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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Morbid Obesity – Getting The Help You Need

For many people putting on weight seems to be just a normal part of life and is not something they worry about until either other people start to pass comment or it begins to affect their ability to go about their normal day to day life. By the time this happens however a surprisingly high percentage of people have passed through the stages of being overweight and obese and have reached the point of morbid obesity.

Morbid obesity is generally measured in terms of your Body Mass Index (BMI) which is calculated by taking your weight in kilograms and dividing it by the square of your height in meters. If the result of this calculation is greater than 40 then you are said to be suffering from morbid obesity. As a very general guide a man would be classed as morbidly obese if he were about 100 lbs overweight and a woman would reach this point when carrying approximately 80 lbs of excess weight.

So, having reached the point of morbid obesity where do you turn for help?
For a growing number of people the obvious solution would seem to be weight loss surgery however, as far as your doctor is concerned, this is not your first port of call but is very much the option of last resort. So where else can you look for a solution?

Your starting point has to be the traditional route of diet and exercise. Indeed, to qualify as a candidate for weight loss surgery, should this turn out to be your only workable option, you will need to satisfy your surgeon that you have tried everything else, including dieting, without success.

Despite the craze for diet and exercise that has been sweeping much of the Western world in recent years the sad fact is that the vast majority of people simple don't lose weight through dieting. They may well lose weight while they are on a diet but as soon as they come off it their weight bounces back up again and, in most cases, ends up above the weight at which they started the diet.

For people who are greatly overweight, and certainly for those who have reached the point of morbid obesity, there is also the added complication that their high weight is being sustained by a lifestyle and a pattern of eating which may be extremely difficult to break.

At this point you need professional help. A do-it-yourself diet or membership of your local slimming club or an organization like Weight Watchers is simply not going to work so don't waste your time even trying it. Sit down and talk to your doctor and get yourself onto a long-term (at least six months) medically supervised weight loss program under the care of your own or a specialist doctor and with the support of trained dietitians and counselors.

A medically supervised diet conducted over a reasonably long period of time with professional help and assistance to not only lose weight but to make the necessary changes to your lifestyle and eating habits stands a reasonable chance of success and, if it doesn't work, then you are at least part of the way down the road to qualifying for weight loss surgery.

Morbid obesity is, as its name suggests, a life-threatening condition and, having reached this point, you need to take positive action to reverse you weight gain before you start to run into one or more of the many complications that being morbidly obese will inevitably bring in its wake. This is not however a condition for which a simple "self-help" remedy will do the trick and you should not hesitate to seek professional medical advice and assistance right from the start.

About the Author
To find out more about getting the morbid obesity help that you need please visit Gastric Bypass Facts today.
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Sunday, October 12, 2008

Obesity Surgery

It is an undeniable fact that obesity has become a global epidemic and is wreaking havoc on our society as mortality rates soar. Approximately 30% of the general population is considered obese, but it doesn't stop there. An unprecedented 15% of young people are afflicted as well, leaving their budding lives scarred emotionally, physically, and psychologically.
Contrary to the unbelievable number of claims for products that miraculously take off the pounds, there is no magic cure for obesity. However, there is an option. Obesity surgery is becoming increasingly popular despite the many side effects.

Obesity surgery is only for those people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more or are suffering from a disabling condition due to excess weight. Morbidly obese people who are unable to lose weight by any other method often turn to this major surgery as a last resort. However, the younger generation soon may not have this option. Physicians are becoming very reluctant to perform obesity surgery on patients younger than 18 because of the lack of knowledge about the long-term side effects. The serious short-term consequences are a deterrent as well. The absolute minimum age recommended is 13 in girls and 15 in boys. The youngest patient on record who underwent obesity surgery was a 12 year-old girl.

The rate of obesity surgeries has multiplied unbelievably with over 170,000 done yearly. There are no reliable statistics on how many of these were performed on teenagers, but a definite increase was noted. Costs for the surgery range anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 (depending on the type), with the average being $30,000. If complications develop, obesity surgery may cost $65,000 or more. The effects, however, may be priceless for some. Adult patients lose an average of 70% of their excess body weight, while teenagers show even more promise at 82%. For a few patients, the results are devastating and the little weight they lose is quickly regained.

There are 2 main types of obesity surgery: those that reduce the size of the stomach and those that reduce absorption of calories in the small intestine. Gastric bypass is a combination of the two and is the most common type done. All require a lifelong commitment to making drastic changes in eating habits and lifestyle. Obesity surgery is beset with many risks and for young people, this may mean permanent stunting of growth. 2% of patients die from the surgery and 40% develop complications within six months.

