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"Obesity" is defined as being 20% (25% for women) or more over the maximum desirable weight for a certain height. "Morbid Obesity" is categorized as one who is 50%-100% or 100 pounds or more over the desirable weight. Obesity increases the risk of illness or death. Diseases affiliated with Obesity and Morbid Obesity are:
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Hypertension
- Kidney and Gallbladder Disorders
- Increased risk for some cancers (including breast and Colon Cancer)
- Sleep apnea (recurrent cessation of breathing)
- Osteoarthritis
- Depression
- Hypoxemia (a decrease in the oxygen found in blood)
- Somnolence (drowsy feeling throughout the day)
- Cor Pulmonale (right-sided heart failure)
Causes
Common causes of obesity are consumption of excess food, alcohol intake, and sedentary lifestyles. Thyroid disorders and lack of physical activity contribute to being overweight as well. Causes can be broken down into two units, modifiable and non-modifiable.
Modifiable Causes
- Physical inactivity
- Sedentary factors ~ watching television, sitting at a computer
- Socioeconomic status
- Eating habits - when not hungry, high calorie foods, while watching television/doing homework, emotional eating
- Environment - fast food chains, lack of recreational facilities, advertisements, large restaurant portions, food courts encourage unhealthy eating, technology bolsters laziness.
Non-Modifiable Causes
- Genetics - obese or overweight parents have kids that are 10% more likely to be obese than those who are not.
- There is a certain social factor that promotes unhealthy eating habits. Social events often revolve around eating. Food can be nurturing and comforting for people. Individuals eat when they are happy, sad, depressed, angry and not necessarily hungry. The food chosen during these emotional times is most likely junk food.
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