

If you miss a meal, or the meal doesn’t contain any fat, you shouldn’t need to take the orlistat capsule. Your doctor should explain this to you, or you can check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Treatment with orlistat should only continue beyond three months if you’ve lost 5% of your body weight. It usually starts to affect how you digest fat within one to two days.

If you haven’t lost weight after taking orlistat for three months, it’s unlikely to be an effective treatment for you. Consult your doctor or pharmacist, as it may be necessary to stop your treatment.

Taking orlistat with other health conditions

See your GP before starting treatment with orlistat if you have another serious health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, which you’re taking medication for. It may be necessary to change the dose of your medicine.

If you have type 2 diabetes, it may take you longer to lose weight using orlistat, so your target weight loss after three months may therefore be slightly lower.

If orlistat has helped you lose weight after three months, your prescription may be continued for up to a year. After that, your GP will carry out a review and decide whether you should continue taking it.

Side effects

Common side effects of orlistat include:

• fatty or oily stools
• needing the toilet urgently
• passing stools more frequently
• an oily discharge from your rectum (you may have oily spots on your underwear)
• flatulence (wind)
• stomach pain
• headaches
• upper respiratory tract infections, such as a cold

These side effects are much less likely to occur if you stick to a low-fat diet.

Women taking the oral contraceptive pill should use an additional method of contraception, such as a condom, if they experience severe diarrhoea while taking orlistat. This is because the contraceptive pill may not be absorbed by your body if you have diarrhoea, so it may not be effective.

Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is sometimes used to treat people who are severely obese.

Bariatric surgery is usually only available on the NHS to treat people with severe obesity who fulfil all of the following criteria:

• they have a BMI of 40 or more, or between 35 and 40 and another serious health condition that could be improved with weight loss, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure
• all appropriate non-surgical measures have been tried, but the person hasn’t achieved or maintained adequate, clinically beneficial weight loss
• the person is fit enough to have anaesthesia and surgery
• the person has been receiving, or will receive, intensive management as part of their treatment
• the person commits to the need for long-term follow-up

Bariatric surgery may also be considered as a possible treatment option for people with a BMI of 30 to 35 who have recently (in the last 10 years) been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

In rare cases, surgery may be recommended as the first treatment (instead of lifestyle treatments and medication) if a person’s BMI is 50 or above.

Treating obesity in children

Treating obesity in children usually involves improvements to diet and increasing physical activity using behaviour change strategies.

The amount of calories your child should eat each day will depend on their age and height. Your GP should be able to advise you about a recommended daily limit, and they may also be able to refer you to your local family healthy lifestyle programme.

Children over the age of five should ideally get at least one hour (60 minutes) of vigorous-intensity exercise a day, such as running or playing football or netball. Sedentary activities, such as watching television and playing computer games, should be restricted.

Read more about the physical activity guidelines for children and young people

Referral to a specialist in treating childhood obesity may be recommended if your child develops an obesity-related complication, or there’s thought to be an underlying medical condition causing obesity.

The use of orlistat in children is only recommended in exceptional circumstances, such as if a child is severely obese and has an obesity-related complication.

Bariatric surgery isn’t generally recommended for children, but may be considered for young people in exceptional circumstances, and if they’ve achieved, or nearly achieved, physiological maturity.

Prevention Strategies & Guidelines | Overweight & Obesity

• Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention Strategies
• Early Care and Education Strategies
• School Health Guidelines
• Community Guide
• Clinical Guidelines

To reverse the obesity epidemic, places and practices need to support healthy eating and active living in many settings. Below are recommended strategies to prevent obesity.

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention Strategies

The CDC Guide to Strategies to Increase Physical Activity in the Community [PDF-1.2MB] provides guidance for program managers, policy makers, and others on how to select strategies to increase physical activity.

Physical Activity: Built Environment Approaches Combining Transportation System Interventions with Land Use and Environmental Design
The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends built environment strategies that combine one or more interventions to improve pedestrian or bicycle transportation systems with one or more land use and environmental design interventions to increase physical activity.

The CDC Guide to Strategies to Increase the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables [PDF-2.1MB] provides guidance for program managers, policy makers, and others on how to select strategies to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

The CDC Guide to Breastfeeding Interventions provides state and local community members information to choose the breastfeeding intervention strategy that best meets their needs.

Recommended Community Strategies and Measurements to Prevent Obesity in the United States [PDF-376KB] contains 24 recommended obesity prevention strategies focusing on environmental and policy level change initiatives that can be implemented by local governments and school districts to promote healthy eating and active living.

