Obesity Prevention Sources

May 10, 2014

Obesity Prevention Sources-Developmental Origins

Obesity does not discriminate on any line prevention of obesity is better than cure especially in children

Obesity is a condition which has been for a long time been seen to be a problem of choice and an unfortunate failure of will and self-restraint by many in the society. However it has much deeper and more complex roots, which we are going to discuss in this article so that we get to know more about the origins of obesity. For instance genes clearly play a role in driving an individual’s propensity to gain excess weight, as does the environment and gene environment interactions. Early-life influences, beginning with the intrauterine environment and continuing through the first few years of life, also shape the trajectory of weight gain and body fatness throughout the life course.

If a mother smokes during pregnancy or gains too much weight, there’s a greater chance that her child will be obese. Lack of sleep or too-rapid weight gain during infancy may also increase obesity risk. A proposal has been made by researchers that coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases develop in part due to inadequate nutrition during life and infancy.

The gathered data is showing that higher birth weight is also associated with obesity, diabetes, and other adult diseases has helped extend this concept into the developmental origins hypothesis which encompasses the preconception period as well as many critical periods of fetal and infant development. During each of these periods, several factors appear to have a substantial impact on obesity in childhood and adulthood. I will be discussing some of the outlines of the key prenatal and early life influences on the development of adult weight and obesity, I want therefore to request you to keep reading and be adequately informed at the end of this article.

Obesity Prevention Sources-Prenatal Influences on Obesity

The warm, nutrient- and hormone-rich environment of the uterus has a profound effect on fetal development. Brief or fluctuating changes in the intrauterine environment at critical or sensitive periods of the developmental process, as well as longer term alterations, could have irreversible, lifelong consequences. Three modifiable prenatal factors that appear to shape fetal nutrition and health in later life are:

The mother’s smoking habits during pregnancy.
The mother’s weight gain during pregnancy.
The mother’s blood sugar levels during pregnancy, specifically, when she develops pregnancy-related (gestational) diabetes.

It makes intuitive sense that the mother’s diet during pregnancy should also affect fetal development and birth weight, but evidence for this is inconsistent.

Obesity Prevention Sources-Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy and Child Obesity Risk

Although smoking during pregnancy tends to slow the rate of fetal growth children born of women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to be obese than the children of women who don’t. In a meta-analysis of 14 studies, maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with a 50 percent higher risk of childhood obesity. Most of the studies looked at children’s obesity status at ages 3 to 7; one study assessed obesity at age 14, and another tracked the children all the way to young adulthood.

Obesity Prevention Sources-Gestational Weight Gain and Childhood Obesity Risk

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is more common now than it was in 1990 when the Institute of Medicine (IOM) first offered recommendations for pregnancy-related weight gain. In addition, more women are beginning pregnancy overweight or obese. These worrisome changes prompted the IOM to reevaluate what constitutes healthy weight gain during pregnancy, with new evidence suggesting that weight gain once considered normal by the IOM actually increases the risk of childhood obesity. Further studies revealed that children born of women who gained excessive amount of weight had above four times risk of being overweight at age 3 compared with children born of women who gained an inadequate amount of weight. Even women who gained what was considered to be an adequate amount of weight bore children who were nearly four times more likely to be overweight at age 3 than children of women who gained an inadequate amount of weight.

Obesity Prevention Sources-Gestational Diabetes and Child Obesity Risk

Weight gained during pregnancy is primarily adipose (fat) tissue. Proliferation of adipose tissue is often accompanied by a state of relative insulin resistance starting in mid-pregnancy. This adaptive response allows for more efficient transfer of glucose and other fuels across the placenta, so the fetus can grow. But it may also subject the fetus to periods of high blood glucose and elevated insulin. These can lead to increased body fat, which generally manifests as larger size at birth. Many studies show that birth weight is directly associated with later BMI, so it makes sense that gestational diabetes in a mother may contribute to obesity in her child.

Maternal BMI at the beginning of pregnancy is a strong risk factor for offspring obesity and other conditions. Once pregnancy begins, however, it is not a modifiable factor and no one is recommending that women try to lose weight during pregnancy. That is why achieving a healthy BMI before pregnancy begins is one of the most important goals for preventing obesity across generations.

