Obesity: experts warn of the risk of chronic diseases

Currently more than half of Brazilians live with excess weight

October 11th is National Obesity Awareness Day. The event was an initiative of the Latin American Obesity Federation with the aim of promoting debate on the growing impact of obesity. overweight in the population.

According to data from research presented at the International Congress on Obesity, if the trend continues, by 2044 approximately 48% of Brazilian adults will be obese. Additionally, another 27% will be overweight. Currently these numbers are already alarming: 56% of Brazilians already live with this reality, of which 34% are obese and 22% overweight.

Obesity can also be associated with a number of serious complications. This is the case with diseases such as hypertension, type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, since the medical condition is a risk factor, it is essential that weight control measures become a public health priority.

Causes

The causes of obesity can be multiple, linked to factors such as behaviour, genetics, metabolism and environment.

• Food: Consuming excess calories causes the body to expend less than it takes in, resulting in weight gain.
• Physical activity: Not exercising regularly helps store fat in the body.
• Metabolic factors: Metabolic problems can change the way the body manages energy, affecting weight gain.
• Genetic factors: certain types of genetic variations can affect metabolism, appetite and weight regulation

Nutritionist and gastroenterologist Jennifer Emerick explains that the increase in obesity is the result of lifestyle of Brazilians. The most serious effects are related to the impacts of an unbalanced diet and lack of regular exercise.

“We are increasingly sedentary and surrounded by ultra-processed foods, our hectic daily life pushes us towards rapid and often unhealthy food choices. The problem is that this has profound consequences for our future health”, says the expert.

Some emotional issues and psychosocial factors also influence weight gain. “Anxiety, depression and stress play an important role in this process. Food ends up being an outlet for these feelings, which makes the situation even worse,” explains the nutritionist.

Symptoms

Although it does not present specific symptoms, obesity can lead to the onset of some indicative complications. Discover the main ones below.

• Sleep problems
• Excessive tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Skin problems
• Orthopedic complications

Diagnosis

The most common diagnosis is made based on BMI analysis. This index takes into account the division of weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. A BMI of 30 or more is indicative of obesity. Furthermore, the recurrence of external factors also constitutes a warning.

• Fat distribution: measuring waist circumference helps in diagnosis and the accumulation of abdominal fat is linked to the onset of health problems.
• Medical history: The patient’s medical history takes into account weight fluctuations over time, as well as analyzes the use of certain medications and conditions that can influence weight gain.
• Clinical evaluation: The physical examination is performed with the aim of evaluating signs associated with obesity, such as acanthosis nigricans.

Treatment

Treating the condition involves a multi-step effort. To achieve this objective it is essential that there is a change habits and one professional support. In this way it is possible to consider the particularities of each patient, analyzing the causes and applying effective measures.

• Lifestyle: Adhering to a balanced diet that avoids ultra-processed foods is important to the calorie deficit process. This is because making more conscious choices and prioritizing low-calorie foods causes the body to burn more calories than it consumes, resulting in weight loss.
• Physical activity: Practicing regular exercise is essential to increase calorie expenditure and help improve overall health. Aerobic activities and strengthening exercises are good options to introduce into your routine.
• Advise: Professional monitoring is essential to define which approaches the patient should adopt to treat obesity effectively and taking into account its causes.
• Bariatric surgery: The procedure is indicated for specific cases such as severe obesity, the association of the condition with complications or even ineffective clinical treatment.

Jennifer points out that although the incidence of obesity is on the rise, you can make a change by adopting better habits. “It is not a question of completely eliminating high-calorie foods, but of seeking a balance. It is possible to eat everything, as long as the basis of the diet is made up of natural foods, such as fruit, vegetables and greens”, concludes the expert.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.