Complications range from infection, respiratory problems and bleeding, to vomiting, hernias and stomach obstruction. Many patients develop anemia or osteoporosis in the long term and have to constantly take supplements. Obesity-related illnesses, such as diabetes, are often resolved, though. Considering only the short-term effects, young people actually have fewer risk factors in developing complications from obesity surgery if they follow all the recommendations.

Overall, obesity surgery remains highly controversial. Many argue that the psychological benefits of feeling human again far outweigh the disadvantages, especially for teenagers. There is always the possibility of regaining the weight lost or developing serious complications. Much of the success of obesity surgery depends on choosing an experienced physician and complying with orders. Obesity surgery has greatly improved over the years and for many, those unwanted pounds have become a thing of the past.

About the Author
John Furnem specializes in work psychology and Stress disorders, John write articles and seminars on the effect of stress on children/adults . John writes about Obesity Surgery at http://childhoodobesity.zupatips.com
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Friday, October 10, 2008

The Epidemic Of Obesity

One of the most serious problems dieticians have to encounter is that of obesity. According to the American Obesity Association (AOA), social structure, general and regional trends, socioeconomic transitions, as well as modernization and urbanization are the primary causes that led to the recent increase in obesity rates. The prevalence of overweight people is reported worldwide, both in developing and developed countries. Recent changes in consumption, culture, economic development and lifestyle have increased the problem of obesity, both in children and adults. Thus, it is of vital importance for people all around the globe to understand the risks associated with being obese and direct their efforts in reducing this alarming trend that is spreading.

The USA obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions and the numbers are socking. As recent statistical data indicate, 58 million people are overweight, 40 million obese and 3 million morbidly obese. These numbers are further supported by the fact that 8 out of 10 people over 25 years of age are overweight. Moreover, 78 percent of Americans do not meet the basic activity level recommendations. Even more alarming are the results that indicate a 76 percent increase since 1990 in Type II diabetes in adults belonging to the 30 to 40 age group.

Consequently, a variety of diseases and health problems appear to be directly related to the obesity trend monitored. As the scientific reports land on the physicians' desks, it is reported that 80 percent of Type II diabetes has to do with the increased levels of obesity in adults, 70 percent of cardiovascular disease is caused by poor eating habits, 42 percent of breast and colon cancers diagnosed belongs to obese individuals, 26 percent of high blood pressure is caused by the excess weight a person carries and 30 percent of gall bladder surgery is performed on a person that suffers from serious obesity problems. Moreover, obesity is also a risk factor in higher rates of certain types of cancer as well as fatty liver disease, vascular disorders, thrombosis, obstructive sleep apnea, musculoskeletal problems and gastro-esophageal reflux. Abdominal obesity is particularly associated with insulin resistance syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

If the numbers above have alarmed you enough to go and weigh out yourself, try to remember that suffering from obesity should not be something you should be ashamed of. You need support and guidance to change your eating and exercise habits, but most importantly you need to maintain your motivation. Eating smaller quantities is not enough. You have to eat right and keep yourself alert of the severe consequences related with poor nutrition and low exercise levels.

About the Author
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Health, Family, and Science
Published At: www.Isnare.comPermanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=80254&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Obesity - Causes And Solutions

Due to the dramatic increases in obesity over the past 20 years, it has now reached epidemic proportions. Thirty percent of adults over the age of 20 are obese in the United States, or 60 million people. This epidemic includes not only adults, but children as well. The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than doubled in the last 20 years. There are now 9 million children between the ages of 6 -19 who are considered overweight.

WHAT IS OBESITY?
Obesity is defined simply as too much body fat. Your body is made up of 70% water. The other 30% consists of fat, protein, carbohydrate and an assortment of vitamins and minerals. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including the following:

*Hypertension
*High total cholesterol
*Type 2-diabetes
*Coronary heart disease
*Stroke
*Gallbladder disease
*Osteo-arthritis
*Respiratory problems
*Certain types of cancers

CAUSES OF OBESITY:
The epidemic of obesity did not crop up overnight. Obesity is a chronic condition caused by an assortment of factors. Because there are so many factors involved (genetics, environment, metabolism, overeating, etc.), it is very difficult to treat the problem.

For instance, a person’s genetics and environment can increase their risk of obesity, but their behavior also influences their risk. It is easy for someone to blame heredity for their obesity, but the choices a person makes can increase or decrease their risk significantly.