Postnatal Influences on Obesity

Environmental influences don’t stop with birth. Instead, they merely shift from a small, confined space largely controlled by the mother’s genes, lifestyle, and physiology to an unbounded environment with equally influential effects. Three modifiable postnatal factors during infancy that influence weight in later life include

How rapidly an infant gains weight.
How long an infant is breast fed.
How much an infant sleep.

Breastfeeding and Obesity Risk

The initiation and duration of breastfeeding may influence obesity in later life, although this is a controversial area of research. In two meta-analyses of breastfeeding versus bottle feeding, breastfeeding was associated with a 13 percent and a 22 percent reduced risk of obesity in later life. Duration of breastfeeding may matter: A meta-analysis of 17 studies of breastfeeding duration found that each additional month that infants were breastfed was associated with a 4 percent lower risk of obesity later in life.

It is not clear that breastfeeding itself actually prevents obesity, however, as both breastfeeding and obesity may be influenced by similar socioeconomic and cultural factors. Although debate lingers over whether breastfeeding protects against childhood obesity, breastfeeding has many other proven health benefits for infants and their mothers, and it should be promoted regardless of its relationship to childhood obesity.

Healthy Behaviors During and Even Before Pregnancy Can Help Prevent Obesity

Nutrition and other lifestyle factors during several early periods in the lifecycle just before conception, the months spent in utero, and the months after birth can have profound effects on an individual’s weight at birth, during childhood, and on into adulthood. These are also potentially optimal times for intervention, for two reasons:

Women may be more receptive to making lifestyle changes as they prepare to get pregnant and when they are pregnant to increase the likelihood of having a healthy baby. And after giving birth, many women are willing to make substantial changes to raise a healthy infant. Here are five key messages for clinicians to give to women of childbearing age that could help improve their health and the health of their children, and limit the current epidemic of obesity:

Strive for a healthy weight before pregnancy.
Don’t smoke during pregnancy.
Aim for a reasonable weight gain during pregnancy.
Breastfeed (preferably without other liquids for 4–6 months and some breastfeeding for at least 12 months).
Ensure infants get adequate sleep during the first few years of life.

Finally as I conclude this article, having known the causes you can evaluate yourself and if you feel disturbed by your weight you can visit AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care for treatment. You will be handles with experts who will focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE to make you get better and enjoy your life to the fullest.

Obesity Prevention Sources-Developmental Origins

Obesity and the immune system

May 2, 2014

Obesity and the immune system-How does it happen?

You are healthy when you have strong immune system and physical activities helps sustain it.

The general humanity is informed of the significance effects of obesity on various diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, sleep apnea and more recently, fatty liver disease but probably many may not be aware of the effects of obesity on our immune system and this is what we want to find out in this article, all I ask of you to keep on the site and keep reading. Recent studies in humans affected by obesity and obese animal models have shown an impaired immune response or immune function leading to increased chances for various infections. However the cause of this has not been well defined. Let us review what is currently known about this possible harmful effect that obesity has on the body.

Obesity and the immune system-Nutrition and Immune Function
you probably have heard the phrase “Eat an apple a day; you will keep the doctor away.” This is actually true. Studies do show that eating a diet that is high in fiber and antioxidants (fruits and vegetables) and has enough protein helps to keep your immune system working properly. Specific micronutrients such as iron, selenium, zinc, copper, as well as vitamins C, A, E, B-6 and folic acid have important roles in the body’s immune response.

Feeding on foods rich in sugar and fat or consuming too many calories make you more prone to infection. This is because it can lead to increases in blood sugar or may cause oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is an overproduction of reactive oxygen species compared to the body’s ability to detoxify cells. This type of damage from oxygen increases your chances of infection.

You will be at risk of protein energy malnutrition if you have too little protein intake. This has also been associated with significant impairments of immunity. It is commonly thought that malnutrition cannot happen in an individual affected by obesity; however, deficiencies and malnutrition happen because of a poor diet. Therefore, deficiencies could very well occur in any individual who eats poorly, no matter their weight.

