Obesity and Prevention

Finding An Obesity Cure

2008-09-21T05:45:00.001-07:00

Finding an obesity cure is a major issue for the medical profession today. Obesity causes more pain and suffering than all of the other illnesses combined. Finding the direct source of obesity has become lifetime research for many scientists. From being teased and humiliated as a child to the enormous difficulty of dealing with obesity as we age, our lives are being tormented by this prevalent disease. A cure for obesity is very important. Even in our middle years if we are overweight we are discriminated against both socially and professionally. Obesity is not a pretty disease and we live in a world where beauty is paramount and there is no room for the obese person. Society forgets there is a human being inside of all that flesh. You would not blame someone for having arthritis or diabetes, yet most people think that if you are fat, it is entirely your own fault. In fact, obesity is not a character defect; it is a malfunction of the body. A cure for obesity is necessary.

Gene Research

Obesity research has accelerated in recent years and scientists feel that a cure for obesity is on the horizon. The internet has changed science in that the pace has changed on how scientists can learn about each other’s research and then build on it. Advances in finding a cure for obesity is happening faster than ever before. Gene research has led to many discoveries in the body and how the body reacts to certain chemicals in their bodies. This research is now evolving into new wonder drugs. New treatments are beginning for the cure of obesity. The French have discovered a drug which targets receptors which stimulate appetite and other cravings in the brain. By blocking these receptors, people can beat their cravings and lose weight. However, this drug would not be an end-all cure for obesity. It will lead to more treatments in figuring out how people’s genetics vary and tailoring drugs to match.

The Spanish have been researching a gene that may lie behind the most frustrating of problems, when you cut back calories but still do not lose the weight at the same pace as your thinner friends. Some people think that patients do not lose weight because they are not following the appropriate recommendations, but in these cases their bodies are just more thrifty with the fat. It is all a matter of figuring out how people’s genes will react when it comes to weight loss. This will also lead to discoveries on how to prevent dangerous side effects to obesity fighting drugs that are on the market today. All of these new discoveries mean that a cure for obesity is on the way.

The Obesity Epidemic Has Become Astronomical

2008-09-21T05:44:00.001-07:00

The obesity epidemic has exploded and is taking its toll on the health of our children and adults.
Until scientists find a cure, the prognosis is not very good for the nation. It’s easy for all of us to ignore the fact that the obesity epidemic is becoming astronomical, but very soon those few extra pounds we put on year after year will start tearing down our biological systems and result in major health problems.

While obesity may not be the plague, it is a major public health crisis. The experts have agreed that more obese children are becoming obese adults and the diseases associated with obesity such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease will fly off the charts. Therefore, our lives will be surrounded by lots of sick people. These multitudes of sick people will break our healthcare system. A cure for obesity needs to be found and the obesity epidemic needs to stop.

Eliminating The Cause

The cause for the majority of the obesity epidemic is the lack of exercise and eating too much. It sounds very simple, but obviously, the scores of obese children and people say otherwise. Even though a small percentage of people may have a genetic predisposition to a certain body type, this fact only points to the preceding generation and how our environment is playing a key role. The way we work and live today and not getting as much exercise as previous generations is a major culprit. We ride to work and get as close as we can to cut out the walking distance. Most of us use computers in our jobs and we sit all day, getting up for short breaks.

Fast food restaurants are also major culprits in the obesity epidemic. Fast food restaurants are synonymous with grease, fat, carbohydrates and sugar. All the stuff that is not very healthy for the body. Lifestyle changes need to be made by all of us to help eliminate the obesity epidemic. Scientists agree that the obesity epidemic is going to get worse before it gets better. So maybe all of us in the general public need to begin a lifestyle change. If we all got our families to eat healthier, cut back on their calories and begin an exercise program, maybe our children will be the first generation to grow up at a healthier weight and begin to crush this obesity epidemic. This problem is all about us and as the old saying goes, “it all starts in the home”.

Obesity And Diabetes: Avoiding A Fatal Combination

2008-04-27T08:52:00.003-07:00

Obesity and diabetes are two of the most common diseases among Americans. According to studies, about 61% of the population in the US is considered obese or overweight and most of these people are also suffering from diabetes. Experts have expressed that obesity and diabetes go hand in hand as the glucose levels of people who are overweight tend to be high.

