{"id":3885,"date":"2021-02-03T01:41:56","date_gmt":"2021-02-03T00:41:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthcareers.co\/?p=3885"},"modified":"2024-02-18T13:07:35","modified_gmt":"2024-02-18T12:07:35","slug":"how-to-prevent-obesity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthcareers.co\/how-to-prevent-obesity\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prevent Obesity and Treat It in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

Obesity has grown from being seen as a personal health problem to becoming a global epidemic. Even though we have a pretty good idea <\/span>how to prevent obesity,<\/span> actually implementing the necessary steps in practice is anything but easy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For most people, <\/span>working in today\u2019s world<\/span><\/a> means more screen time and less physical activity. Combine this with processed and sugary foods, and the body fails to burn as many calories as is required. Thus, it\u2019s no surprise that obesity has slowly become a public health issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to WHO, over 650 million adults and 378 million children worldwide are obese. Furthermore, data from the CDC indicates that the prevalence of obesity in the United States is high. <\/span>Obesity statistics<\/span> show that approximately 93.3 million US adults and 13.7 million US children and teenagers are obese.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obesity is a chronic disease that occurs when the body has an excess amount of fat. It increases the risk of developing multiple health conditions like stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, can obesity be cured or treated, and most importantly, how can it be prevented? This article will provide you with well-researched information that will enhance your understanding of obesity. Keep reading to learn more about this disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common <\/b>Causes of Obesity<\/b><\/h2>\n

Genetics<\/b><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>heritability rate of obesity is between 40% and 70%<\/span><\/a>, indicating that a person is at risk of obesity if one or both of their parents are obese. Since genes play a vital role in our makeup, they also affect the hormone controlling fat regulation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Leptin, a fat-regulating hormone, sends signals to the brain to eat less when the body fat levels get too high. When this hormone is affected by genetics, it becomes deficient, and the brain fails to receive the control signals. This leads to overeating and consequently causes obesity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overeating<\/b><\/h3>\n

Eating more food than your body can burn causes obesity. Consuming large portions that contain high amounts of fats and sugars increases your risk of obesity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fast food and obesity<\/span> are often linked together due to the high concentration of fats and calories in small portions of fast food. Consequently, obesity will occur when these high-energy foods are consumed continuously in supersized portions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Physical Inactivity<\/b><\/h3>\n

Lack of physical activity and overeating tend to go hand in hand and typically cause <\/span>morbid obesity<\/span>. Regular exercise and other activities help the body burn calories. An individual who fails to exercise and eats unhealthy is likely to be diagnosed with obesity at one point.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Diseases<\/b><\/h3>\n

In some people, obesity can occur because of a disease. Medical conditions like Cushing syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, hypothyroidism, arthritis, and depression can lead to weight gain. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces insufficient quantities of the thyroid hormone. The lack of this hormone slows down the metabolism rate and consequently causes weight gain.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Medications<\/b><\/h3>\n

Available <\/span>obesity facts<\/span> show that some prescribed medications may cause you to gain weight. The side effects of these medications may cause you to eat more than you usually do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They can also slow down your metabolism rate, causing your body to burn fewer calories. Medications used to treat depression, migraines, seizures, high blood pressure, and diabetes can increase weight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Social and Economic Issues<\/b><\/h3>\n

Certain social and economic problems are closely linked to obesity. Lack of safe areas to exercise and take part in other physical activities will increase a person’s chances of obesity. Likewise, not having enough money to keep buying healthier food can also cause a person to become obese.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prevention and Control of Obesity<\/b> in Infants, Children, Teens, and Adults<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Infants<\/b><\/h3>\n

Most strategies for preventing and controlling obesity are often centered around children, teens, and adults who are already overweight or obese. However, with an increase in the number of obese preschoolers, it is crucial for babies to be afforded a healthy lifestyle, as obese babies tend to become obese adults.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, what <\/span>obesity prevention<\/span> strategies can be employed to ensure a healthy weight for babies?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n