Obesity and the immune system-Good diet to help your immunity

If you are affected by obesity, decrease your calories to help facilitate weight-loss.
Decrease simple carbohydrates such as: sweets, goodies, baked goods, sugar sweetened beverages, sugar, honey, jams, jelly, etc.
Decrease excess “bad” (saturated or trans) fats commonly found in: commercial baked goods, processed or fried foods, cheese, whole and 2% milk, ice cream, cream, fatty meats (beef and pork products), butter and margarine. Bad fats are also found in some vegetable oils – coconut, palm and palm kernel oil.
Eat two cups of whole fruit per day and at least three cups of vegetables per day.
Drink or eat three cups of low-fat (1% or skim) liquid dairy or dairy alternative per day (light yogurt, low-fat or fat-free milk). Eat two to three ounces of lean meat or beans with two meals per day (three ounces = deck of cards).
Drink at least 60 to 80 ounces of water per day.

Obesity and the immune system-Physical activities and Immune Function
Exercise and health go hand-in-hand. We have all heard that exercise helps fight diseases such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, cancer, sleep disturbances, mood and obesity itself. In general, people who exercise and are physically active throughout the day tend to live longer, healthier lives. There is also evidence that exercise does improve immune function. Studies have shown that exercise seemed to increase numbers of certain immune cells that help to bolster immune activity.

Moderate exercise has been reported to increase certain immune cells, reducing the risk of infection. On the other hand too intense of exercise (without adequate rest) has actually been shown to increase stress on the body and cause a person to be more at-risk to infection.

Obesity and the immune system-Obesity and Immune function
A person affected by obesity that eats healthy and exercises is still at risk for decreasing immune function. Obesity itself has been shown to impair immunity in some studies. Some of these specific findings include:

Decreased cytokine production
Altered monocyte and lymphocyte function
Natural killer cell dysfunction
Reduced macrophage and dendritic cell function
Decreased response to antigen/mitogen stimulation

Now, you may be saying to yourself, “What does all that mean?” The bottom line is studies have shown impaired immune response in animals and people affected by obesity, leading to increased risks of infection. The exact cause of these findings is not known. Obesity is an extremely complex disease and many processes and pathways are altered, any of which could affect the immune system.

Population studies have shown the same things. For instance, hospitalized patients affected by obesity are more likely to develop secondary infections and complications, such as sepsis, pneumonia, bacteremia, and wound and catheter infections. Overall, it appears that obesity may increase risk for bacterial and viral infections. Severe obesity, in and of itself, has also been named a risk factor for increased severity of infection and death from the H1N1 influenza strain. Those affected by obesity may also be at risk for viruses like H1N1 because of less of an immune response to vaccinations, although it has not been studied to date.

Obesity and the immune system-Vaccines and Obesity
How does vaccine work? It does by introducing a killed or weakened form of disease to the immune system. The killed or weakened disease is not strong enough to produce symptoms or signs of the disease, but the vaccine does stimulate production of antibodies to protect against the disease if you come in contact with it in the future.

A lot of work has been done regarding hepatitis B vaccines in regards to obesity, in which studies show strong evidence that individuals affected by obesity have a very high non-response rate to vaccination. This means after the introduction of the non-active virus to the individual’s immune systems, the disease fighting antibodies are not produced to the extent they need to be to protect against the disease.

In a person affected by obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30-39), studies have shown that it takes a more potent hepatitis B vaccine in order to come close to the response rate of a standard single dose therapy in an individual with a BMI less than 30 (overweight). Finally the exact cause of how obesity affects the immune system is unknown. One theory is the type of fat that you have, as not all fat is created equal. White adipose tissue (WAT) is usually found in higher levels in people who are affected by obesity. Several studies show that WAT has many functions, including regulation of inflammatory processes. When the body has excess WAT, chronic inflammation makes it harder for the body to fight off infections.

Well known links exist between diet, exercise and immune function. Eating healthier and incorporating moderate exercise can help to increase your immune function; however, now it is known that obesity itself (diet or genetic induced) decreases immunity leading to increased risk of bacterial and viral infection as well as decreased responsiveness to some vaccinations. The good news is that amidst all these several studies at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury. You will be cared for and have your life restored while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Obesity and the immune system-How does it happen?