In most cases, people who are obese develop glucose intolerance in the long run making them prone to diabetes. If you are one of those people who are overweight, you must be on the alert of the signs and symptoms of diabetes and make sure that you do everything to keep your weight down to its ideal level. Always remember that you can easily prevent obesity and diabetes if you put your heart and mind to it.

Diet Therapy

One of the best ways to avoid obesity and diabetes is to start taking a serious look into what you eat everyday. If you have been taking everything for granted in the past and eat whatever you please, you should start to control your impulses and start eating healthy. Keep a low calorie diet and eat plenty of food that is filled with soluble fibers such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

According to experts, fiber helps speed up the time required for the food to pass through the digestive tracks and increases the metabolic rate of the person. Fiber also absorbs water thus you will feel full for a longer period of time. Since fiber will make you feel full for a longer period of time, you will not feel the urge to eat snacks constantly. In fact, you may still feel a bit full until the next meal time that you end up eating lesser amount of food.

Physical Activity

Physical activity can prevent obesity and diabetes. According to experts, proper diet and exercise are very important if you want to stay healthy and fit. When doing exercise, you should start moderately. Do not go directly on that high impact exercise on the first day!

Start by exercising for 30-45 minutes at least three times a week. Give yourself time to adjust to your exercise routine especially if you have been leading a sedentary life before you decided to do some exercise. Note that your body needs to adjust physically so take a few days to adjust. Once your body has adapted to the exercise routine, you can increase the intensity of your exercise and bring it to the next level.

Malnutrition and Obesity Can Co-Exist

2008-04-27T08:52:00.001-07:00

Malnutrition and obesity? Talk about an unlikely combination, but I can attest that these two problems can exist in the same body.

I’ve never been delighted to visit the doctor. Since I’ve gained weight, I’ve noticed that everything from diabetes to strep throat has been blamed on my obesity. I was sure the doctor was going to address my exhaustion by urging me, yet again, to lose weight. Instead, she looked at my lab results and said, “Do you know you’re severely malnourished?”

“Malnourished? I’ve got to way at least 250 pounds!”

“Actually, it’s 262 this visit. But you’re still malnourished.”

That was the first time I learned that malnutrition and obesity can go hand in hand.

The truth is, there are many people in the United States who exhibit signs of both malnutrition and obesity. This is true for several reasons. The top two, as well as possible solutions, are discussed in this article.

#1. Lifestyle choices

I have friends who swear they got fat eating nothing but carrots and celery. For all I know, they may be telling the absolute truth. But most of us got fat eating foods that aren’t particularly good for us. Too many fast food hamburgers, too many hot fudge sundaes, and too many fries smothered in cheddar cheese and served with ice cold beer take their toll on our waistlines. The problem is, none of these foods are particularly nourishing. The calories we’re getting are empty, so while we may grow obese from this diet, we will also be severely malnourished.

#2. The Diet Industry

If any other industry took in as much money as the diet industry does and showed so few results, they would be run out of town on a rail. But for some reason, we are willing to tolerate an industry that tells us to take unproven and potentially lethal medications, fill up on high calorie and high sugar shakes instead of fruits and vegetables, cut entire food groups out of our diet, and eat fat until our arteries are so clogged our hearts can barely beat. Again, few of these diet industry foods provide the real nourishment we need to be healthy. And, since most people quickly regain the weight they have lost while dieting, we again see malnutrition and obesity co-existing in the same individual.

If you’re going to be obese—and many of us are due to medications, hormonal conditions, food choices, and plain old luck of the genetic draw—then at least be obese and well nourished. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) you should be getting the following nutrients in your diet: at least six servings of bread (whole wheat if possible), rice, pasta; at least three servings of vegetables, especially green, leafy vegetables; and at least two servings of fruits, dairy products, meat/protein products. You are also allotted about two hundred calories that are the nutritional equivalent of “mad money.” In other words, you don’t have to abandon foods you love entirely; just cut back on the amount you meat every day.

Malnutrition and obesity can make you feel exhausted, queasy, weak, and depressed. If you improve your eating habits, even if you don’t shed a pound, you’re practically guaranteed to feel better just because your body is finally getting the nutrition it has craved all along.

