Obesity
Alia Alailima (BSPS), Abby Martin (BSPS), Shiv Vithal (BSPS)
SPRING 2020
Obesity: is a condition in which there is excess fat accumulation. A BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher is an indicator that one is obese. BMI stands for body mass index and it is calculated from an individuals height in meters and their weight in kilograms. According to the World Health Organization, 13% of the adult population in the world is obese. The prevalence of obesity has tripled across the world between 1975 and 2016.
Obesity & Diabetes: INFORMATION - Excess of accumulated fat (lipids) can lead to damage of organs and cells over a long time - Small percentages of weight loss (5% or greater) can lead to beneficial changes by lowering blood sugar levels and decreasing insulin resistance - Insulin resistance is when the body does not produce or use insulin as efficiently as it can - Is a progressive disease so blood sugar will get worse over time even with treatment. Either insulin or non-insulin type drugs can be used to treat patients, although non-insulin are preferred by the patient and used first but it depends
SCOPE/IMPACT A major independent risk factor for developing diabetes is obesity. More than 80% of patients with type 2 diabetes are obese/overweight. Obesity is a very common condition, especially in the US, as seen in the picture below.
OPINION: S. Vithal
https://global.rethinkobesity.com/science.html
I think that when people think about risk factors for diabetes they overlook the significance it has with obesity. Many people should be able to manage diabetes by being knowledgeable about their blood sugar levels and how it is affected by the various foods they eat. Even small changes to one’s diet over a long period of time can have a significant impact.
Obesity & Mental Health: INFORMATION/SCOPE - Studies procured from different areas proving a positive correlation between mental health and obesity - Generally, poor mental health coincides with the expression of factors leading to obesity (overeating, lack of motivation to exercise, poor nutrition, etc.) SCOPE/IMPACT - No definite age range of impact - Mental health affects everyone differently at different times in their lives - Most affected are adolescents (high school/college) due to the stress of a rigorous academic system Actions Taken for Prevention - Counseling for overeating and mental health disorders - Health classes required to graduate (these classes are offered to high school students to teach and instill the regulation of a healthy, proportionate diet and regular exercise) - Free or discounted gyms on or near campus or schools OPINION: A. Alailima I believe that while mental health is not usually thought of as a determinant factor in obesity, although the correlation between the two are extremely evident. In fact, it can be one of the most influential factors in overeating and nutritional health. While different rules have been instilled to regulate the nutritional value of foods offered in schools, there should be more options offered towards the counseling of adolescents to prevent these issues. After all, the underlying problem should be treated in order to reduce the effect of the symptoms.
Obesity & Cancer:
References:
INFORMATION - Obese individuals have chronic low-level inflammation that overtime can cause DNA damage leading to cancer - Adipose tissue produces excess amounts of estrogen, excess fat tissue can lead to excess estrogen levels and increased cancer risk - Obese individuals often have higher blood levels of insulin and insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) - High levels of these two things promote development of many types of cancers - Fat cells produce adipokines- hormones that stimulate/inhibit cell growth SCOPE/IMPACT Obesity is a global issue with 13% of adults in the world being obese. It is especially an issue in America with nearly 40% of adults obese, effecting all the world. OPINION: A. Martin I believe in today’s society the body shaming/image movement to accept your body has had many positive impacts on society, but has also allowed individuals who are obese and very unhealthy to feel that this is acceptable for their health. The movement pushes acceptance of where you are, but I think promotion of becoming a healthier version of you is very important. Being comfortable in your own skin is necessary for mental health, but as seen in the statistics shown in the figure to the right of cancer increase, physical health may suffer.
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https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causesprevention/risk/obesity/obesity-fact-sheet
