Understanding the Risk Factors and Causes of Obesity

April 1, 2015

Understanding the Risk Factors and Causes of Obesity: Information about causes of Obesity Exposed

Understanding the Risk Factors and Causes of Obesity. It is not all about overeating but other factors like genetics are also major causes of obesity

Winning the fight against overweight and obesity is a must do thing. We have written about the prevalence of obesity in the past years and we are not about to stop. We made a commitment to win this fight for the sake of the good health of the society. Over the past decades doctor Akoury has been posting articles targeting members of the public who are ignorant of the power they have over obesity and overweight. In most of those articles a lot has been discussed to help people have a change of the mind set about their feeding habits and general change of lifestyle. Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury are impacting positively on peoples’ lives across the globe through this informative health information. We want to continue doing that in this article while focusing on the risk factors and causes of obesity in the present generation. We must therefore get to the understanding the risk factors and causes of obesity known to us and for the purpose of this article; we want to zero in the genetic factors as a cause of obesity.

Understanding the Risk Factors and Causes of Obesity: Genetic Factors

It is regrettably that in most peoples’ minds people who are struggling with obesity or overweight are either eating too much or are just lazy and are not being responsible for their body weight. I say that it is regrettable because this is not really the true position 100 percent. There are so many reasons why one can become obese or overweight and genetics in one of them. Experts have conducted several studies in the past and the findings revealed that the perception of the public may not be accurate. People who are obese or overweight are having more complicated biologically factors working against them (these biological factors are commonly called bad genes). Let us look at some evidence supporting the genetics as a cause of obesity:

The finding of some studies done some decades ago in the 80s is amazing. In that study it was established that a good population of obese people who followed to the letter a good exercise program had to decrease significantly their food intake to at least 25 percent in relation to the levels of their lean counterparts in order to lose weight. The reasons for this marked difference in metabolism are thought to be predominantly genetic.
Yet in another study, adults who were adopted as children were found to have weights closer to their biological parents than to their adoptive parents. The understanding of this is that the person’s genetic makeup had more influence on the development of obesity than the environment in the adoptive family home.
Researchers fed identical twins 1,000 calories more than usual. This was done six days a week for 100 days. Even though everyone was overeating, some eaters gained more weight than others. However, for each set of twins, the amounts gained were similar.
Another study looked at identical twins who were raised apart. Researchers found that both twins gained similar amounts of weight regardless of their eating and exercise habits further confirming the genetics aspect as a cause of influence.
Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and African- Americans seem to store fat more easily than other ethnic groups. It is suggested that members of these groups may possess a “frugal gene” that encourages efficient energy storage during times of plenty to tide them over in times of famine.

Scientists speculate that a few different fat genes may have survived from past generations of people who struggled against starvation during times of food scarcity. Such genes allowed them to eat and store calories when food was plentiful. Then, when food was scarce, the genes helped the people burn fewer calories so that they could live off their fat as long as needed, thus helping them to survive, researchers theorize.

Unfortunately, these genes are carried over to the modern world when such scarcity does not exist and making the carriers of them predisposed to obesity. A similar phenomenon works on our stress response. Our reaction to stressful events comes from the response of our ancestors during the ancient cave days with “fight” or “flight” response.

Understanding the Risk Factors and Causes of Obesity: The hereditary causes

The hereditary causes contributing to the predisposition to obesity include:

Low serotonin levels – This, in turn, leads to a deficiency in tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor of serotonin. Low tryptophan leads to hunger and craving for carbohydrates.

Insulin resistance or insensitivity – If your body lacks the ability to clear insulin from the bloodstream quickly, you may feel hungry even when you have eaten enough. This condition is aggravated by lack of physical exercise, by taking diets high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fat. This leads to an increase in hunger, higher set point, and decreased thermogenesis (the energy used to produce heat).

Impaired sympathetic nervous system activity – This leads to decreased in thermogenesis.

High Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) enzyme level – Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is an enzyme produced by the body. Its function is to transport fat from the blood into storage in fat cells. The higher the LPL level, the more predisposed you are to store fat. Your inherent LPL level is partly determined by your heredity. So, if your parents are obese, you may have higher LPL levels than the children of thin parents, thus predisposing you to store more fat. If you have high LPL levels, dieting will worsen this situation because a low-calorie diet makes LPL more efficient at storing fat.