When Morbidly Obese, Surgery Might Be The Only Way To Save Your Life

2007-09-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you love is morbidly obese, you may wan to consider gastric bypass surgery as an alternative to dietary modification. While gastric bypass surgery for obesity is an extreme step to take in weight management, for many, it is the only way to regain control of their body and health issues.

Defining Morbidly Obese And How Surgery Makes A Difference

Individuals that are medically “morbidly obese” suffer many different health problems and face many health concerns each day that they remain morbidly obese. If a person weighs twice they’re medically identified “ideal” weight, their risk of an early death doubles. In addition, they have a 5-7 times greater risk from death involving diabetes or a heart attack. It is also proven that people that gain a large amount of weight reach a point where losing it can become untreatable and the health issues will undoubtedly lead to an early death.

Causes For Obesity Are Not Always Genetic

Causes for obesity range from genetics to family lifestyle choices. Many children “learn” obesity from their parent’s; in their eating habits, attitudes towards exercise and the amount of time spent watching television, working at a computer or playing video games. Many lifestyle behaviors are learned within the family home and obesity is a very valid example of one of those behaviors.

Gastric Bypass Surgery Provides An Alternative To An Obese Lifestyle

If you or someone you love is trying to lose excess weight and is having a difficult time doing so, you may consider the gastric bypass obesity surgery. There are many people that have only been able to lose the weight by having this obesity surgery done. For an individual with many health concerns and a considerable amount of weight to lose, gastric bypass surgery provides immediate resolution to obesity and its complications.

Gastric Bypass Surgery for obesity is a permanent surgery. It is a procedure in which the surgeon creates a small stomach and then builds a “bypass” by which most of the food consumed actually skips the small intestine and passes through the body. This prevents the small intestine from processing the food and absorbing the fat, calories and nutrients. With this surgery, most individuals begin losing weight immediately. For most, this procedure immediately improves the quality of life for the patient and reduces many of the medical concerns as the weight of the patient decreases.

Medical studies have found both advantages and disadvantages to an obesity surgery of this nature. It is a permanent surgery that initially must be monitored closely along with a strict dietary modification to accommodate the surgery itself. It is important to review both the advantages and disadvantages completely before deciding if this surgery is the answer for you and your loved ones.

The Different Obesity Surgery Support Options

2007-08-13T07:11:00.001-07:00

Obesity is a serious and affecting disease, not only physically but internally as well. People who suffer from obesity tend to have incredibly low self-esteem and self-confidence, and although this is certainly important, it is not nearly as detrimental as the health problems that obesity can cause.

If you are obese and you have tried every other method of treatment that is available and nothing seems to be working, then your doctor may just recommend surgery for you. Obesity surgery is a very serious and yet generally very rewarding option, however it is typically only used as a last resort and so it is definitely not something that you would consider having done at the beginning of your obesity problem.

Obesity Surgery Support

Before and after your obesity surgery, you are going to need obesity surgery support of some sort, which is support that is given by organizations in order to support those people who have had or are interested in this weight loss surgery option.

Your Obesity Surgery Support Options

There are numerous different obesity surgery support options that you have to choose from, and so the one that you should go with will basically be the one that is located closest to you, simply for convenience reasons however you can choose whichever one you want.

One option in particular is the New Jersey Bariatrics Obesity Surgery Support Group, and their primary goal is to serve as a means for exchanging information and developing a communal support network among those patients who have had similar types of surgery. Prospective patients are also welcome to this group, and in fact, those individuals who are considering gastric restrictive surgery as a possible solution for achieving long-term weight loss are encouraged to sit in on meetings.

This particular support group is managed by the New Jersey Bariatrics team, and under the direction of Robert E. Brolin, MD, this team is one which works with incoming patients in order to help make their treatment as comfortable and stress free as they possibly can.

This is just one of the various support teams that are available in New Jersey, and there are bound to be at least a few similar to this available in your own area, so you just have to take a bit of time and check out your options, before deciding on any particular one, so that you can choose the best one for you.

Using Obesity Surgery Specialists

2007-08-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

Many folks who are defined as obese are turning to a surgery option for assisting in their weight reduction. Obesity surgery specialists are of two main types, bariatric surgeons who focus on modifying the stomach and intestinal systems to promote a healthier set of eating habits, and plastic surgeons.