• Implementation and Measurement Guide [PDF-2.6MB] can help communities implement the recommended obesity prevention strategies and report on the associated measurements.
• Healthy Communities: What Local Governments Can Do to Reduce and Prevent Obesity [PPT-8.5MB] is a presentation developed for use by local government staff that makes the case for investing in CDC’s Recommended Community Strategies and Measurements to Prevent Obesity in the United States [PDF – 375KB] . Also available in a PDF version [PDF-3.8MB].

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Early Care and Education Strategies

CDC’s framework for obesity prevention, in the ECE setting is known as the Spectrum of Opportunities [PDF-666KB]. The Spectrum identifies ways that states, and to some extent communities, can support child care and early education facilities to achieve recommended standards and best practices for obesity prevention. The Spectrum aligns with comprehensive national ECE standards for obesity prevention address nutrition, infant feeding, physical activity and screen time, Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards (CFOC), 3rd ed.

School Health Guidelines

School Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity provides nine guidelines that serve as the foundation for developing, implementing, and evaluating school-based healthy eating and physical activity policies and practices for students in grades K-12.

The following resources are designed to assist schools and program coordinators to inform stakeholders and school health services staff on obesity facts, engaging students and managing chronic health conditions.

Community Guide

The Community Guide – Obesity Prevention and Control is a free resource to help you choose programs and policies to prevent and control obesity in your community.

Clinical Guidelines

Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents [PDF-3.26MB] This resource summarizes the integrated guidelines develop by the Federal Government to address cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents.

Screening for Obesity in Pediatric Primary Care: Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Guidance for primary care providers in screening for obesity and offering or referring to comprehensive, intensive behavioral weight management interventions.

Expert Committee Recommendations The American Academy of Pediatrics released the Expert Committee Recommendations that suggest screening all children for obesity (>=2 years) and providing tiers of care regarding the treatment and prevention of obesity.

2013 Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular RiskThis is a Report of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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There will be a new way to fight obesity

November 29, 2021, 07:00

Partner material

The fight against the global epidemic of obesity has become one of the most urgent problems of humanity in the 21st century. Possible ways to solve it were discussed by representatives of the authorities and expert communities during the October forum “Obesity, metabolism and life expectancy”, which was held under the auspices of the All-Russian Union of Patients in Moscow.

The forum brought together representatives of the Ministry of Health of Russia, regional authorities, employees of the WHO Russian Bureau, leading experts in the field of endocrinology, internal medicine, cardiology, nutrition, bariatric surgery, clinical pharmacology, representatives of the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry, who discussed the most effective ways to solve a global problem epidemics of obesity and metabolic diseases. Novo Nordisk was the general sponsor of the forum.

According to the WHO, today every third person on the planet is overweight: the problem of obesity, metabolic health and related diseases is no coincidence called the “epidemic of the XXI century”. The most convenient formula by which to check for obesity is the body mass index (BMI). It is calculated as the ratio of body weight to the square of height in meters (kg / m²). A value above 25 indicates overweight, and above 30 indicates obesity. : Over 2.8 million people die every year due to obesity-related diseases.

In Europe, the prevalence of obesity ranges from 15-25% among the adult population. As for Russia, obesity was found in 21.6% of adults, and in general 40% of our compatriots are overweight. Russian women suffer from extra pounds more often than men (every third against every fifth). In total, according to WHO, 1.9 billion people over 18 years old were overweight in the world by 2016. Since 1975, their number has at least tripled.

The risk of developing certain chronic diseases is often associated with being overweight. A high BMI, according to studies, indicates a risk of developing heart and vascular diseases and often provokes type 2 diabetes. According to expert estimates, about 90% of people with this condition are overweight or obese.

How cities are linked to being overweight

Urbanization and reduced physical activity, mainly associated with sedentary work and the development of the transport system, as well as the consumption of high-calorie foods, are among the main reasons for the increase in the obesity epidemic. An abundance of simple, easily digestible foods and polyunsaturated fats in the diet is one of the easy ways to gain weight.

In rural areas, at first glance, the number of people with a high BMI should be less: here people are more engaged in physical labor, spend more time outdoors, they are not so densely surrounded by fast food restaurants and electric scooter rentals. However, data from a study published in the journal Nature suggests otherwise: on average, city dwellers gain weight no faster than rural dwellers. From 1985th to 2017, more than 55% of the increase in BMI came from those who live outside the city.

