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Obesity - treatment and causes
An excessive increase of adipose tissue in the body is called obesity. Obesity is not a normal overweight, but a health disorder that can cause a variety of illnesses. Obesity can occur when the body is given far more energy over a longer period of time than it really needs.
contents
- Body mass index
- follow complaints
- Cause of many sequelae
- causes
- Good eaters tend to develop obesity
- Good fat - bad fat
- Diet change and sport
- Naturopathy
Body mass index
The Body Mass Index (BMI) allows a more accurate evaluation of body weight. The quotient of the weight and the height squared is determined. A BMI below 18.5 indicates underweight, a BMI lower than 24.9 indicates normal weight, obesity is mentioned up to a BMI of 29.9, over 30 means grade I obesity, over 35 this is obesity Grade II and above extreme obesity.
In order to overcome obesity and obesity, a change in diet is usually required. (Image: Stasique / fotolia.com) In addition to the increased body mass index, the definition of obesity now includes another value, THV, the waist-to-hip ratio. For this, the circumference of the waist is measured at navel height and the circumference of the hip at the thickest point. Waist circumference divided by the waist circumference gives a value that is the more damaging the health. For a woman, the limit is 0.8, for a man 1.0. Thus, obesity, in which the fatty tissue is mainly in places such as thighs and buttocks, usually less dangerous than the obesity with a lot of belly fat, which is not only externally visible, but also affects the internal organs. The body shape of an apple type has more of a large belly circumference, whereas in a pear type the pounds are distributed, sitting on thighs, abdomen and buttocks.
These are the possible health consequences of obesity. Image: www.fotolia.com © bilderzwerg follow complaints
The ever-increasing body weight in obesity puts a strain on the metabolism and the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to various sequelae. These include insulin resistance, which often causes type II diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), fatty liver, joint pain, respiratory problems, atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) and lipid metabolism disorders. Also, some obese patients already suffer from several mentioned sequelae. Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack or stroke, especially as the weight increases.
Cause of many sequelae
In type II diabetes, the body is no longer able to transport the accumulated sugar into the cells. For the utilization of the sugar insulin is needed, which is produced at the beginning of the illness also in sufficient quantity. When insulin resistance occurs, body cells no longer respond properly to insulin, meaning that blood sugar levels rise and glucose does not reach where it is needed. As a result, the body produces more and more insulin, and in the longer term the pancreas reaches its limits and reduces insulin production more and more. Diabetes type II occurs. The cause of this disease is often in a too high body weight, ie obesity, together with improper diet and lack of exercise.
Other complications include lipid metabolism disorders, also called hyperlipidemia or hyperlipoproteinemia. Years of high-fat diets can increase blood cholesterol and / or triglyceride levels. The excess can no longer be removed by the body and the fat deposits in the vessels, which can ultimately lead to a heart attack or a stroke.
Hypertension, also known as hypertension, is one of the possible consequences of obesity. Due to the strong excess weight, the body must also be supplied with more blood, so the heart to increase its performance. This increased performance also increases blood pressure over time. However, there is the possibility here, by weight loss, to bring the blood pressure back into normal ranges.
Respiratory problems are also among the possible consequences of massive overweight. Due to the fat deposits in the area of the ribs, the breathability is reduced. In addition, there is an increased pressure in the abdomen, which can result in a diaphragmatic elevation, which additionally reduces the tidal volume. The victims are short of breath. A large proportion of obese patients also suffer from a so-called sleep apnea syndrome. During sleep, short breathing pauses are created, which lead to a daytime tiredness with reduced performance, to the point of falling asleep.
Likewise, the musculoskeletal system can suffer from the heavy body weight. This affects tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. Back pain sets in. Painful arthrosis develops, especially at the knee and hip (see knee pain and hip pain). The victims get sinking and / or spreading feet.
Due to predisposition, but also through obesity, purine-rich diet and increased alcohol consumption can cause gout. Uric acid is the degradation product of purines. These substances are mainly present in animal products, such as meat, sausage, but also in some legumes, such as lentils, beans and also in alcohol. In normal balanced nutrition, the body usually gets along with the purines and excretes them as uric acid. However, if the food is very rich in purine, it can lead to an excess of uric acid in the blood and cause a gout attack. This is an inflammatory reaction, especially in joints, which is associated with massive pain.
Female patients often complain of menstrual cramps. Fertility can also suffer from high body weight.
causes
Mostly not only one cause is the trigger, but several factors simultaneously lead to massive overweight. The predisposition to obesity may be genetic, but this is not the sole cause. Often there is still a lack of exercise and a poor diet. There is also sometimes a genetic defect, which leads to those affected have no sense of satiety. Obesity can begin as early as childhood, when stress is combated by eating and the rewards always consist of amounts of sweets. In addition, massive sleep problems can lead to such severe metabolic disturbances that sufferers are always hungry and can not stop their appetite, even though the body is not deficient.
