Obesity Facts

 

What contributes to obesity?

Caloric Balance – Fats, carbohydrates, proteins and alcohol all contain calories. A calorie is a unit of energy used by your body.

If there is equal balance between how many calories are consumed and how many calories are used (in daily activities, body functions and exercise), then body weight will not change.
If more calories are consumed than are used, the extra energy will be stored as fat and body weight will increase.
If fewer calories are consumed than are used, body fat is broken down to supply the needed energy to the body and body weight will decrease.

Fat = 9 calories per gram
Carbohydrate = 4 calories per gram
Protein = 4 calories per gram
Alcohol = 7 calories per gram

Environment – The environment can play a role in the decisions people make. For example, people may not choose to walk if there are not sidewalks present. The availability and affordability of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables is an important factor affecting nutrition. Thirdly, a sedentary work or school environment can contribute to inactivity. Schools and employers should encourage and promote physical activity.

Genetics – Genetics does play a role in metabolism. This means that some people burn more calories through body functions than others due their genetic makeup. This does not mean that people with certain genes will be obese; it means that some have a higher risk of obesity. Obesity can still be prevented and treated by adjusting caloric balance and improving the environment.

Diseases and Drugs – Some illnesses may lead to weight gain and obesity. Cushing’s disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome are two such diseases. It is important to note that some medications can lead to weigh gain also. Steroids, some antidepressants, and certain psychiatric medications can contribute to weight gain.

Health effects of being overweight or obese include (from the CDC):

Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
Type 2 diabetes (which can cause susceptibility to infection, poor wound healing, and peripheral vascular disease [poor circulation to the limbs])
Coronary heart disease
Stroke
Gallbladder disease
Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
Some cancers (endometrial, breast, colon)
In children and adolescents:
Psychological stress and low self-esteem leading to depression and other psychological problems
Type 2 diabetes
High cholesterol
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Asthma exacerbation
Hepatic steatosis (fatty degeneration of the liver caused by a high concentration of liver enzymes)

Statistics

South Dakota: According to the South Dakota Department of Health, 64.2% of adults and 16.3% of children were overweight of obese in 2006.
United States: According to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Centers for Disease Control, 2004)
Children age 2-5 years
1971 – 5.0% were overweight or obese
2004 – 13.9% were overweight or obese
Children age 6-11 years
1971 – 6.5% were overweight or obese
2004 – 18.8% were overweight or obese
Children age 12-19 years
1971 – 5.0% were overweight or obese
2004 – 17.4% were overweight or obese
Adults age 20+
2004 – 66% were overweight or obese

Links
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/index.htm

Posted: October 20, 2008