Obesity - Renew Wellness

Obesity

Obesity is a complex health condition involving having an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems. The main causes of obesity include:

• Overeating - Consuming more calories from food and drinks than your body can efficiently burn off leads to weight gain over time. Things like large portion sizes, high-calorie processed foods, sugary drinks, and overindulging even on healthy foods contribute.
• Lack of physical activity - Not getting the recommended amount of regular physical activity to balance out the calories consumed. A sedentary lifestyle with lots of sitting raises obesity risks.
• Genetics and family history - Some people inherit a predisposition to gain weight and have obesity through genetics. If one or both parents have obesity, the chances increase significantly.
• Health conditions - In some cases, underlying health conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and depression can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
• Medications - Certain prescription medications may cause weight gain over time as a side effect.
• Social and economic factors - The food environment in certain socioeconomic settings and cultures can promote unhealthy eating. Access, affordability, advertising, and stress levels can impact habits.

Diagnosing obesity involves calculating an individual's body mass index (BMI). This measures body fat in relation to height and weight. A BMI of 30 or higher signifies obesity. Other assessments like waist circumference and body fat percentage help determine risks associated with excess visceral fat.

Obesity complications encompass increased susceptibility to health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, respiratory problems, arthritis, reproductive health disorders, and more. Losing even a moderate amount of weight can vastly improve these risks.

Lifestyle modifications focusing on improved nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction make up the core obesity treatment. In some cases, anti-obesity medications or bariatric surgery may assist with weight loss for morbid obesity. Getting professional help from experts at Renew Wellness to make sustainable healthy habit changes can make a real difference long-term.

The key is addressing root causes contributing to obesity, making step-by-step nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle adjustments, getting social support, and keeping the focus on health rather than just numbers on a scale. With consistency, improved bodily function and quality of life become possible over time.