Introduction
Obesity is a widespread condition in Western societies today and especially prevalent in the U.S. An obese person has more body fat than is considered healthy for a person of their particular height. Generally speaking, a person who is 40 to 100 pounds over their recommended weight is considered obese while those who tip the scale at 100 pounds or more over their desired weight are categorized as morbidly obese.
The condition initiates much more than just public humiliation, which itself is very harmful, usually causing serious psychological damage that lasts a lifetime. The physical detriments of obesity are even more severe. The condition dramatically lowers life expectancy and is directly linked to the deaths of at least 300,000 in the U.S. every year. The obese suffer a greater number of illnesses, problems in bones and joints, and the back region and are more lethargic than those who are not. Approaching epidemic proportions, identifying the causes and treatment of obesity is of utmost importance.
Main body
Heredity significantly influences obesity. Those genetically disposed to being obese have greater difficulty in losing weight and maintaining the desired body mass. Overeating, eating fatty foods, and inactivity in addition to metabolic and socioeconomic circumstances, diseases, endocrine ailments, and medications may also contribute significantly to obesity. A person’s metabolism refers to how efficiently the body burns up energy.
Metabolic levels and hormonal balances differ widely among individuals and both factor significantly in controlling weight. “Recent studies show that levels of ghrelin, a peptide hormone known to regulate appetite, and other peptides in the stomach, play a role in triggering hunger and producing a feeling of fullness” (“Overview of Obesity”, 2007). Studies have also shown that a correlation exists between substandard economic circumstances and obesity rates, particularly in the case of women. Poor women have a six times higher likelihood of being obese than do women who are of middle or upper-class income environment. Minority women also experience a higher rate of obesity.
More than three-fourths of Black women over 20 years of age are considered overweight. Lifestyle preferences such as being a ‘couch potato’ and overeating on a regular basis, not surprisingly, contribute to weight gain. “Eating a diet in which a high percentage of calories come from sugary, high-fat, refined foods promotes weight gain” (“Overview of Obesity”, 2007). Fast-food consumption and lack of exercise are the major controllable factors in obesity of adults.
For children, the main factor outside genetics is inactivity. Inordinate amounts of time spent on the computer, watching television, and playing video games leads to higher rates of obesity. “Over nine million children between the ages of six and 19 are overweight” (“Overview of Obesity”, 2007).
Obesity has been linked with at least 30 adverse health conditions. Arthritis of the knees, back, hips and hands are common ailments of the obese. Breast cancer is twice as prevalent among obese women and men as compared to those of comparable gender that maintain a relatively stable weight as an adult. The obese also have a higher risk of contracting other cancers such as colorectal, esophageal, gastric, and endometrial.
The risk of cardiovascular disease is greater because obesity has a direct correlation with high cholesterol levels which block the arteries of the heart (“Health Effects”, 2002). In addition, the veins of the obese are more constricted which slows oxygen to the tissues of the body and prompts complaints of breathing problems, sleepiness, and general fatigue. Obesity heightens the risk of stroke and hypertension by a significant amount.
More than 75 percent of people who suffer from hypertension are obese. Up to 90 percent of people with diabetes (type two) are either overweight or obese, a startling statistic. Next to alcohol abuse, obesity is the leading cause of liver disease (acute hepatitis and cirrhosis), gallbladder disease, and pancreatitis. The obese are three times more likely to develop gall stones and are more susceptible to infection and pneumonia. These and many other maladies including problems with pregnancy and childbirth are also associated with obesity (“Health Effects”, 2002).
Obesity is the precursor of many significant health risks, yet there is no obesity panacea. Diet, exercise, behavior modification, medication, and surgery have all had successes and failures in the treatment of obesity to varying degrees. The general consensus is tilting steadily toward surgery as the best option for obesity. “Surgical treatment is more effective than non-surgical treatment for weight loss” (Shekelle et al, 2004).
Medications, exercise or dieting alone have proven successful in producing long-term weight reduction for less than 10 percent of the morbidly obese. “Surgery is the only proven method to allow the severely and morbidly obese person to reach normal weight and maintain it” (“Health Effects”, 2002). A 2000 study indicated that gastric bypass surgery reduced not only weight for patients but instances of diabetes and hypertension within the study group as well (Sjostrom, 1999). Gastric bypass surgery is more common but the newer and less invasive Lap-Band method is growing in popularity. The latest and least invasive type being developed is performed via the mouth (“Health Effects”, 2002).
Conclusion
On the surface, obesity seems to be caused by poor lifestyle choices alone but for most, the choices they make are rooted at least somewhat within their biological make-up and economic social positioning. The cause of obesity was discovered through scientific means and seemingly, the cure will be as well. Obesity is responsible for the poor health of millions and the deaths of hundreds of thousands every year while costing taxpayers billions. The most viable way to stem this tragic and widespread condition is modern surgical techniques followed up by behavioral modification therapy as a means of maintaining a more healthy weight.
Works Cited
“Health Effects of Obesity.” AOA Fact Sheets. American Obesity Association, 2002.
“Overview of Obesity.” Cardiovascular Diseases. (2007). University of Virginia Health System. Web.
Shekelle, P.G.; Morton, S.C.; Maglione, M., et al. “Pharmacological and Surgical Treatment of Obesity. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 103.” AHRQ Publication Number 04-E028-1. (2004). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD.
Sjostrom, C.D., et al. “Reduction in incidence of diabetes, hypertension and lipid disturbances after intentional weight loss induced by bariatric surgery: the SOS Intervention Study.” Obesity Research. Vol. 7, N. 5, (1999), pp. 477-484.