Reorganization of the public catering system can improve the urban environment. Thus, studies show that the presence of fast food within walking distance increases the risk of overweight in local residents. It has been proven that people who live in places where there are many fast food restaurants are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The presence of ordinary restaurants near the house either does not affect the extra pounds at all, or even leads to the opposite, positive results.

A sample survey by Rosstat conducted in 2018 showed that Moscow has the lowest concentration of fast foods among Russian cities per 10,000 inhabitants: there are only three of them per 10,000 people, while in other cities varies around 6–7. This explains the smaller – in comparison with the rest of Russia – the consumption of calories by Muscovites (2320 kilocalories versus 2920) and sugar (21.3 kg versus 31.1 kg per year).

A sociological survey conducted by KB Strelka and Novo Nordisk as part of the Cities Beat Diabetes global program showed that Muscovites are more interested in eating places with healthy food than residents of other cities.

“Among the factors contributing to the prevention of obesity, in addition to the habit of leading a healthy lifestyle, one should not underestimate the role of a healthy urban environment,” notes Sergey Reshetnikov, Director General of Novo Nordisk LLC. “Unfortunately, the local features of the influence of the urban environment have not yet been sufficiently studied Launched by Novo Nordisk and partners in 2014 and launched in Moscow in July 2021, the Cities Beat Diabetes Global Program aims to explore the barriers and risk factors in the urban environment that hinder the prevention and control of obesity and diabetes.”

Among other important points of the program is the creation of conditions in cities to stimulate the maintenance of physical activity by creating elements of urban planning with a high index of walking distance. Another element is the development of green areas. It has been proven that living near them reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes. Green areas have a low noise level, they are conducive to walks and physical activity, which also contributes to weight loss.

In general, to create a healthy environment in cities, it is necessary to attract specialists from various industries. And of course, such changes are difficult to imagine without the participation of city authorities.

How the obesity epidemic is affecting children

In many ways, being overweight in children is an underestimated problem: once a problem in high-income countries, it has now taken over almost the entire world. According to WHO, 41 million children under five years of age are overweight, and among the group of 5-19 years old – 340 million. Since 2000, the number of obese children in Africa has increased by 50%.

The long-term effect of this trend is also difficult to assess because excess weight gained in childhood can carry over into adulthood. Thus, in Russia, every fifth child is overweight or obese, and half of these children may be overweight into adulthood.

Speakers unanimously agreed that the problem of excess weight should cease to be a problem for each individual. After all, the diseases that it leads to affect the quality of life of people, their ability to work, increase the costs of the healthcare system and, in general, affect the well-being of the state. Therefore, it is most effective to solve this problem at the state level.

The current trend can be reversed by complex measures: it is necessary to improve diagnostics, including expanding screening programs for the early detection of overweight and obesity, provide access to innovative therapy, update clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of obesity, develop clinical guidelines for overweight, create a system of prevention and routing of patients. Representatives of the expert community discussed specific proposals during the Obesity, Metabolism and Lifespan Forum.

For example, in order to involve the child population in a healthy lifestyle, it is necessary to implement programs in schools and kindergartens to reduce and prevent risk factors for obesity in schoolchildren and preschoolers. For children who have already experienced it, the most innovative treatment methods should be available. The situation is already beginning to change: in medical institutions throughout the country, the mandatory entry of the child’s BMI into outpatient cards and the dispensary registration of children with obesity has been introduced.

According to the scientific director of the Institute of Pediatric Endocrinology “NMRC Endocrinology” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Valentina Peterkova, the problem of childhood obesity cannot be solved without the involvement of school administrations, education departments, social structures and without a wide range of medical specialists. “Obesity makes a huge contribution to reducing life expectancy. First of all, doctors and the public need to learn that obesity is a disease. This is a global interdepartmental problem. Without the help of the school, the department of education, social structures, and an integrated approach of all medical specialists, it cannot be solved. It is important to conduct educational activities, and this should be the main focus of our efforts,” says Valentina Peterkova.

In addition, the forum participants noted the need to supplement diagnostic studies within the framework of medical examinations and professional examinations. In particular, proposals were made for the widespread expansion of screening programs for various diseases and metabolic disorders, including for the early detection of anomalies associated with metabolic changes. Facilitating the access of patients to innovative therapy for obesity is possible if modern drugs are included in the program of state guarantees for the provision of free medical care, which is most important for people with morbid obesity.

In the current situation, the issues of overweight prevention deserve priority attention in terms of updating clinical guidelines for the treatment of obesity in children and adults.

