Harmful Effects of Obesity

Weight loss, from a simpler perspective, is the reduction of the total weight of the body, usually involving the decrease of fluid, body fats and other bone mineral deposits in the human body. Weight loss can occur accidentally or inadvertently mainly due to a disorder or an illness in the body. For example type 1 diabetes mellitus if not managed properly, in most cases can lead to activities in the body that lead to the loss of both fat and lean mass, consequently resulting to a significant reduction in total body weight. Other factors such as lack of fluid intake, HIV, use of certain medications and even fidgeting can trigger fluid loss resulting in the significant loss of body weight.

Intentional weight loss refers to the reduction of total mass of the body in an attempt to enhance physical fitness, well being, and/or general appearance. Some people use certain dieting tips to achieve this or use other artificial methods. People shed body weight for a variety of other reasons ranging from the desire to decrease the likelihood of developing diseases, the aspiration to meet certain standard for participation in a sport or even just for the sake of appearing physically athletic or attractive.

People subscribe to weight loss techniques because of a number of health, physical, psychological and social problems emanating from being obese itself. It is believed that overweight people are subjected to the following troubles:

- Diseases ranging from cardiovascular diseases, skeletal disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, infertility and pregnancy problems, physical discomforts and a host of other health problems.

- Psychological problems manifesting in form of general unhappiness, stress, low self esteem and a sense of insecurity.

- Overweight people are considered to be liable to surgical complications.

- Obese people may lack the energy or desire to socialize as a result of real or perceived prejudice in the community against them. Some employers often equate overweight with laziness, ill-health and unattractiveness.

- Evidence shows that obese persons face a higher risk of harm due to limitations in movement that makes them less able to avoid accidents.

- In many cases, extra insurance premiums are payable by overweight persons for various insurance coverages.

One of the easiest and in fact, the most common weight loss method often recommended by physicians, is adjustment to eating patterns and improved physical activity, usually in the form of exercises. Overweight individuals are often advised to desist from ingesting foods with high calorie content as well as other processed foods, and then try to increase their rates of physical activities to make them sweat as often as possible. Although various debates have been raised relating to whether or not high calorie foods affect the human body weight or not. Increased intake of vegetables, salads and natural foods are also known to help a great deal.

A technique known as 'crash dieting'; the willful nutritional restriction for over 12 hours (except for water) is also employed by some to fight obesity. The anticipated result is to have the body burn fat for energy with the aim of losing a substantial amount of weight within a short moment. Increased intake of water, no doubt, helps the body a great deal. However, arguments have been raised as well regarding the possibility of excess water intake exacerbating rather than ameliorating obesity.

In some cases, persons with severe obesity problems resort to surgery in order to artificially reduce the stomach's size. It is not uncommon to see people these days going for 'tummy tuck' and bariatric surgeries especially individuals who have been unable to achieve significant weight loss through diet modifications and exercise programs alone. Surgeries have been shown to have adverse effects sometimes as reports show that complications from weight loss surgeries are frequent.

The use of drugs and supplements has become popular among people today in their bid to shed body weight. The contents of these drugs help to reduce stomach volume, stop the absorption of fats by the body, provide for important body nutrients or simply decrease appetite. Records indicate that billions of dollars is spent annually on weight loss products and services, including medical procedures and pharmaceuticals.