Modifications To The Human Digestive System

Although surgery is often considered a drastic treatment, obesity surgery specialists are able to provide several alternatives. Traditional obesity surgery specialists focused on rerouting the intestinal track and physically modifying the size of the stomach as well. This is what is known as stomach stapling.

The most major problem with this is that it actually changes the way the body has to metabolize the food you eat, as well as, physically modifying your organs. Although successful in the majority of cases, most obesity surgery specialists would regard this alternative as a last resort as it is almost practically irreversible and is regarded as major surgery.

The more common technique that is now offered is banding. This allows the obesity surgery specialists to operate with a minimally invasive technique to provide an adjustable modification to the size of the stomach. In this way the stomach gets fuller more quickly and better eating habits are promoted.

Both surgeries, many folks would say, often mean that it actually becomes harder to eat and a number of folks lose their desire to eat in the manner they once enjoyed. This actually is a downside to the procedure, but the weight loss and the improved feeling of wellness experienced by most compensate for this.

The Use of Plastic Surgery

Other forms of obesity surgery specialists are those that perform plastic surgery. Many would consider liposuction as a weight reduction mechanism, but it does not promote better habits, and is primarily cosmetic. Although there is usually some temporary weight loss and you may look better, most obesity surgery specialists would prefer this procedure to be used in conjunction with some other weight management technique.

The other focus for plastic surgeons who regard themselves as obesity surgery specialists is the reduction of unwanted skin and general cosmetic surgeries that many feel is necessary once they have accomplished their weight loss.

Correcting the Eating Habit

Most, if not all, true obesity surgery specialists would regard their primary goal to provide their patient with a way to control their eating habits and promote the intake of higher quality proteins and complex sources of energy rather than sugars. Having a smaller stomach means that the patient literally has to control the types of food they eat or they feel unwell. Once this is achieved and careful weight loss begins, then more exercise becomes a factor and a condition of wellness results.

Do You Know The Side Effects Of Obesity Surgery?

2007-07-21T04:36:00.001-07:00

Traditional obesity surgery—often referred to as gastric bypass surgery—accomplishes two goals. First, the stomach is stapled so that the small pouch left can only hold a small amount of food. Second, the small pouch of stomach is attached directly to the middle portion of the small intestine so that it bypasses (hence the name) the upper portion of the small intestine where nutrients and calories are absorbed.

Of course, any time you so dramatically alter the human body, you can expect side effects, and obesity surgery is no exception. There are several reported side effects of obesity surgery. Five of the more common ones are as follows:

Side Effects Of Obesity Surgery #1: Decreased Ability To Absorb Minerals

If calories and nutrients can’t be properly absorbed, it makes sense that the minerals the body needs to function will not be properly absorbed, either. Almost all patients who have been through gastric bypass surgery must take vitamins with iron and calcium. Almost ¼ of gastric bypass patients require monthly injections of Vitamin B12.

Side Effects Of Obesity Surgery #2: Hibernation Syndrome

In addition to the trauma of going through a surgical procedure, the body, which now is no longer absorbing nutrients properly, sends a signal to the brain that it is starving. The brain immediately decreases all non-essential activities so that the patient can survive the “famine.” This may cause the patient to feel extremely tired with no energy to get up and move, go to work, complete household chores, or pay attention to children. Additionally, the patient may become depressed over their lethargic condition. Hibernation typically only lasts a few weeks, long enough for the body to adjust to its new circumstances, but the sheer exhaustion involved makes this time period feel like it will last forever.

Side Effects Of Obesity Surgery #3: Dumping Syndrome

This syndrome is as bad as it sounds. Because part of the bowel has been bypassed, people who have had gastric bypass surgery may feel sudden, intense urges to defecate. Some obesity surgery patients report occasional incontinence of bowel.

Side Effects of Obesity Surgery #4: Loose Skin

Obesity surgery does help people lose weight rapidly. When very heavy people lose weight fast, their skin becomes loose, almost like a garment they have outgrown. Those who have lost weight with obesity surgery often complain of unattractive loose folds of skin hanging from their bodies. This skin can’t be toned, because there is no muscle in it to tone (the muscle lies underneath the skin). Typically, cosmetic surgery, which most insurance companies will not pay for, is the only way to get rid of unwanted loose skin.