The choice to be physically inactive and practice unhealthy eating habits not only greatly increases the risk of obesity, but it leads to other diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. On the other hand, people who avoid the behaviors that increase their risk can expect to live healthier and longer lives.ADDING TO THE PROBLEM:

In the United States, our food options and eating habits have changed dramatically over the course of the past 20 years. We are faced with an astounding array of choices in the grocery stores, many that are not healthy.

Shelves are packed with foods that are pre-packaged and high in fat, sugar and calories. Even foods that are marked as healthy or low-fat may contain more calories than the high-fat food they are supposed to replace. It is important to always read food labels for nutritional information.

Fast food restaurants, while convenient, tend to be high in trans fats, carbohydrates and sugar. Portion size in restaurants has increased dramatically resulting in increased calorie consumption. If the body does not burn off the calories from eating the larger portions and drinking the sugar-laden soft drinks, unhealthy weight gain takes place.

Technology has created many labor saving products that reduce the amount of energy we expend in our daily lives. Instead of people walking or riding a bicycle for short distances, cars are used. Instead of children playing outside, they are in the house watching television.

SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM:
Promoting regular physical activity and a healthy and nutritious diet are essential building blocks for creating a healthy body. In order to accomplish this, you must create an environment that supports this way of life or the obesity epidemic will continue to grow. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Adding regular physical activity contributes to an amazing array of benefits for your body. It reduces your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, and cancer. It reduces weight, alleviates the pain of arthritis, relieves depression symptoms, and reduces the need for medications.

Whatever physical activity you participate in does not have to be exhausting to be valuable. Remember, any movement is better than none! Taking a brisk walk every day for 20-30 minutes will significantly benefit your body, physically and mentally.

HEALTHY DIET: Good nutrition, like physical activity, lowers the risk for obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. A diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat builds a healthy, strong body. Although most Americans know that a healthy diet is necessary, they are slow in changing their poor eating habits.

These poor eating habits usually begin during childhood and are difficult to change later in life. Children and teenagers eat a diet consisting of too much fat and not enough fruit and vegetables. This results in a generation of overweight, unhealthy children who grow into overweight, unhealthy adults.

Proper diet and nutrition and physical activity are the cornerstones for a healthy body, a body that will not be at risk for obesity or any of the other health-related diseases. However, many diet and exercise plans fail because people jump in headfirst and make too many changes into their routine too quickly. Making small changes slowly over the course of many months is the key to teaching your body to accept these changes and be successful.

About the Author
Chris Chenoweth writes articles pertaining to health & nutrition, budgeting, and online business. If you would like additional information on healthy ways to lose weight, try the most effective fat-burning system available, the BURN THE FAT program: http://www.ezniche.com/data/article.php?l=18
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Saturday, October 4, 2008

Child Obesity

Child Obesity is a medical disorder that is found in young children. Children who suffer from this disorder will typically have a weight that is out of proportion with their age and height. Many countries consider this condition to be an epidemic, and it is common in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Statistics show that one out of every three children living in the US is considered to be overweight. There are a number of elements that are responsible for the rise of child obesity in the US. These three elements are genetics, acquired, and marketing.

Research has shown that children who are born to parents who are obese are likely to become obese themselves. While this is often caused by the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods, and some believe the condition may be genetic as well. However, this research is currently being conducted, and there is no concrete evidence which has currently been found to support this. Some children have been found to become obese because of the way their bodies grow. Another element that many believe is responsible for causing children to become obese is referred to as being acquired.

A large number of children in both the US and UK do not get sufficient amounts of exercise. Certain forms of technology such as computes, cell phones, and video games have created an environment where many children are not burning calories by being physically active. The energy that is not used may be stored in the body in the form of fat. It should be noted that it is not the technology that is responsible for this, but it is the failure on the part of parents to make sure their children are getting reasonable amounts of exercise. In the West, many children eat unhealthy amounts of fast or junk food, which has become quite popular. These foods tend to be rich in saturated fat, and are low in nutrients.

The third element which is often blamed for child obesity is marketing. In the United States and Britain, fast food companies are known for advertising their unhealthy foods to young children, and some parents have begun blaming them for the rise in child obesity. However, the junk food and fast food companies often point out that it is not their responsibility to supervise the diet habits of those who eat their products. They often point out that this is the responsibility of the parents to make sure their children are eating right.

