1.
Excess body fat is associated with several chronic diseases,
including:
Heart Disease: Obesity increases the risk of heart disease due
to the strain it puts on the heart and its contribution to other
risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, and type 2
diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes: Excess fat, especially abdominal fat, can
interfere with insulin's ability to regulate blood sugar, leading
to type 2 diabetes.
Hypertension: Obesity often leads to high blood pressure due
to the increased strain on the cardiovascular system.
Sleep Apnea: Excess body fat, especially around the neck, can
lead to obstructed airways, causing breathing problems
during sleep.
Certain Cancers: Obesity is linked to increased risks of certain
cancers, such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancers.
Osteoarthritis: Excess weight puts added stress on joints,
leading to joint damage and pain, particularly in the knees
and hips.
Stroke: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of
having a stroke due to its impact on blood pressure and
cholesterol.
2.
Yes, where you carry your body fat matters. Fat distribution
plays a significant role in the health risks associated with
obesity.
Central Obesity (Abdominal Fat): When fat is stored around
the abdomen (visceral fat), it poses a higher risk for metabolic
issues than fat stored in other areas, like the hips and thighs.
This type of fat is more likely to contribute to insulin
resistance, higher cholesterol, and an increased risk of
cardiovascular diseases.
Pear-Shaped vs. Apple-Shaped Bodies: People with an apple-
shaped body (fat primarily around the stomach) are at a
higher risk for heart disease and diabetes compared to those
with a pear-shaped body (fat around the hips and thighs).
3.
Central obesity, or abdominal fat, is dangerous for several
reasons:
Increased Risk of Metabolic Disorders: Central obesity leads
to higher risks of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic
syndrome, which includes conditions like high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.
Cardiovascular Disease: Abdominal fat is closely linked to
heart disease, as it can lead to higher levels of "bad" LDL
cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation in the body, all of
which contribute to heart problems.
Hormonal Imbalance: Visceral fat can influence hormone
levels, leading to conditions such as polycystic ovary
syndrome (PCOS) in women or affecting cortisol levels, which
can increase stress and weight gain.
Increased Inflammation: Abdominal fat produces
inflammatory molecules that can contribute to the
development of chronic diseases.
4.
While BMI is a commonly used measure to assess body
weight in relation to height, it has several limitations:
Does Not Distinguish Between Fat and Muscle: BMI does not
differentiate between lean body mass (muscle, bones, etc.)
and body fat. A muscular person may have a high BMI but not
have excess body fat.
Ignores Fat Distribution: BMI does not account for where the
fat is distributed on the body, so a person with abdominal fat
may be at higher risk than a person with the same BMI but
fat distributed in other areas.
Not Accurate for All Populations: BMI can be less accurate for
certain populations, such as the elderly, children, and
athletes.
Doesn't Account for Ethnicity: People of different ethnic
backgrounds may have different body fat distributions and
health risks at the same BMI, which makes BMI less useful in
these cases.
5.
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the amount of energy
(calories) your body needs to perform basic life-sustaining
functions such as breathing, circulating blood, and regulating
body temperature while at rest. BMR accounts for the
majority of your daily calorie expenditure.
How to Calculate BMR: There are several equations to
estimate BMR, with the Harris-Benedict Equation
being one of the most commonly used:
o For men: BMR=88.362+(13.397×weight in kg)
+(4.799×height in cm)−(5.677×age in years)BMR =
88.362 + (13.397 \times \text{weight in kg}) +
(4.799 \times \text{height in cm}) - (5.677 \times \
text{age in
years})BMR=88.362+(13.397×weight in kg)
+(4.799×height in cm)−(5.677×age in years)
o For women: BMR=447.593+(9.247×weight in kg)
+(3.098×height in cm)−(4.330×age in years)BMR =
447.593 + (9.247 \times \text{weight in kg}) +
(3.098 \times \text{height in cm}) - (4.330 \times \
text{age in
years})BMR=447.593+(9.247×weight in kg)
+(3.098×height in cm)−(4.330×age in years)
6.
EER (Estimated Energy Requirement) is the number of
calories a person needs to maintain their weight based on their
activity level. It takes into account BMR along with physical
activity level and other factors such as age, sex, and health
status.
Difference between BMR and EER: While BMR is the
number of calories your body needs at rest, EER includes the
calories required for physical activity. Therefore, EER is a
more comprehensive estimate of the total calories a person
needs to maintain their current weight, considering both
metabolic and activity factors.
Extra question :
The factors influencing obesity are complex and multifaceted.
Some of the forces that can influence obesity include:
Genetics: Genetic factors can influence a person's
susceptibility to gaining weight, how fat is stored, and how
energy is metabolized.
Environment: Access to healthy food, food deserts, and
opportunities for physical activity can all influence weight
gain.
Psychosocial Factors: Stress, mental health issues, and
societal pressures can affect eating behaviors and physical
activity levels.
Behavioral Factors: Diet, physical activity, sleep patterns, and
sedentary lifestyles all contribute to obesity risk.
Economic Factors: Financial constraints can limit access to
healthy food or gym memberships, leading to an increased
risk of obesity
