PREVALENCE OF OBESITY IN WOMEN AT DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

PREVALENCE OF OBESITY IN WOMEN AT DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

A woman's life is very dynamic which involves lot of passive and active changes. Right from childhood to adulthood, she goes through varied phases of life.where she has to manage her education, marriage, take care of her children, and deal with the pressures of being a homemaker and a professional. She is subjected to enormous emotional turmoil all through-out her life ignoring her health.Particularly, when it comes to obesity,studies have shown that obesity increases in women over time.More than 35% of the people fighting the battle against obesity in India are women.

 

Girls going through early menarche start gaining weight due to hormonalchanges,dietary changes, lack of physical activity and fear of going out. This happens because estrogen is being produced at higher rates than before. Moreover, during early years of puberty, many girls feel insecure & this leads to decreased physical activity. All these aspects are the potential risk factors of becoming obese says Dr.Lakshmikanth T, MBBS, MS, Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist, Star Hospitals

 

 

During teenage, owing to the rapid hormonal changes and other bodily changes, girls may also notice a sudden increase in appetite. Menstrual irregularities, psychological peer pressure to look better, unexplained mood swings, changes in sleep-patterns, societal pressures are major contributors of obesity in girls during teenage.

 

Particularly, in India, societal pressure after marriage is tremendously high.During this phase, they don’t really find time to take care of themselves. There are a lot of changes in her environment which has a lot of influence in women gaining weight. Especially the Indian environment. That is why, many women tend to gain weight after their marriage.Pregnancy and motherhood where hormonal imbalance, decrease in physical activity and increase in dietary intake leads to weight gain. Dual responsibilities of a homemaker and being aprofessional, places her in a stressful situation which often leads to lack of sleep, excess food intake, and increases a craving for unhealthy food which further leads to weight gain. Growing personal and family demands further leads to stress and is a time in life when many women experience a disproportionate weight gain.

 

If you want to avoid obesity, it is important to start at a young age. You can do this by practicing good health habits, being physically active, and following a proper diet. Reluctance and ignorance can lead to Morbid Obesity in the later phase.

Diabetes, hypertension, asthma, stroke, sleep apnea, neurological disturbance can be a part of the medical conditions associated with weight gain.

 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MORBID OBESITY?

 

Morbid Obesity is an extreme health hazard with medical, psychological, social, physical and economic co-morbidities. There is increased risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes (type-2), heart disease, stroke, gall stone disease, breast cancer, prostate and colon. Morbidity obese persons are victims of prejudice and public ridicule due to their size. This repeated mental trauma leads to psychological illness such as depression.

Discrimination at work results in poor socio-economic conditions. Morbid obesity is a treatable cause of early preventable deaths.

 

Why should Morbid Obesity be treated?

 

Morbid obesity is a disease like any other disease. It has become necessary to recognise this entity as a cause of severe mental and physical morbidity which shows significant improvements following weight loss. It is more important for the patients themselves to understand this disease, its morbid implications and their inability to control it on their own.

 

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

 

  • Prevention is better than cure
  •  frequent weight check-up(in the early stage, weight gain around hips and thighs, should be carefully monitored)
  • Check your dailycalorie intake
  • Eat healthy & natural food
  • Stay physically active (walking, aerobics, jogging)
  • Alter your sedentary lifestyle
  • Reduce stress
  • Get adequate sleep
  • Early dietary counselling

Despite of all the efforts, if we are unable to lose weight, we can opt for Bariatric Surgery. It can bring-in promising results and impart hope into the lives of individuals. What is bariatric surgery?

 

Bariatric Surgery is a treatment option for patients with morbid obesity.

  • This surgery helps you lose weight by altering your body’s food digestion and absorption
  • There are several surgical options, each having their benefits and risks

For comprehensive weight management, it is always advisable to take the help of Comprehensive Weight Management team. Subsequent to the initial analysis & your BMI Index, an appropriate plan of action will be derived. If an individual is unable to lose weight naturally (with exercise / dieting) and if BMI is significantly high, you may opt for Bariatric Surgery.

 

The more you live with obesity, the more unproductive you will be. Weight shouldn’t be an obstacle in your life to achieve your dreams. Don’t hesitate to take opinion and seek medical help whenever it is required.

 

Book Appointment:  Dr.Lakshmikanth T, MBBS, MS, Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist, Star Hospitals