During the forum, experts discussed many ways to solve the problem of obesity and announced the preparation of a roadmap, which will include specific proposals for changing legislation and developing measures to prevent and treat obesity. One of the most important proposals is to include obesity in the list of socially significant diseases in order to focus attention on the medical, social and economic consequences of this pathology, to develop special government programs to help such patients. This was announced by the co-chairman of the All-Russian Union of Patients Yuri Zhulev.

According to Ekaterina Troshina, Deputy Director of the National Research Center for Endocrinology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Director of the Institute of Human Clinical Endocrinology, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, it is important to prevent obesity in those who do not have it, and to help overcome those who already suffer from it.

“Today there is a problem of underdiagnosis of obesity as a disease. Less than a third of people with this disease have been diagnosed with this disease,” Troshina notes. “Both many doctors and many patients do not perceive obesity as a disease. takes about eight years. The late appeal makes the problem of public awareness of the importance and, in fact, the lethality of obesity, which kills more often than smoking, very urgent.”

A new obesity paradigm: causes and solutions

Contents

• 1 A new obesity paradigm
  • 1.1 A new obesity paradigm
  • 1.2 Obesity: causes and consequences 9 0068
  • 1.3 Influence of modern lifestyle
  • 1.4 Genetic factors and obesity
  • 1.5 Metabolic disorders and obesity
  • 1.6 The role of dietary supplements and carbohydrates
  • 1.7 Obesity as a social problem
  • 1.8 The link between stress and obesity
  • 1.9 Childhood obesity and its prevention
  • 1.10 Sports and physical activity as a means of combating obesity
  • 1.11 Innovative treatments for obesity
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 Why has obesity become such a common problem in today’s society?
      • 1.13.0. 2 What role do hormones play in obesity?
      • 1.13.0.3 Is there a genetic predisposition to obesity?
      • 1.13.0.4 How can I change my lifestyle to avoid obesity?

The New Obesity Paradigm: Current research shows that obesity is a more complex condition, driven not only by overnutrition and physical inactivity, but also by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Learn about new methods for diagnosing, treating and preventing obesity in this article.

The problem of obesity is becoming more and more urgent in modern society. Every year the number of overweight people is growing, which creates serious problems for both individuals and society as a whole. Obesity not only causes physical and psychological problems, but is also a risk factor for the development of serious diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

Traditionally, the approach to combat obesity has been to control caloric intake and increase physical activity. However, modern research shows that the causes of obesity are much more complex, and traditional methods of malnutrition and lack of movement do not solve the problem in the bud. Moreover, such approaches often lead to weight loss, which is temporary and leads to the yo-yo effect.

A new paradigm in the problem of obesity considers not only physical aspects, but also psychological and social factors. Deviating from standard methods and finding new ways to tackle the problem of obesity are important steps in the fight against this epidemic. Research shows that emotional state, stress and depression are directly linked to food intake and obesity. In addition, social environment, genetic and biochemical factors also play a role in the development of obesity.

A new paradigm in the problem of obesity

Obesity has become one of the most pressing problems of modern society, and its prevalence continues to grow every year. However, recent research allows us to consider this problem from a new point of view, opening up a new paradigm in understanding the causes and solutions of obesity.

Another important component of the new paradigm is the awareness of the role of psychological factors in the development and maintenance of obesity. It turns out that emotional state, stress, depression and low self-esteem can be associated with improper eating behavior and reduced physical activity, which is one of the causes of weight gain.

Given the new paradigm, the approach to combating obesity should be comprehensive and include various aspects: nutritional intervention, stimulation of physical activity, treatment of metabolic disorders, as well as psychological support. Such an integrated approach will make it possible to more effectively combat obesity and prevent its occurrence in the future.

Obesity: causes and consequences

Obesity is one of the most urgent problems of modern society. With progress and improvement in living conditions, more and more people are overweight. The problem of obesity not only negatively affects the appearance of a person, but also leads to serious consequences for health.

The causes of obesity are manifold and often explained by a complex interaction of various factors. One of the main factors influencing the development of obesity is malnutrition. Overeating, excessive consumption of fatty, high-calorie and processed foods, as well as lack of physical activity lead to the accumulation of excess fat in the body.

Obesity can have serious health consequences. Excess body fat increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, musculoskeletal disorders, and certain types of cancer. In addition, obesity affects a person’s psychological and social well-being, increasing the risk of depression, low self-esteem, and social isolation.

