Treatment of obesity Maria Del Ben Department of

Transcript:Treatment of obesity Maria Del Ben Department of:
Treatment of obesity Maria Del Ben Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties Sapienza University of Rome CLM F Causes of obesity Consumption of high caloric foods like saturated and trans fats and sugars. Addiction to television and other hand-held devices that cause a sedentary lifestyle. Mid-life weight gain; Older people are at a greater risk of weight gain compared to younger individuals; especially older women who are in their menopausal age. Illnesses like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), Cushing's syndrome (increase in the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol) and Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) (occurring in 5-10% of women of child-bearing age) have been linked to obesity. Usage of Drugs like steroids, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, antiepileptics, antihypertensives and insulin is commonly followed by weight gain. Heredity: Obesity tends to run in families. A clearer role of genetics helps in prevention of obesity for those who are most vulnerable. Eighty percent of the offspring of two obese parents become obese. Body mass index Normal weight : 18.5 -24.9 Overweight : 25.0 - 29.9 Obese : 30.0 - 39.9 Extreme obesity : 40.0 and above Hence, adults with a BMI of 25 and more are considered overweight while those with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese. The initial treatment goal is usually a modest weight loss — 3 to 5 percent of your total weight. That means that if you weigh 200 pounds (91 kg) and are obese by BMI standards, you would need to lose only about 6 to 10 pounds (2.7 to 4.5 kg) for your health to begin to improve. However, the more weight you lose, the greater the benefits. All weight-loss programs require changes in eating habits and increased physical activity. The treatment methods that are right for a person depend on his level of obesity, his overall health and his willingness to participate in a weight-loss plan. Dietary changes Reducing calories and practicing healthier eating habits are vital to overcoming obesity. Although you may lose weight quickly at first, slow and steady weight loss over the long term is considered the safest way to lose weight and the best way to keep it off permanently. Drastic and unrealistic diet changes should be avoided, such as crash diets, because they're unlikely to help to keep excess weight off for the long term. It is better to participate in a comprehensive weight-loss program for at least six