Lower percentage of brown fat – This leads to an increase of 25 percent higher efficiency in producing energy and heat leaving a net savings of more calories go into fat storage.

Deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 – This was found to be present in up to 50 percent of obese subjects.

Understanding the Risk Factors and Causes of Obesity: Genetic Predisposition to Obesity

If both of your parents are overweight, you have an 80 percent chance of also having weight problems.
If one parent is overweight, your odds are 40 percent.
If neither parent is overweight, you have only a 10 percent chance of being overweight.
If you’re African-American, you’re twice as likely as a Caucasian to be fat.
If you’re a Native American, a Pacific Islander, or a Hispanic, you’ll have more trouble fighting fat than someone of European ancestry.
If you’re Asian-American, you have less chance of becoming fat than members of other ethnic groups. But any excess fat will tend to land on your abdomen.

Finally we can now state authoritatively that obese or overweight people are not in that situation because they are lazy or they are overeating. Genetics factors are equally a major cause of obesity. You can get more clarification on areas of concern to you by scheduling for an appointment with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care today.

Understanding the Risk Factors and Causes of Obesity: Information about causes of Obesity Exposed

Knowledge of the Benefits of Losing Weight

March 31, 2015

Knowledge of the Benefits of Losing Weight: Reduce Health Risks by Losing Weight

Knowledge of the Benefits of Losing Weight. Exercise for those who knows the benefits of losing weight

Before you can start talking about being helped to lose weight, there are certain things you must first appreciate and acknowledge. You must have accepted that you have a problem and that problem needs to be fixed. You must also be strong enough to accept that some of the risk involved could be life threatening and this should be your motivation factor to desire to lose weight even the more. You must also be well armed with the knowledge of the benefits of losing weight. In other words understanding what you stand to gain when you lose weight and maintain that desired health weight. Once you are equipped with these, then the motivation will be in plenty. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, there is a strong relationship between your personal sense of involvement and investment in weight loss and the potential for succeeding on any weight loss plan. Doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of this health facility states that one way to increase your sense of investment and commitment in this issue (losing weight) is to learn how losing will reduce your risk of having some health problems that everyone would not like to be associated with and would do all it takes to avoid.

Knowledge of the Benefits of Losing Weight: Prevent Twin Killers Heart Disease and Stroke

Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death and disability for both men and women in the United States and the world over. The reasons as to why knowledge of the benefits of losing weight is very important are because overweight people are more likely to have:

High Blood Pressure. This is a major risk factor for both heart disease and stroke.
Very high blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats). These can also lead to heart disease and are linked to being overweight.
Angina. Being overweight can also contribute to this problem that involves chest pain caused by decreased oxygen to the heart.
Sudden death from heart disease or stroke without any signs or symptoms.

Losing weight is very important and must not be taken for granted. Any weight lost by an overweight or obese person is never insignificant when it comes to improving health. Like for instance a reduction of weight just by 5-10 percent can decrease your chance of developing heart disease or having a stroke. You can improve your heart function, blood pressure and your levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides. The good news is that you need not to have a workout for it to count; even just by doing the household chores and little walking around is effective.

Knowledge of the Benefits of Losing Weight: Losing Weight Can Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Health complications like both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be very frustrating. The frustration becomes even greater because they are diseases which are managed for life a process which can be very worrying psychologically. Without any intension of scaring you, the truth is that both conditions Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are linked with long-term complications that life threatening and generally reduces the quality of life. Therefore for those who are overweight or obese, their risk of contracting such diseases is twice more higher as compared to people with healthy weight. The good news is that you can reduce your chances of getting this disease by losing weight and by increasing your physical activity progressively.

Knowledge of losing weight is very important in the sense that if you are struggling with the disease (diabetes), effective losing weight and getting regular exercises can help you control your blood sugar levels. And besides it may even reduce the amount of medication that you need thereby helping you to save money you ought to have spent in the medication.