Side Effects of Obesity Surgery #5: Regaining Weight

Even a stapled stomach can be slowly expanded to hold more food. Just like people who try other diets, many people who go through the trauma of weight loss surgery find themselves regaining the weight they lost and then some.

Gastric bypass surgery provides a way for patients whose lives are at risk to lose weight quickly, it is not without its problems. There are many side effects of obesity surgery, and some patients may find these side effects unacceptable. However you choose to lose weight, getting the pounds off and keeping them off will require lifestyle changes and self-discipline on your part. There is no magic cure for obesity.

Prozac And Obesity: Why Depression Is Common Among Obese People

2007-07-21T04:35:00.001-07:00

For the past several years, some of the doctors have been known to give obese patients anti-depressant drugs such as Prozac to help them cope with their problems. Studies show that obesity and depression have become very closely related anti-depressant drugs, such as Prozac, and obesity seemed to be closely linked nowadays.

According to experts, people who take anti-depressants often suffer from insomnia and restlessness that can lead to several other forms of medical complications. What is more alarming is that people who have been taking anti-depressant drugs tend to suffer from withdrawal symptoms as soon as they are taken off the drugs. There have been so many reported cases of people who have been taken off their anti-depressant medication who became so depressed and suicidal that they are considered to be a danger to themselves and to others. In most cases, these people have to be taken into hospitals for close monitoring and treatment.

The link between Prozac and obesity has become so common in the past few years that several sectors have raised the alarm on the issue. According to some experts, in many cases, Prozac and obesity have become so closely related that some people have come see of this drug as a cure to obesity. Unfortunately, Prozac is designed to help people who are depressed and not to cure obesity. Prozac and obesity does not belong to the same category although the two of them are closely related to each other.

Getting Professional Help

Drugs should be used as a last resort when fighting obesity. Note that Prozac and obesity doesn’t have to go together all the time. There are ways and means to prevent obesity in the first place so we should all take advantage of these natural methods of preventing obesity. For instance, doing a lot of physical activities that will burn the calories that we have eaten will not only keep us slim, it will also build our muscles and keep us fit.

What is more interesting about doing exercise is that it helps us shake away the blues. Experts believe that doing physical activities are one of the most effective ways to fight off depression so instead of taking anti-depression drugs such as Prozac, one can shake off the blues by doing some brisk walking, jogging and other low impact physical exercises.

The Importance of Prevention of Obesity in Women

2007-07-21T04:33:00.000-07:00

Obesity is a problem worldwide and with men and women of all races and ages. However, there are certain methods that can be used in order to prevent or at least strive to prevent obesity, and this is particularly important when it comes to women. This is because the overall effects of obesity on women is much more devastating than on men, and so women even more so need to take the issue of obesity seriously.

Prevention of Obesity in Women

The most important step is prevention, and so this means taking the proper and basically necessary steps in order to avoid becoming obese in the first place, rather than simply dealing with the problem once it is too late.

One of the most important steps in regards to the prevention of obesity in women is to make sure that they are getting the proper amount of exercise. Although you would think having children would keep you on the go all the time and thus offer you the proper amount of physical activity, this is actually not necessarily true.

In fact, although you may be on your feet running after your children all day every day, you need to make sure that you are getting actually physically exerting exercises in. Running around the house can in no way compare to a good half hour of crunches, squats, and leg lifts.

So even if you have several children that you tend after, you are nonetheless going to want to try and make sure that you get to the gym at least once a week, or even work out right in your home if you have to.

Another crucial step for the prevention of obesity in women involves the diet. A woman needs many more nutrients and vitamins than a man, and so you need to make sure that you are eating a healthy and balanced diet each and every day. This does not mean that you have to get the expected number of food servings, or be overly cautious about what you eat, but just make sure that you are eating lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking at least eight glasses of water a day.

Regular checkups are also vital for the prevention of obesity in women, and so you need to make sure that you go in frequently to see your doctor, so that they can keep an eye on you and keep up to date on your health.

Overall, if you are interested in the prevention of obesity in women and want to include yourself in this, then following the previously discussed steps is going to be your first and most important move. This is going to get you started on living a healthy and proper lifestyle, and not only are you at less odds of getting obese, but as well you will have less risk of being susceptible to other health problems as well.