Obesity and Religion today

April 11, 2014

Obesity and Religion today-The truth of the matter

Weight gain, obesity has no room with this healthy but fun exercise

I come from a Christian background with good moral teachings at a family level and beyond. In my up bring I can state with certainty that apart from when in school all my days were spent either in the church or in a church related event or function, and so I am a son of the church if I may put it that way. Why this introduction in this health topic? Is there any meaningful relationship between the church (religion) and obesity as a health risk today? Answering these questions will form the basis of this article and I take the earliest opportunity to seek your indulgence to take a moment and read on.

Obesity and Religion today-Order of events

You are probably wondering why obesity in the church set up, I was wondering too but listen to this, in my introduction I mention that “apart from time spent in school, all my days were spent either in church or in a church related function” to understand this better let us discuss some of the orders of my church, every:

Mondays the church has fellowships in various local languages and this is a door to door event done in rotation depending on your cell group.
Tuesdays is set aside for senior believer’s fellowship that is those who are very strong and undoubtedly faithful to the doctrines of the church as spelt in the bible.
Wednesdays is for fellowship conducted in the national language meaning all ethnic groups attend in their respective cells (i.e.., eastern, western, central and more)
Thursdays is church bible study.
Fridays all the cell groups of Wednesdays have one regional meeting in a given location.
Saturdays is dedicated for young adult’s fellowship.
Sunday we have four different church services.

Obesity and Religion today-The diet

As you can see each day of the week is occupied. Now back to the problem of obesity in all these events and many others not mention there is food every time these meeting takes place. The feasting after each event is normally not under any control. Host members take their day and entertain their guest in their own way. You can now start to understand where I am heading to. The kinds of meals prepared are so luring and appetizing that everyone will always ask for more. At this time the knowledge of healthy feeding habits is not a consideration and faithful can only feast and make merry.

You can margin if you subscribe to all these groups and you are committed in each on a daily, weekly and monthly basis not withstanding your own poor feeding style at the restaurants and even at home, you will certainly become addicted to food and poor you it is with the wrong kinds of food which are not in any way healthy at all. It’s no wonder some studies have established that young adults who frequently attend religious activities are fifty percent more likely to become obese by middle age as compared with young adults with no religious involvement

We may not categorically state that religious participation is associated with development of obesity, but looking at the narrations above it’s possible that getting together weekly and associating good works and happiness with eating unhealthy foods could lead to the development of habits that are associated with greater body weight and obesity.”

Obesity and Religion today-Awareness

Previous research established a correlation between religious involvement and obesity in middle-age and older adults at a single point in time. By tracking participants’ weight gain over time, however the new study makes it clear that the normal weight of younger adults with high religious involvement became obese, rather than obese adults becoming more religious, this research is being presented at the American Heart Association’s Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism/Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention Scientific Sessions 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Obesity is the major epidemic that is facing the globe’s population right now. We know that people with obesity have substantial risks for developing diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer, and of dying much younger. It’s therefore very important that we use all of the tools at our disposal to identify groups at risk and to provide education and support to prevent the development of obesity in the first place. Once the weight is on, it is much harder to lose it. Knowing this, as writers and the society at large we must caution that the research findings should by all means be taken to mean that people with frequent religious involvement are more likely to become obese and not that they have worse overall health status than those who are non-religious. This is because we all can testify that people with frequent religious involvement tend to live longer than those who aren’t religious in part because they tend to smoke or take alcoholic drinks less if not at all.

Here’s an opportunity for religious organizations to initiate programs to help their congregations live even longer. The organizations already have groups of people getting together and infrastructures in place that could be leveraged to initiate programs that prevent people from becoming obese and treat existing obesity. This is an action point and these groups must desire to embrace teachings on how dietary changes and increased physical activity can lower cardiovascular disease risk factors such as obesity, cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Now that you know how to gain weight and become obese in the religion set up you need to make a positive decision about this problem. It’s not something you would want to try but instead run away from as much as you can. I want to make this conclusion remarks for you who is reading this article, if you are already have the problem of weight gain or obesity or if you know of a friend or relative going through this, help is just a stone through away with doctor Dalal Akoury of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. Doctor Akoury cares for you and will focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. This is something you don’t want to miss if you wish to have your life back and live it to the fullest.

Obesity and Religion today-The truth of the matter

Tag Archives: Obesity and health