Obesity
Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20 percent or more over an individual's ideal body weight, associated with an increased risk of illness, disability, and death. Its one of the biggest problems in the Middle East. The prevalence of obesity in the 15-70 year age group is 13.05% and 20.26% in the Saudi males and females. Overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat.
• An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
• An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
There are many reasons for the obesity in the Middle East. Firstly, one of the main reasons is the change in lifestyle which causes the popularity of fast food. In the past people in the Middle East used to eat healthy, freshly prepared food with their families in the home. Today however, many people, particularly young people who have the biggest percentage of obesity in the Middle East, prefer to eat fast food such as hamburgers, fried chicken, shawarma, or pizza. Next, people are less active than ever. Some people hate to exercise and others may not have the time. Also, many of the conveniences we use, such as the remote control for the television, elevators, and cars, cut activity out of our lives. Secondly, the other important reason is a genetic. Scientists now think that heredity is an important factor in obesity. That is, some people may inherit from their parents a genetic predisposition to gain weight. A genetic predisposition is a natural tendency over which a person has some, but not complete, control. Finally, Obesity can also be caused by certain medical conditions. For example, hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not function normally. The thyroid gland is responsible for the body's general level of activity. In hypothyroidism, the body's overall level of activity is reduced, causing fewer calories to be burned. As a result, the body tends to gain weight. Consumption of certain drugs can also result in obesity. Steroids and antidepressants are examples of such drugs.
Experts agree that obesity increases a person's risk of serious illness. Many of the illnesses associated with obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer, are very serious and often fatal. In most cases, those who are severely obese over a period of time are most likely to suffer from such diseases. Other conditions associated with obesity are hypertension (high blood pressure), gall bladder disease, reproductive problems and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Osteoarthritis, which may result in severe pain in the weight-bearing joints such as the knees, ankles, feet and hips, is also common in the obese.
The goal of obesity treatment is to achieve and maintain a healthier weight. Treatment options for the management of obesity range from exercise and proper diet to very low calorie diets. Drug therapy for weight loss is also available, such as appetite suppressants and drugs that inhibit the absorption of fats from the intestine. Some patients may also pursue surgical procedures as a treatment option.
Obesity is very dangerous problem in the Middle East. It has many effects in our bodies, and it is easy to become overweight, but we must do a very hard thing's to lose weight.
08-09-2007, 12:33 PM
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