Now, what is BMI?
BMI is defined as the ratio between the weight of the
body and the square of its height.
The statistics show that 30% of people worldwide
are obese. That's a whopping 2 billion people. India
has around 5%, obese people.
Obesity can be caused by a variety of factors. For
instance, a normal person might be obese because of
an excessive amount of food intake and a lack of
physical activity. Though there are a few cases that
have pointed out to genetic reasons for the case of
obesity.
Now, let's take a deep dive and discuss the
various factors in detail.
Common causes of obesity include:
• Binge Eating: Irregular eating habit is a kind of
eating disorder which may have an ill effect on
the body. Eating disorders include excessive or
insufficient intake of food, and in the long run, it
can damage a person's state of health. The usual
forms of eating disorders include Bulimia
Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, and also binge eating
disorder. One may not realize when he/she grew
too close to eating hence it's important to keep a
check on it right from the teens. Eat to fulfill your
hunger and not your taste. Hence it's important to
control yourself right from an early age.
• Sedentary living style: This lifestyle can be
defined as a type of lifestyle where an individual
does not receive regular amounts of physical
activity. Today, surprisingly most of us live a
sedentary lifestyle. The person may not meet the
standards as specified by the Center for Disease
Control (CDC). A sedentary lifestyle is a major
cause of the obesity epidemic. It has been found
that living a sedentary lifestyle which includes
sitting for longer than four hours per day, greatly
increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It's
said that it can cause much greater damage than
smoking itself.
• Genetics: It's discovered that people whose
parents are obese have an increased risk of being
obese. However, there have been cases where
people with obese parents are fit and healthy and
may not show any signs of obesity even later in
life.
• Physiological influences: For some people,
emotions influence eating habits. Many people eat
not because they are always hungry but in
response to social feelings like sadness or stress.
There was even a popular show run on the
discovery channel on TV by the name –' My 600lb
Life', where they depict the real lives of obese
people. But as the show progresses it's shown
how they recover themselves after a long battle
with obesity.
But case studies show that almost every
overweight guy or gal experience the same
psychological disturbances just like any other
person.
• Weight history: A weight-history discussion is a
full clinical and physical assessment to identify
metabolic, genetic, and hormonal factors as well
as medications that may be the reasons for weight
gain.
• Pregnancy: When a woman gives birth to a child,
she may gain extra weight post-pregnancy. It's
important to note that the extra weight gained
during pregnancy is the result of feeding not
yourself but your baby as well. It takes time for a
woman's body to return to normal after
pregnancy. The fact that it takes nine months for
the uterus to expand to accommodate the baby,
it's not surprising if it takes much time to return
to normal. Hence, patience is a virtue, and it's
quite beneficial for women trying to lose weight.
• Drugs: Various drugs like steroid hormones and
drugs used to treat psychiatric conditions can
increase weight. For example drugs like Benadryl,
Antidepressants, Beta Blockers, Prednisone,
Seizure Drugs, Mood Stabilizers, Insulin & Other
Diabetes Drugs.
Now the question comes if obesity can be controlled?
Well with the advancements in science and increased
awareness it can be controlled. All it takes is small and
consistent efforts by your side. It would take a while
but one can win.
Before heading on to the various habits you can
inculcate and various efforts you can put, it's
important to bust up some myths floating around us.
There are myths like :
• People with poor self-control will remain obese
throughout their life.
• Your genes are entirely responsible for your
obesity.
• Lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables is
responsible for the obesity epidemic
• Quick weight losses are likely to be gained back.
• Joining gym classes right from play an important
role in the prevention of childhood obesity.
It's important to distance yourself from these myths.
Now the various ways to avoid obesity is :
• You must say goodbye to your old lifestyle and
start living an active lifestyle. Try to do simple
chores like going out to buy some vegetables,
using a staircase instead of an elevator.
• You won't return to balanced health overnight.
But putting up small efforts like these would
catalyze the process.
• Have a balanced eating diet in your schedule. The
recommended daily intake of calories is 2000 for
a healthy diet. Eat foods that contain fewer fats
and more nutrients and avoid having high sugar
content. Make sure you follow that religiously.
Also, ensure that you eat only when you feel
hungry. Filling your tummy unnecessarily will
only put your efforts in vain.
• Drink as much water as you can. This would clean
and detoxify your body which is good in the long
run.
• Make sure that you keep junk food out of your
house. It would take a while to control your love
for junk food but if proper steps are taken you can
surely avoid them.
• It's very important to keep track of your progress
and for that, you must keep an eye on your weight
and get yourself a medical check-up regularly.
• And lastly do not forget to exercise regularly.
Your consistent efforts would be the key to attain
a healthy body.
