The single most prevalent metabolic disorder in countries where food supplies are abundant is obesity. A person is considered over weight if his weight exceeds the upper range of ideal weight for his body frame. He is considered obese if his weight exceeds by 15-20% his ideal weight. Obesity occurs when the caloric intake exceeds the energy requirement of the body for physical activity and growth, with resultant accumulation of fat. This excessive adipose tissue may be distributed generally over the body or may be localized. Hormones from the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and sex glands all play important roles in fat distribution.
For the most part, obesity is preventable. Unfortunately, however, the follow-through of treatment for prolonged periods is usually difficult. Relapse becomes extremely common.
The amount of body fat can be estimated from the measurement of skin fold thickness with calipers. Most commonly employed, however, are bathroom scales, and the commonly available tables for estimation of desirable weight with relative guidelines for determining obesity. Some
physiologists claim that certain persons are more efficient than others in their ability to digest, absorb, and utilize food. Although this theory is not completely substantiated it has been observed many times that some obese patients lose weight much easier than others, on a given caloric intake.
Direct study of fat cell size by biopsy and the subsequent measurement of the isolated calls permits calculation of the total number of fat cells in the body. The average non-obese adult has approximately 40 trillion fat cells. Individuals who develop obesity in the middle years of life develop larger fat cells. Those who develop obesity during their growing years increase fat cell numbers, as well as size. This potential of forming new fat cells, with excessive food intake during growth, enhances our emphasis on prevention in childhood. Most studies demonstrate weight loss in both types of obesity to be associated with reduction in cell size, but seldom are there actual loss of fat cells.
Psychological and cultural factors influence our tendency toward obesity. Certain persons may have abnormal appetites, using food as a substitute for satisfaction that ordinarily would be supplied in other ways. In this respect, these persons resemble somewhat the alcoholic, hence are often termed ‘foodaholics.”
Increased food intake may also result from depression or anxiety. The resulting obesity may increase a persons tendency toward isolation. Merely reducing food intake without understanding the underlying emotional problems is usually unsuccessful. Some cultural groups place great emphasis on food, developing habits of overeating at an early age. In fact, in some societies obesity is associated with success and even health. Education of individuals, families, and all ethnic groups in society is important to achieve proper understanding of fantastic health benefits obtained in weight reduction, also enabling the provision of emotional support during the transition.
For the most part, obesity is preventable. Unfortunately, however, the follow-through of treatment for prolonged periods is usually difficult. Relapse becomes extremely common.
The amount of body fat can be estimated from the measurement of skin fold thickness with calipers. Most commonly employed, however, are bathroom scales, and the commonly available tables for estimation of desirable weight with relative guidelines for determining obesity. Some
physiologists claim that certain persons are more efficient than others in their ability to digest, absorb, and utilize food. Although this theory is not completely substantiated it has been observed many times that some obese patients lose weight much easier than others, on a given caloric intake.
Direct study of fat cell size by biopsy and the subsequent measurement of the isolated calls permits calculation of the total number of fat cells in the body. The average non-obese adult has approximately 40 trillion fat cells. Individuals who develop obesity in the middle years of life develop larger fat cells. Those who develop obesity during their growing years increase fat cell numbers, as well as size. This potential of forming new fat cells, with excessive food intake during growth, enhances our emphasis on prevention in childhood. Most studies demonstrate weight loss in both types of obesity to be associated with reduction in cell size, but seldom are there actual loss of fat cells.
Psychological and cultural factors influence our tendency toward obesity. Certain persons may have abnormal appetites, using food as a substitute for satisfaction that ordinarily would be supplied in other ways. In this respect, these persons resemble somewhat the alcoholic, hence are often termed ‘foodaholics.”
Increased food intake may also result from depression or anxiety. The resulting obesity may increase a persons tendency toward isolation. Merely reducing food intake without understanding the underlying emotional problems is usually unsuccessful. Some cultural groups place great emphasis on food, developing habits of overeating at an early age. In fact, in some societies obesity is associated with success and even health. Education of individuals, families, and all ethnic groups in society is important to achieve proper understanding of fantastic health benefits obtained in weight reduction, also enabling the provision of emotional support during the transition.
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