There are a number of complications that can be caused by child obesity. Children can develop dangerous ailments such as heart disease or diabetes, and some may also develop cancer. Many of these children who are overweight will remain the same after they have become adults. Some of these children are humiliated by their peers, and may even be insulted by their own families. Because of this, children who suffer from obesity are prone to suffering from mental disorders. There is current debate about who is responsible for this. While it is easy to blame junk food companies, parents ultimately have the responsibility of making sure their children eat right and exercise.

About the Author
Michael Colucci is a writer for http://www.child-obesity.knowledgesearch.net which is part of the http://www.knowledgesearch.net network
Published At: www.Isnare.comPermanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=68269&ca=Family+Concerns

Friday, October 3, 2008

Obesity In Children

Obesity is a condition that can shorten your life and can seriously affect you mentally and physically. It often has its roots in childhood. Obesity in children is growing at a frighteningly fast rate. There are more obese children now than ever before. Parents are letting their carelessness with their own diets spill over into their children’s lives.

Here are a few points to think about when trying to prevent obesity and health problems for your children.

Small children are normally energetic and often require snacks in-between meals. It is most important to choose healthy snacks for your children.

Alternative snacks can include:

Vegetable snacks like carrot sticks and celery boats are a good and fun alternative to chips and “junk food” snacks.

Fruit can be substituted for candies and sugar snacks.

Soda and sugar snacks like candy produce hyperactivity in many young children and will sow the seeds for problems later in life. It also leads to dental problems and the beginnings of obesity. It is good to keep these foods in check and use alternatives if possible. Sugar is a known addictive food in that the more you eat the more you want to eat. This can quickly escalate into a serious eating problem and can lead to obesity as the body stores excess sugar as fat.

Breakfast cereals are perhaps the biggest problems in children’s diets. Everyone is in a hurry in the morning and it is easy to reach for the cereal packet for a quick family breakfast. However be careful of these presweetened cereals as they give unnecessary large amounts of sugar to your child’s system laying the grounds for sugar addiction. Now there are many alternatives to presweetened cereals. There are many good tasting “healthy” cereals providing added fiber and less if any sugar. These are good for your children as they will provide them with a much more nutritious breakfast and not just fill them up with sugar and excess carbohydrates.

Fast food habits also begin when children are quite small. This is reinforced by extensive TV advertising and propaganda for these foods. It is almost inbred in us to eat hamburgers chips and other fast food. Children have an inborn liking for these foods and can easily become quite addicted to them. It is wise to try to keep these foods in limit, as they are not the healthiest foods to eat, especially for children who are growing and need nutritious foods to develop properly.

Good eating habits begin when children are very young. It can start from the time they first start to eat. It is very important to a child’s health to start good eating habits at a young age. It is possible to lay the foundations of good and healthy eating habits when children are still quite small. It is just a question of educating ourselves and passing on good habits to our children. When you do this you reduce the possibility of obesity in your children and all the mental and physical risks involved.

About the Author
Zach Thompson is a Glyconutrients Consultant. His clients range from pro athletes and actresses, to cancer patients and children with Learning Disabilities. To learn if glyconutrients can help you, visit Buy Glyconutrients Product
Published At: www.Isnare.comPermanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=67977&ca=Family+Concerns

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Obesity Facts You Should Know About

The facts about obesity are very well known in every population and community. The government have television adverts and leaflets plastered everywhere so people know the facts so why are they still becoming obese? Are the facts not clear? Is the government not doing enough to stop obesity levels from rising? Or are people just really lazy and don’t really give a damn?

The truth is probably the last question I asked. Many people are blocking out the messages that obesity is becoming a serious world wide problem and that things need to change. If people only watched what they ate, spent maybe ten minutes a day with exercise then people wouldn’t have to worry about the pressure and ranting from the government and health officials about obesity and things could go on as normal but that is not the case and the same problems remains, but it gets worse!

Obesity facts are available everywhere and they are showing shocking facts and figures. Over 300 million adults in America are obese, 46% of men and 32% of women in the UK are obese and the numbers of obese children are rising also. We need to take a look at the way our lives are lived and do something drastic now before it is too late and there is no going back.

Medical conditions, emotional pain and unhappiness are all setbacks of obesity and there are facts and medical evidence to support this so why is no one taking heed and sorting out their lives?! Some people have no worries so why do they have to listen to the mad raving of others when all ti would take to stop the ravings is some common sense and weight loss.

Obesity fact; the numbers of obese people are rising and nothing is getting done, another fact; if we don’t do something now there will be nothing we can do later and we are all doomed. Obesity is a serious issue and cannot be swept under the carpet. The sooner we address the problem and sort it the sooner it will go away!

About the Author
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