The Facts on Obesity: Excess weight, often referred to as obesity or unhealthy weight, stands as a primary contributor to preventable illnesses and fatalities in North America. Over the past decade, the prevalence of overweight individuals in developed nations has risen significantly, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare obesity an "epidemic." In the United States, approximately 33% of the population, roughly sixty million people, grapples with excess weight. In Canada, the issue affects approximately 10% to 25% of teenagers and 20% to 50% of adults. Those who are obese face a considerably higher risk of severe medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, gallbladder disease, and various cancers, compared to individuals with a healthy weight.
Root Causes: The root of obesity lies in the imbalance between calorie consumption and expenditure. While the common belief used to be that overeating and insufficient physical activity, indicative of a lack of willpower, were the primary causes, the medical community now acknowledges obesity as a multifaceted problem involving genetic, environmental, behavioral, and social factors.
Recent studies suggest that certain genetic factors can contribute to changes in appetite and fat metabolism leading to obesity. Individuals with a genetic predisposition to weight gain, coupled with a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle, face a heightened risk of becoming obese. Despite genetic influences, environmental and behavioral factors play a more significant role. Consistently consuming excessive calories from high-fat foods and maintaining a sedentary lifestyle over an extended period are key contributors. Psychological factors, such as low self-esteem, guilt, emotional stress, or trauma, can also drive overeating as a coping mechanism.
Indications & Complications - Health risks associated with obesity encompass:
- Respiratory disorders (e.g., sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Certain cancers (e.g., prostate and bowel cancer in men, breast, and uterine cancer in women)
- Coronary artery (heart) disease
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Gallbladder or liver disease
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- High blood pressure
- Joint disease (e.g., osteoarthritis)
- Stroke
Individuals grappling with obesity may exhibit symptoms related to the mentioned medical conditions. Common manifestations include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, breathing difficulties, and joint pain (particularly in the knees or lower back). The severity of medical problems linked to obesity tends to increase with the degree of obesity.
Beyond medical complications, obesity is also intertwined with psychosocial challenges such as diminished self-esteem, discrimination, employment difficulties, and a reduced quality of life.
GET STARTED TODAY! - If you have any questions regarding the ChiroThin™ Lifestyle Program or would like to schedule a video or an in-person appt., please send us an email to [email protected] or call us at 1-416-633-3000. Don’t forget to ask us to email you our FREE "ChiroThin™ Brief Guidelines Overview"… your email address is required! (Only Available for Ontario, Canada Residents).
