OBESITY – THE FITNESS FACTOR

Obesity is a situation whereby there is an accumulation of fat in body tissues. An obese individual is said to be suffering from obesity.

Adipose tissues contribute largely to the development of obesity in humans. Adipose tissues are composed of cells called adipocytes. These adipocytes can multiplied rapidly when there is increased and excess food intake usually carbohydrates and fatty foods.

The causes of obesity include the following; consumption of refined and processed food products, fatty foods, foods possessing high quantity of sugar (sweetened foods) and so on.

When these foods are consumed in large quantities the body utilizes the calories it requires while remaining calories are stored in adipose tissues. For instance, excess carbohydrates and sugar are converted into fats which are stored in the adipose tissues. The cumulative effect of this accumulation of body fat results in obesity.

The commonest yardstick used to measure obesity is the body Mass Index (BMI). The body mass index is calculated by dividing the body weight (kg) of the individual by the square of the height (m). A body index value less than 18.5 denotes underweight, a body mass index values of 18.5 – 24.5 denotes moderate weight, a body mass index values of 24.5 – 24.9 denotes overweight while a body mass index of over 24.9 denotes gross overweight.

The effects of obesity cannot be overemphasized or neglected. It results to diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction. Studies have shown that most obese persons usually suffer from the above-mentioned diseases. Hypertension and cardiovascular disease results from arteriosclerosis and the formation of atheromatus deposit in blood vessels while diabetes mellitus could be as result of insufficient insulin to convert excess serum glucose into glycogen.

The management and treatment of obesity include the following; dietary discipline, avoid indiscriminate consumption of processed and sweetened foods, fatty foods, avoid practicing sedentary lifestyle and engaging in exercises to burn excess calories.

Obesity can be prevented if the above-mentioned dietary habits are obeyed. To stay healthy and fit you must avoid being obese. There is this maxim that says “the wider your waist line, the closer your death line”. Hence, be wise and remain healthy.