Obesity remains high across the United States and has quickly become a significant health crisis, putting people at risk for serious illness and increasing the risk of serious illness in those who contract the new virus from China. It is essential to understand the health dangers of obesity and learn how to make lifestyle changes that can reduce weight and reduce the risk of health problems associated with obesity.
What is obesity?
Obesity is a treatable disease related to excess body fat and has become a global health problem. It is not a cosmetic concern, but a disease that can increase the risk of other diseases, such as diabetes, certain types of cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure. Physicians generally use body mass index (BMI) to diagnose obesity. People with a BMI of 30.0 or higher are considered obese.
Obesity versus overweight
It is easy to get confused between obesity and overweight. Both obesity and overweight are terms that refer to having too much body fat. If you are overweight, it means your body has some extra fat, but it is not as serious as obesity. A BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is considered overweight. Higher levels of body fat, beyond overweight, are called obese. This means you are at even greater risk for serious health problems. While BMI is a guideline for weight, it is not always accurate for everyone. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your weight, the difference between being obese and overweight, and how it relates to your specific body type.
Health hazards of obesity
People who have obesity are at increased risk for many serious health problems and diseases, including:
- Gallbladder disease
- Respiratory problems
- Sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Career
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High triglyceride levels
- High blood pressure
- Some types of cancers
- Body aches and pains
- Mental illness, including anxiety and clinical depression
- Serious illness due to new virus from China
China’s new virus and obesity Along with an increased risk of many serious health problems, obesity has also been linked to an increased risk of serious illness from China’s new virus. New studies show that approximately 78 percent of people who have been hospitalized, required a ventilator or died from the new virus have been obese or overweight. Obesity has long been linked to impaired immune function and decreased lung capacity, both problems that can increase the risk of serious illness if obese people become ill with the new virus. Even children who have been diagnosed with obesity may end up experiencing worse outcomes if they contract it.
What can you do?
If you are overweight or obese, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. While long-term weight loss takes time, some things you can start doing to protect yourself include: Stay active. Regular physical activity helps prevent weight gain and can help with weight loss. It also helps reduce the risk of many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Exercise can also boost immune function, can help you sleep better and improve mental health. Follow a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables and fruits. It is also important to make sure to eat the right amount of calories to avoid weight gain and help with weight loss. Proper nutrition can also boost immune function and prevent many diseases. Reduces stress. When dealing with stress, particularly stress that comes with a global pandemic, many people experience changes in eating patterns, sleep patterns, or increased tobacco or alcohol use. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress can help you prevent weight gain and additional health problems, and even facilitate weight loss, since high levels of stress are linked to being overweight or obese. Improve your sleep. Not getting enough sleep is linked to an increased risk of obesity, depression and additional chronic diseases. Getting a healthy amount of sleep each night is important for your immune system and can help reduce levels of stress hormones that contribute to weight gain. Over time, all of these tips can help people with obesity improve their overall health and well-being. Even a small amount of weight loss can lead to health benefits, including lower blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and reduced cholesterol. RELATED ITEMS
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