Obesity

(Overweight, Weight control)
A person gains weight if he eats more what his body uses, has a little physical activity, or has a low basal metabolic rate resulting in too much body fat. Obesity, which usually runs in families, leads to many health problems and shortens life expectancy.

Symptoms
* Body weight of at least 20% in excess of normal body weight for his height, age, sex, and build.
* Shortness of breath.
* Sweatiness, overheating.

Complications
* Diabetes mellitus.
* Heart disease.
* High blood pressure.
* Blood cholesterol.
* Osteoarthritis ( inflammation of a joint due to wearing out the cartilage that lines it).
* Back problems.
* Cancer of the colon, rectum, prostrate ( in men), or breast cervix, or uterus (in women).
* Psychological problems, low self-esteem.

Causes
* Over eating. Excess calories are stored as fat.
* Sedentary lifestyle ( low physical activity, little or no exercise).
* Low basal metabolism; hypothyroidism ( unusually slow metabolism), in rare cases.

What you can do
* Consult a doctor.
* Reduce your weight by eating less and following a low fat, high fiber diet.
* Begin an aerobics exercise program, but do not do it on your own. Seek the assistance of a trainer instructor.
* Engage in aerobic exercises activities e.g. swimming, cycling, walking, jogging, walk up stair instead of using elevators or escalators. For severe overweight start with a non-weight-bearing exercise like swimming, cycling, and water aerobic to prevent damage to knees and ankles.

What your doctors can do for you
* Determine the cause of obesity and treat it.
* Treat complications.
* Refer to a dietitian.
* Refer to a psychiatrist for behavior modification therapy.
* Check for contradictions to the weight control and aerobics programs.

Prevention tips
* Always eat a balanced diet. Eat moderately sized meals. Eat low fat, low sugar but high fiber diet.
* Exercise regularly.

Now if you were an over weight and or someone you know needs help. You know what to advice!