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What is obesity?

by Mike Dunlop

To most people, the term "obesity" means to be very overweight. Health professionals define "overweight" as an excess amount of body weight that includes muscle, bone, fat, and water. "Obesity" specifically refers to an excess amount of body fat.

Causes of Obesity

In scientific terms, obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than he or she burns. What causes this imbalance between calories in and calories out may differ from one person to another. Genetic, environmental, psychological, and other factors may all play a part.

"Four million men and three million women are now obese in England (BMI greater than 30. BMI is Body Mass Index.) and the numbers have tripled in the last two decades". More than 60 percent of Americans aged 20 years and older are overweight. One-quarter of American adults are also obese, putting them at increased health risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and some forms of cancer.

Approximately 280,000 adult deaths in the United States each year are related to obesity. Obesity is linked to 30,000 UK deaths a year, shortening life by 9 years on average.

The obesity epidemic will be followed by a massive rise in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. On a conservative basis it costs the National Health Service (UK) at least £0,5 billion a year and the wider economy £2 billion ,for example in sickness absence. If you plan to lose more than 15 to 20 pounds, have any health problems, or take medication on a regular basis, you should be evaluated by your doctor before beginning your weight-loss program.

Health Risks

Obesity is more than a cosmetic problem; it is a health hazard. Approximately 280,000 adult deaths in the United States each year are related to obesity. Several serious medical conditions have been linked to obesity, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Obesity is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer. Obese men are more likely than non-obese men to die from cancer of the colon, rectum, or prostate. Obese women are more likely than non-obese women to die from cancer of the gallbladder, breast, uterus, cervix, or ovaries.

Other diseases and health problems linked to obesity include:

• Gallbladder disease and gallstones.
• Liver disease.
• Osteoarthritis, a disease in which the joints deteriorate. (This is possibly the result of excess weight on the joints.) Gout, another disease affecting the joints.
• Pulmonary (breathing) problems, including sleep apnea in which a person can stop breathing for a short time during sleep. Reproductive problems in women, including menstrual irregularities and infertility.

Health care providers generally agree that the more obese a person is, the more likely he or she is to develop health problems.

The Cost to your health, family and the nation.

Public Accounts Committee (United Kingdom - July 2002) "Obesity. The problem is increasing more rapidly in England than in any other European country" "Four million men and three million women are now obese in England (BMI greater than 30) and the numbers have tripled in the last two decades"

Professor David Hall (President Royal College Paediatrics & Child Health ) "There was now growing awareness of the damage obesity could do to health, the stage that had been reached with Smoking in the 1970s" "Obesity is linked to 30,000 deaths a year, shortening life by 9 years on average"

On a conservative basis it costs the NHS at least £0,5 billion a year and the wider economy £2 billion, for example in sickness absence.

*** Weight Control Must Be Considered a Life-Long Effort.***

Endnote: These statements were developed with the advice of the National Task Force on Prevention and Treatment of Obesity, a subcommittee of the National Digestive Diseases Advisory Board. USA

Mike Dunlop is an Independent Herbalife Distributor based in the United Kingdom.
or visit his websites:
1step2wealth.com - 1step2health.co.uk
Copyright 2002: Mike Dunlop

Drug Information

• Tenormin: Tenormin, a type of medication known as a beta blocker, is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina pectoris (chest pain, usually caused by lack of oxygen in the heart muscle due to clogged arteries), and heart attack.
• Treatment for high blood pressure: Lotrel is used in the treatment of high blood pressure.
• Depression treatment: Celexa is used to treat major depression--a stubbornly low mood that persists nearly every day for at least 2 weeks and interferes with everyday living.
• Glucophage: Glucophage is an oral antidiabetic medication used to treat type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.

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