Addressing the problem of obesity requires a complex intervention that includes changing dietary habits, increasing physical activity, treating comorbidities, and psychological support. However, the main factor in successfully overcoming obesity is the awareness of one’s own responsibility for one’s health and the desire for a healthy lifestyle.

The impact of modern lifestyle

Modern lifestyle has a significant impact on the problem of obesity. One of the reasons for this phenomenon is a sedentary lifestyle associated with the use of computers and gadgets. People spend more and more time indoors, in front of screens, without getting the necessary physical activity.

In addition, the influence of the modern way of life is manifested in nutrition. Fast food rich in fat and sugar has become the norm for many people. Regular consumption of such products, combined with a lack of physical activity, leads to weight gain and obesity.

The influence of modern lifestyle on the problem of obesity requires serious attention and action to change lifestyle. Physical activity, regular exercise and a healthier diet should be encouraged. It is also important to take time to rest and manage stress without the use of food. Only by changing the modern way of life, it is possible to solve the problem of obesity and improve the general health of the population.

Genetic factors and obesity

Genetic factors are one of the key causes of obesity. Studying the heredity of obesity allows us to understand why some people are more prone to gaining excess weight, even with the right lifestyle.

Obesity may be associated with the presence of certain genetic mutations. For example, in some people, there is a change in the gene responsible for satiety, which leads to the fact that a person needs more food to feel full. Studies also show that a genetic factor can influence the metabolic rate and the tendency to accumulate fat.

However, it is worth noting that genetic factors are not the only cause of obesity. Living conditions, nutrition, physical activity and other external factors also have an impact on the development of obesity.

In general, genetic factors play a significant role in the problem of obesity, and their inclusion in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease allows us to better understand the mechanisms of its development and determine the most effective strategies to combat it.

Metabolic disorders and obesity

Metabolic disorders are one of the main causes of obesity. Metabolism is the process of metabolism in the body, which includes the synthesis of substances, their destruction and absorption. With metabolic disorders, improper metabolism occurs, which can lead to the accumulation of excess weight.

One of the most common metabolic disorders associated with obesity is insulin resistance . Insulin is a hormone that plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels. The nature of insulin resistance lies in the fact that tissue cells become less sensitive to the action of insulin, which leads to an increase in blood sugar levels and the accumulation of fat in the body.

In addition to insulin resistance, another disorder often associated with obesity is an imbalance in the hormones of hunger and satiety . There are various hormones in the body that are responsible for feelings of hunger and satiety. When these hormones are out of balance, appetite is not properly regulated, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.

Metabolic disorders and obesity are closely linked. Incorrect metabolism and imbalance of hormones play an important role in the appearance and development of obesity. Therefore, to combat obesity, it is necessary not only to control nutrition and engage in physical activity, but also pay attention to the state of your metabolism and hormonal balance.

The role of dietary supplements and carbohydrates

Dietary supplements and carbohydrates play an important role in the problem of obesity. Food additives are substances added to food to improve its taste, aroma, color or texture. They can be both natural and artificial origin. For example, flavor enhancers, sweeteners, preservatives, and stabilizers are all food additives that can act on taste buds and stimulate appetite.

A study article in the United Arab Emirates showed that dietary supplements and carbohydrates can affect body weight and lead to obesity. To prevent this, you need to maintain a balance in the diet and choose foods that contain healthy carbohydrates and supplements, as well as limit the intake of fast carbohydrates and food additives, especially those that can negatively affect the body.

Obesity as a social problem

Obesity is one of the most acute and widespread problems of modern society. This illness is caused not only by individual factors, but also by widespread social tendencies.

The first cause of obesity associated with social factors is the increasing consumption of high-calorie foods. Ready-made foods, fast food and sweets are immensely popular in modern society, and even those social strata that previously could not afford such products have access to them.

The second reason has to do with lifestyle changes. Growing technology and automation of human activities lead to physical inactivity. A person spends more and more time in front of gadget screens or in offices, not getting enough physical activity.

In addition, obesity is also associated with social pressure on appearance. The ideals of beauty promoted by the media, modeling agencies and social networks can create a lack of self-esteem and lead to weight gain due to the development of complexes and depression.

So, obesity is not a problem generated only by a person, but also by the prevailing social situation. To solve it, it is necessary to actively interact with various spheres of society, from the educational system to medical institutions.

Relationship between stress and obesity

Stress and obesity are significant problems in modern society. Although the two phenomena may seem unrelated at first glance, multiple studies show a strong link between them.