Eating disorders are also among the causes as hormonal diseases, for example in the form of Cushing's syndrome (hormonal disease, caused by an excess of cortisol). Also, medications such as glucocorticoids, neuroleptics, some antidepressants and antidiabetics are blamed for the development of obesity.
Furthermore, the foundation stone can already be laid in childhood. Inherited diseases, such as disorders of the pituitary (pituitary gland), thyroid or adrenal cortex can lead to a variety of symptoms and increased body weight. But childhood nutrition also plays a key role. Sitting in front of the computer for hours, in front of the TV, lack of exercise and in addition wrong, too fatty and too sweet food is usually not without consequences.
Often, at least one overweight parent is found in families with obese children. The importance of eating is an important component in a child's life. Possible reward rituals with sweets and the composition of the food in connection with lack of exercise support the development of excessive body weight. However, stress situations such as a separation of the parents or the feeling of "not being loved" can lead to a wrong calorie-rich diet.
Good eaters tend to develop obesity
Not everyone who feeds too much has problems with their pounds. Good feeders, however, already. In this species, almost every slice of cake increases weight, whereas poor feeders consume more energy and tend to stay lean. But certain enzymes also play a major role here. Thus, researchers have found that the enzyme LPL (lipoprotein lipase) is more abundant in people who are prone to obesity, thus storing more fat. This enzyme is also blamed for the so-called "yo-yo" effect, in which, after dieting, the weight usually rises quickly, often even higher than before the diet.
Good fat - bad fat
Fat is an important part of the diet. Fat is an energy source, is important for the cell membrane and is needed for the production of certain hormones. Especially essential fatty acids are vital, because they can not be produced by the body itself, but must be supplied with food. However, not more than 30 percent of the daily calorie intake should be fat. Here also the type of fat supplier is important. Fat contains twice as many calories as carbohydrates and can accumulate in the body and lead to obesity in the longer term. Fats can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially if they increase blood lipid levels. But fat is not the same fat - an important aspect that should be considered in the diet.
Saturated fatty acids, which are found mainly in meat, sausage, cheese, butter and cream, can increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called "bad" cholesterol. Also, these saturated fatty acids are "hidden" in snacks, such as chips or baked goods. Unsaturated fats are recommended. These should be consumed primarily in the form of vegetable oils. Examples are olive oil, rapeseed oil or linseed oil. Likewise, these "good" fats are contained in avocados, nuts and seeds. The unsaturated fatty acids are able to lower the LDL, which can be harmful to the body, and at the same time raise the "good" cholesterol, the HDL (High Density Lipoprotein).
The body is able to produce its own fatty acids, with one exception - the polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are vital, that is essential and have to be fed through food. Contained are the essential fatty acids also called omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in nuts, sunflower oil and high-fat fish species.
From healthy fats the body produces cell membranes and hormones. The orange are embedded in fat to be protected and the nerves are isolated by a layer of fat. This is mainly responsible for the essential fatty acids. However, animal fats contain saturated fat. If it is fed too much over a longer period of time, the excess fat in the body can accumulate in the form of superfluous pounds. Not only is the weight dangerous to health, but also the fact that most overweight people overeat and the food is too fat and too sweet. The cholesterol levels rise, the fats attach themselves to the vessel walls and a so-called arteriosclerosis arises. As a result, the vascular volume can become ever narrower and the risk of a heart attack or seizure can increase significantly.
Diet change and sport
In order to get the massive overweight under control, a change in diet is usually indispensable. But this should not just happen overnight. Especially with massive obesity, it is essential to consult a doctor who oversees the diet or the change in diet.
If stress is a cause, psychosomatic counseling and care are recommended. Relaxation exercises (such as autogenic training) and dealing with stress can certainly be learned. For existing diseases, a detailed nutrition plan is created so that no shortage situations arise. In order to lose weight in obesity, the consumption of meat and sausage should be significantly reduced. The protein necessary for the body can also be supplied via dairy products or fish. The amount of daily fat intake should not exceed one gram per kilogram of body weight. It is also important to take care of hidden fats, as they are in fast food or finished products. The preparation of the food should be low in fat, the absorption of fat is best done in the form of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In addition, the portion sizes must change so that the energy consumption exceeds the energy input.
Naturopathy
In obesity, naturopathy can be helpful. For example, various Schüssler salts, such as # 9 sodium phosphoricum and # 10 sodium sulfuricum, are used to boost metabolism. Herbs from phytotherapy, such as dandelion, nettle and ginger, can also serve well here. To stabilize the psyche, Bach flowers and tea blends with nerve-strengthening plants are used. There are points in the body or ear acupuncture which, when needled, can somewhat dampen the feeling of hunger and stimulate the metabolism.
Of course these are only accompanying measures. A balanced, individualized diet that includes healthy, vitamin-rich, low-fat, low-calorie, and alkaline-rich foods is essential. Regular exercise, agreed with the doctor, is important. (Sw)