Index
- The consequences of obesity on the quality of life of the patient
- Overweight, the cause of several chronic diseases
- Obesity, a chronic disease, a source of prejudice
- Obesity prevention, what measures should be taken?
- Situations that can lead to obesity
- Twice the risk of coronavirus hospitalisation with excess weight
The consequences of obesity on the quality of life of the patient
An obese person is one who accumulates excessive or abnormal body fat with harmful consequences to health. Obesity is a major health problem in the world today. It is mainly due to the current lifestyle. People no longer have the time to exercise and do sports when they are consuming more and more calories. However, these are not the only consequences of obesity. Aging, medication or stress, behavioural or environmental factors and heredity can also contribute to its onset.
Overweight, the cause of several chronic diseases
Obesity and overweight have serious repercussions on the health of the person affected. A high body mass index contributes to the development of various chronic diseases. Being overweight, especially abdominal obesity, increases the risk of blood pressure by three times. However, the most common illnesses that result from obesity are:
- Les maladies cardiovasculaires : They are consequences of obesity and can occur as a result of bad cholesterol, high blood pressure and The latter can lead to a stroke or myocardial infarction (heart disease).
- Le diabète de type 2 : It is due to a high blood sugar level. The body's need for insulin increases as the amount of fat increases. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin. Untreated diabetes leads to vascular damage.
- Des problèmes de l’articulation Excess weight leads to inflammation of the vertebral discs and the development of arthritis, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. The hands, hips, knees and back are the main victims.
Other illnesses are: complications of pregnancy, respiratory problems, urinary incontinence, cancer or infertility. And these are the other consequences of obesity.
Obesity, a chronic disease, a source of prejudice
Being overweight affects the quality of life of the obese by promoting stigmatisation or discrimination. In some cases, harassment at school can lead to deep wounds, bullying and intimidation. The consequences of obesity are evident in young children. Lack of self-esteem, feelings of shame and even a poor body image gradually take their place. In the office or in society, some individuals experience sexist and even racist attitudes. There is also mockery, physical violence or petty assaults. The latter can give rise to mental health problems that contribute to the occurrence of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Suicidal thoughts
- Social exclusion
In some cases, the overweight person has to deal with harsh remarks from health care staff, relatives, acquaintances, colleagues or friends. And often the looks of others hurt.
Obesity prevention, what measures should be taken?
Obesity prevention must start at a very young age. The different causes of obesity in children are :
- Lack or absence of sports practice
- Nibbling
- A sedentary lifestyle: time spent in front of shelves, smartphones, computers, etc.
- Fast food
The health consequences of obesity can prove fatal in the long run. Therefore, it is important to address the occurrence of overweight by following these steps:
- The regular practice of a sporting activity
- The establishment of a good eating habit (balanced and diversified)
- Reducing salt and sugar in food
- Frequent calcium intake in children
- Monitoring the weight curve of adolescents and children
Situations that can lead to obesity
Excess weight can occur due to various circumstances. Given the consequences of obesity, vigilance is required. Various signs should therefore be a cause for alarm, particularly when you have stopped smoking or playing sports. During pregnancy too, weight should be monitored. Otherwise, the onset of the menopause also promotes overweight. Hormone treatments require the advice of the doctor, as some of them contribute to the patient's excessive weight gain. Thyroid insufficiency, obesity in the family, repeated weight variations, are at the origin of obesity. It can also happen that in certain situations, an individual can gain weight. This is the case when he or she has personal, professional or family worries. For example, a change of job, a move, a problem of the heart, a disagreement, will encourage weight gain. Some women, for example, eat a lot when under stress.
Twice the risk of coronavirus hospitalisation with excess weight
Obese people are vulnerable to the severe form of coronavirus. Being overweight promotes the development of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, the complications of which can be fatal. Covid-19 may require respiratory assistance when the patient's immune system is weak. On this subject, researchers have announced that the Covid-19 vaccine may not be effective in obese people. These are the consequences of obesity. People who are overweight have to be very careful about their state of health. More than 47% of coronavirus-infected individuals admitted to intensive care units are overweight. The risk of being placed under invasive mechanical respiration is high.
