November 17th, 2014
Obesity is classified as a complex metabolic disorder that is characterized by abnormally high body mass index. Generally body mass index of 25 or low is considered optimal for health and wellness. You can calculate your BMI by this formula :
Body weight (in kg)/ height in meters^2
In certain genetically susceptible individuals, body mass index can be as high as 28 or above. Obese individuals have excessive accumulation of fat deposits that may increase the risk of several health related issues like cardiovascular illnesses, atherosclerosis, deep venous thrombosis, diabetes, and hypertension. Most importantly, obesity or weight related issues also affects the self-esteem, confidence and emotional health of the individuals.
It is imperative to understand that weight loss can be effectively achieved with modification of lifestyle, behavioral changes, incorporation of functional physical activities and dietary regulations.
Are you aware that:
Research and clinical studies have statistically proven that advanced obesity affects the physical health, as well as emotional and psychological health. Obese adults are less confident, emotionally unstable and socially inactive. According to a new study published in the peer reviewed The Korean Journal of Obesity (3) investigators reported that the prevalence of depressive symptoms in obese women is 21.2%.
Here’s how obesity can affect self-esteem:
Obese individuals are treated differently in social gathering. We live in a society where physical appearance determines job security, high wages, promotions at work and other social and economical benefits. Obese individuals are more likely to face social discrimination; for example:
Most obese individuals feel ‘ugly’ or unattractive. This greatly affects their confidence to interact or socialize with people. Consequently, these individuals tend to be loners and socially awkward. Needless to say that such behavior further aggravates the issue of obesity by:
Data indicates that obese individuals avoid limelight which reflects in a number of ways. Most over-weight adults avoid sports related activities or other fun stuff to limit social interactions or a lot of attention. This could also be due to health issues like inability to run fast, sleep apnea, excessive sweating or other obesity related health issues. Consequently, these individuals feel less productive and useful as compared to peers and develop guilt and low self-esteem.
It is very important to boost the confidence and self-esteem in obese individuals in order to prevent complications. Healthcare providers advise parents or loved-ones to identify the factors that are promoting obesity, instead of criticizing or ignoring obese members of the family. For example, in certain families, obesity is mainly due to inherited metabolic conditions or as a complication of a primary health issue.
Interventions should be sought to prevent complications like:
Study reported in peer reviewed journal Comprehensive Psychiatry (4) concluded that:
“The findings showed that 4 domains of interpersonal problems were associated with binge behaviors and self-esteem in obese participants. Moreover, the relationship between binge behaviors and interpersonal problems was partially mediated by self-esteem”
For best results, it is best to seek professional help to identify the causes, pathophysiological factors, metabolic influence and management options in order to address obesity and related complications.
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