Gastroenterology

How People Become Morbidly Obese

How Do People Become Morbidly Obese?

When you pass obese on the BMI chart, things become laborious. Some medical conditions exacerbate weight gain. Genes and social issues increase risk.

Growing Obesity Problem

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Not that you want to do it yourself, but how do people grow the size of two or more humans? The first clue is outgrowing your wardrobe. If you have been under­weight for some time, you may welcome some extra pounds.

Soon, you become satisfied with just a few outfits. Then you begin purchasing loose-fit oversized clothing. Depending on your height, this could go on as 50 pounds creep up on you.

After you blast past obesity on the BMI chart, things others take for granted become difficult—like getting out of bed and walking. Breathing can get laborious. Depression may intensify a desire to consume unhealthy foods.

While society strives to be satisfied with a variety of body types, doctors continually study the adverse results of obesity. One theory is that “Obesity leads to chronic systemic inflam­ma­tion, which could provide a permissive environment for tumor growth.”

Medical Reasons For Obesity

Some medical conditions that exacer­bate weight gain are hypothyroidism, lymphedema, diabetes treatment, Cushing’s syndrome, fluid retention, or poly­cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Certain medications, notably steroids, and also some anti­depres­sants, anti­psychotics, high blood pressure drugs, and seizure medications may also increase body weight. Chronic pain can limit mobility, therefore a reduction in exercise.

Social Reasons For Obesity

Though fat cells do not discriminate among pocketbooks, poorer neighbor­hoods often have limited access to healthy foods. Processed foods that are high in sugar and sodium contribute to weight gain. Rather than being obesity’s sole cause, hereditary genes seem to increase the risk of weight gain and interact with other environmental risk factors, such as unhealthy diets and sedentary life­styles.

“Additionally, environ­ments experiencing depriva­tion, disorder, or high crime have shown to be associated with higher odds of obesity, which may appear more frequently in low social status individuals,” according to Alexandria Lee, et al.

Physical activity that burns more calories than consumed can protect against weight gain, but there is a global decline in sufficient exercise. Lack of sleep is also emerging as a risk factor for obesity. So poor nutrition paired with limited and infrequent exercise are primary factors that lead to obesity. Ignoring the scale, weight can creep up to 10 or 20 pounds per year.

The more important question you might pose to a gastroenterology professional is, “How do people reverse morbid obesity?” Many people turn to bariatric surgery. Surgery is not going to alter people’s behavior toward food. A change in personal mindset with a switch to healthy habits breaks the cycle. It is a life-long behavioral adjustment.

A 15-year follow-up on bariatric patients revealed a correlation in skin cancer reduction as a side benefit. There may be residual stretch marks. In some cases, excess skin must be surgically removed. But these added side effects are a small price to pay to make you feel better.

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To support the writing of useful articles about gastroenterology, ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may sponsor specific articles or remit a small donation.

ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about gastroenterology. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.

ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may remit a small donation.

You can support the writing of useful articles about gastroenterology by sponsoring specific articles or remitting a small donation. Visible content is optimized for device size.

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