Stress is the body’s response to physical and emotional stress. It can be caused by various factors such as work, family problems, financial difficulties, and others. Often people seek to cope with stress through food, eating very high-calorie foods rich in sugar and fat, which can lead to weight gain.

Stress also affects the hormonal balance in the body. During periods of stress, more of the hormone cortisol is produced, which stimulates appetite and promotes the accumulation of fat in the body. In addition, stress can cause changes in metabolism, leading to a slower metabolism and an increased tendency to become obese.

There is also a psychological link between stress and obesity. People suffering from frequent stress may experience emotional instability and low mood, which can lead to eating more food, especially high-calorie and unhealthy foods.

To address the link between stress and obesity, it is necessary not only to lead a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper nutrition, but also to pay attention to psychological well-being. Adequately managing stress, finding ways to relax and maintaining emotional balance will help reduce the risk of obesity and lead to overall improved health.

Childhood obesity and its prevention

Childhood obesity is a serious problem of modern society, which has negative consequences for the health and quality of life of children. Obesity in children occurs due to an unbalanced diet and lack of physical activity. It can cause diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and others.

The main causes of childhood obesity are malnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. Children consume too many high-calorie foods rich in fats and sugar, and not enough fruits, vegetables and grains. In addition, many children spend most of the day in front of the TV or computer without getting enough physical activity.

Prevention of childhood obesity is an important task for parents, schools and the state. One of the main methods of preventing obesity is proper nutrition. Children need to learn to eat a varied and balanced diet, eating less fat and sugar and more fruits, vegetables and grains. In addition, it is important to limit the time children spend in front of screens and encourage them to play sports and play outdoors.

Successful prevention of childhood obesity also requires cooperation between family, school and health care providers. Parents should be informed about proper nutrition and physical activity for their children, schools should offer healthy meals and organize sports activities, and doctors should monitor children’s height and weight and provide recommendations for dietary and lifestyle changes.

Sports and physical activity in the fight against obesity

One of the key factors in the fight against obesity is regular physical activity. Sport helps not only burn excess calories, but also improves overall physical fitness, strengthens muscles and bones.

To achieve the maximum effect in the fight against obesity, it is necessary to choose the right physical activity. For example, cardio workouts such as running, walking, swimming, or cycling can boost your body’s energy production and speed up your metabolism.

However, cardio should not be limited. Strength training is an important part of an obesity plan as it helps increase muscle mass. Along with this, strength training increases your basal metabolic rate, which leads to increased calorie burning even at rest.

In order to include physical activity as a means of combating obesity in your life, you need to create a varied and interesting training program. It is recommended to combine cardio and strength training, as well as add various types of activity, such as yoga, Pilates or dancing.

It is important to remember that sport and physical activity should become an integral part of the lifestyle and not a temporary measure. Regular exercise will help not only reduce weight, but also improve health, improve mood and increase self-esteem.

Innovative treatments for obesity

Tackling obesity often requires a holistic approach that includes not only dietary changes and increased physical activity, but also innovative treatments. One such method is a surgical procedure called bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery offers long-term results and sustainable weight loss. There are several methods of this operation: gastrobypass, ruanimplantation, application of the sleeve of the stomach and others. Each of these methods has its own characteristics and allows you to achieve different degrees of weight loss.

However, surgery is a last resort and is recommended when conservative treatments for obesity fail. Before deciding on the operation, it is necessary to consult a doctor and study in detail all the possible consequences and risks.

Another innovative treatment for obesity is the use of drugs to reduce appetite and increase satiety. These drugs are usually used in complex therapy and help control food intake and speed up the metabolic process in the body.

Some of the newer treatments for obesity include the use of modern technologies such as electrical muscle stimulation devices or wearable devices that track calories burned and physical activity levels. Various applications for smartphones and gadgets are also being developed to help control nutrition and exercise.

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Q&A:

Why has obesity become such a common problem in today’s society?

Answer: Obesity has become a common problem in today’s society due to a combination of several factors. One of the main factors is the modern lifestyle, characterized by low physical activity and high consumption of high-calorie foods. Also, genetic predispositions and epigenetic changes associated with the environment have a significant impact on the development of obesity.

What role do hormones play in obesity?

Answer: Hormones play an important role in the problem of obesity. For example, the hormone leptin, which is produced by fat cells, regulates appetite and metabolism. Obese people usually have low levels of leptin, which can lead to uncontrollable appetite and misregulation of energy balance. Knowledge of these hormones and their interactions opens up new avenues for developing treatments and prevention of obesity.