Obesity is a health condition characterized by an excess amount of body fat. It is a medical condition that increases the chance of developing other major diseases and health concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and some malignancies. It may be difficult for some people to lose weight. Obesity results from not just the intake of more calories than one can burn. It is often caused by a combination of genetic, physiological and environmental variables. 

Obesity – understanding the body mass index (BMI)

If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is less than 18.5, you are considered underweight. You are within the healthy weight range if your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. If your BMI is between 25.0 and 30, you are considered overweight. Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30.0 or greater.

What causes obesity?

1. External factors

You are overweight when your body takes in more calories than it can process and burn off. If it continues to be this way, you may become obese. Many believe that obesity simply results from excessive food consumption and insufficient exercise, resulting from a lack of motivation and self-control. Even though these are important determinants, doctors understand that obesity is a complicated medical concern and involves factors that are not always in our control, including genetic, environmental, behavioural, and social aspects. 

2. Genetic issues

According to a recent study, some genetic variables may trigger alterations in hunger regulation and fat absorption and this can contribute to obesity in some cases. A person who is likely to gain weight (e.g., has a slower metabolism) and lives an idle and unhealthy lifestyle is at a high risk of becoming obese.

A person’s genetic composition predisposes one to obesity; however, it is not the major reason. Environmental and behavioural variables also play a role; eating too many calories from high-fat meals and engaging in little or no regular physical activity increases body weight in the long run. In addition, not getting enough sleep, suffering from anxiety and some medications can induce weight gain, contributing to obesity. Childhood obesity that continues into adolescence might make adult weight loss more challenging.

3. Medical conditions

BED or binge eating disorder, is an eating condition caused by frequent eating episodes of foods that tend to be too delicious to resist. During these episodes, the person consumes a large quantity of food and feels out of control with respect to their food craving.

Psychological issues may also influence obesity. The need for instant gratification from food cravings, self-shame, mental turmoil, self-image issues or trauma can contribute to overeating as a coping mechanism. Childhood traumas or childhood maltreatment can raise the likelihood of obesity.

Problems associated with obesity

The obvious symptom indicative of obesity is extensive weight gain, but other associated symptoms may include:

• Breathing problems (e.g., sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
• Certain forms of cancer (e.g., prostate and bowel cancer in men, breast and uterine cancer in women).
• Coronary artery disease (heart disease).
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Liver or gallbladder illness
• Gastroesophageal reflux syndrome (GERD).
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Joint disorder (e.g., osteoarthritis).
• Stroke
• Obese people may be at a higher risk of the aforementioned medical conditions. Besides the physical consequences, obesity has been connected to psychosocial problems like poor self-esteem and psychological trauma from being on the receiving end of harassment, trouble obtaining work and a lower quality of life.

Home remedies post bariatric surgery

Post-Bariatric Surgery, follow the diet and lifestyle changes suggested by your doctor. Ensure that you continue living a healthy lifestyle. Below mentioned are some popular home remedies that may help in managing weight. Talk to your doctor before trying any of these-, 

• Lemon Juice with warm water and honey. It will help you detox and is also packed with Vitamin C, which assists cells in the healing process.

•  Apple Cider Vinegar. It can help speed up metabolism and aid in fat breakdown. A spoonful of vinegar before each meal is an effective approach to suppress one’s appetite.

• Ayurvedic remedies for obesity include eating fresh curry leaves in the morning. Curry leaves contain a chemical known as mahanimbine, which has fat-burning properties.

• Replace caffeinated drinks with green tea. It is packed with antioxidants that enhance metabolism.

• Garlic has anti-obesity qualities that aid in weight management. It helps in burning extra calories and the nutrients in garlic boost metabolism, which supports your weight loss goals. You may consume garlic on an empty stomach and it will prevent you from overeating. Try to chew 2-3 raw garlic cloves every day.

• Aloe vera juice helps to enhance metabolism, which leads to fat burning. Drinking 1 cup of aloe vera juice twice daily may be helpful. 

• In today’s fast-paced world, stress is common and it leads to weight gain. You should try relaxation methods such as meditation and yoga to handle stress. Breathing exercises are also important in stress management.

• After the bariatric surgery, do not engage in hardcore training; start with small steps. After 3-4 weeks, you can resume exercising regularly.

• Eat small portions of healthy, easy-to-digest meals.

When to seek professional help?

Consult your doctor if you are concerned about your eating habits or excessive weight. It’s critical to be checked out and rule out dangerous illnesses that accompany obesity. 

If you have obesity, consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms, such as chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, etc. Your physician will examine the underlying cause of your weight gain and recommend diet/lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery if it’s hampering your health.

Conclusion 

Obesity affects a lot of individuals and not only causes numerous health issues but also makes people lose their self-esteem and confidence. Surgery is recommended, particularly in the case of heart patients, as obesity makes their condition worse. Home remedies can be used post-bariatric surgery to maintain a healthy lifestyle and body weight. 

FAQ’s

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.