Obesity - Research and Causes

The definition of obesity varies, depending on the method used to assess body composition. It is generally defined as being 20% over the recommended weight in height/weight. The problem with this criterion is that it incorrectly places the emphasis on body weight rather than body composition. Body mass index (BMI) measurements provide a better approach for classifying levels of fatness). Many experts use a BMI of 27 as a single value at which obesity occurs. The best methods involve actual body measurements. Body fat measurements of 25% for men and 32% for women are classified as moderately obese. , which provides six levels of body fat classification.

Regardless of which measurement technique is used, it is important to view body-fat assessment results as measures on a continuum. They are not precise points on a scale that when exceeded magically increase a person’s risk for health problems. For example, although 24.9% body fat for a man does not technically fall into the category of “obesity,” it is only one tenth of a percent removed from the “magic number” of 25 and for all practical purposes carries the same risk as someone who is classified as obese. Research on obesity shows that a man with 25% body fat should not view himself as crossing a line that somehow suddenly exacerbates his health risks more than his “non obese” peer who is at 24.9% body fat.

Causes of Obesity

The laws of thermodynamics state that energy cannot be destroyed; it is used for work or converted into another form. Accordingly the progressive accumulation of stored fat in the body is the result of consumption of more calories (energy) than are expended. Food energy in excess of the body’s need results in storage of fat in adipose cells. This relationship applies to almost all individuals. For the majority of people, excessive caloric intake and deficient energy expenditure are responsible for their obesity. What are more difficult to explain, however, are the differences in peoples’ responses to the laws of energy conservation and expenditure. Two people may be overfed the same number of calories and yet differ in the amount of weight gained, even if their activity levels are held constant. What accounts for these differences? The answer is not simple and suggests that obesity is a complex issue, involving both biological and behavioral theories.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hypersomnia: An Overview

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by sleeping too much, experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or a combination of the two. Hypersomnia is not the same as feeling tired due to poor quality sleep or not getting enough sleep. Often, people with hypersomnia fall asleep suddenly throughout the day, a symptom the condition shares with narcolepsy. Symptoms of Hypersomnia Symptoms of hypersomnia often develop in adolescence or early adulthood. People with hypersomnia may sleep for up to 12 hours at a time, but still wake up feeling tired. Individuals may struggle to wake up after deep sleep and seem disoriented and confused. Hypersomnia often develops gradually, making it difficult for people to realize they are sleeping too much. Signs associated with hypersomnia include: Anxiety Headaches Irritation Loss of appetite Low energy levels Memory problems "Nap attacks" during the day Restlessness Sleeping too much Slow speech Slow thought proce...
Keep reading

Irritable Bowel Disease Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a very common disorder that affects the functioning of the bowel. Although the severity of the condition (also occasionally called  spastic colon ) can vary considerably from one patient to another, typical characteristics include changes in bowel habits ranging from diarrhea to constipation, cramp-like pains, bloating and a feeling of "gassiness." For some sufferers, IBS is little more than a minor inconvenience; for others it can be totally disabling. In extreme cases, the patient is unable to travel, function in the workplace or enjoy socializing. Common Misconceptions Irritable bowel syndrome is not . . . an imaginary disease.  IBS has biological causes and biological symptoms and is certainly not a condition that is "all in your mind. " caused by other diseases  such as gallstones or ulcers. an infection , although it can sometimes be triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis or similar digestive system disorders. hereditary . a precursor to c...
Keep reading

Gastrointestinal Defects

Birth defects, also known as "congenital abnormalities," are structural defects in some part or system of the body that can affect the body's function. These congenital defects occur during fetal development, and are present in a baby from birth. Like other complex body systems, the gastrointestinal system (or digestive system), responsible for digestion and extracting nutrients from food, is vulnerable to congenital defects during its development. Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract Function The gastrointestinal system is made up of several organs, including the: Mouth Esophagus Stomach Small intestine: Duodenum, jejunum and ileum Large intestine: Cecum, colon, rectum and anus. In healthy people, food enters the mouth, and is chewed and swallowed, passing through the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach breaks down the food, then passes it into the intestines, where it is digested further, and particles from the food can be absorbed. Waste is stored in the r...
Keep reading