Knowledge of the Benefits of Losing Weight: Reduce Your Risk of Some Kinds of Cancer

The family of cancer diseases is big and wide. We have so many kinds of cancers that are closely associated with being overweight or obese. In women for instance, such types of cancer may include cancer of the uterus, gallbladder, cervix, ovary, breast and colon. Nonetheless when it comes to overweight men, they are at greater risk for developing cancer of the colon, rectum and prostate. Even though such risks have been established, experts are still not very clear whether the increased risk is due to the extra weight or to a high-fat, high-calorie diet. More studies are still being done to establish that with certainty. However you can chose to be safe from these weight related conditions by losing weight through the adaptation of good lifestyle and being active.

Knowledge of the Benefits of Losing Weight: Weight Loss Improves Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition associated with being overweight. It can cause you to stop breathing for short periods and to snore heavily. Sleep apnea can make you sleepy in the daytime and cause heart failure. Losing weight can reduce or eliminate this problem.

Knowledge of the Benefits of Losing Weight: Reduce Osteoarthritis, the Pain of Being Overweight

This is a joint disorder that affects the joints in your knees, hips and your lower back. Any extra weight will increase the risk of this disease because there is more pressure on these joints. Weight loss can decrease the stress and improve symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Knowledge of the Benefits of Losing Weight: Get Rid of Gout

Gout is a joint disease caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. This painful disease is more common among people who are overweight. It is important to know that some diets (e.g. high protein diet) can trigger gout attacks, so if you have a history of the disease, check with your doctor before trying to lose weight.

Knowledge of the Benefits of Losing Weight: Eliminate Gallbladder Grief

Gallbladder disease and gallstones are more common if you are overweight, although it is not clear yet how being overweight causes gallbladder problems. Rapid weight loss can actually increase the chance of developing gallstones, so remember that the watchwords for weight loss are slow and steady. Finally it has become so clear that losing weight is of great benefit and that is why doctor Akoury founded this facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) to help you in the difficulties you may be having in losing weight. You can schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today to enroll in the weight loss program and be safe from all these chronic ailments.

Knowledge of the Benefits of Losing Weight: Reduce Health Risks by Losing Weight

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating

March 5, 2015

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: The New Eating Disorder

The relationship between obesity and binge eating affects the mind and remember that Obesity is a medical illness, not a psychiatric disorder.

Overweight and obesity have been characterized with poor and unhealthy feeding habits among other factors. We have in the past dwelt much on the effects of obesity and overweight because of the dangers surrounding the two conditions. For the purpose of this article we want to look at the relationship between obesity and binge eating. We will be exploring the possibilities of binge eating facilitating being obese or overweight. And as professionals we are determined to informing the public of all they need to know to be safe and have a healthy life. We spoke to doctor Dalal Akoury the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center about this and she will be helping us unlock certain facts about the relationship between obesity and binge eating. But before we get there, let us try to understand more about this eating disorder. Experts are warning that if nothing is not done soon, then Top of Form Binge Eating Disorder (BED) will soon join in the ranks of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) as official eating disorders. It must be appreciated that Binge Eating Disorder is a distinct entity and not just the extreme overeating that plagues many societies. Even though its cause is unclear, it is similar to Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa, whose treatment methodology is always bio-psycho-social.

As a society we have a duty on our part to increase awareness and understanding of the severity of this disorder. The danger looms over us with close association of BED and obesity, the sooner we address it the better because very soon this disorder is becoming a major public health issue that presents both medical and psychiatric issues that impair the quality of life. Even though binge eating is characterized by insatiable cravings that can occur any time of the day or night, usually secretive, and filled with shame. It is important to note that bingeing is often rooted in poor body image, use of food to deal with stress, low self-esteem and tied to dysfunctional thoughts. BED does not exist in the presence of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa. Although there are similar characteristics between those with BN and BED, those with BED do not purge. There are no compensatory mechanisms associated with the binge to get rid of the calories, so individuals with BED are more likely to be overweight or obese, while patients with BN may be under weight, normal weight or overweight.

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: Does this describe you?

It is in the middle of the night and you this ice cream carton in hand, and you can’t just stop eating, you continue until every drop is gone. Or you are in the car you’re anxiously looking for that bag of pretzels you hid in the back seat. You know you will have to finish the entire bag, even though you don’t want to. And as if this is not enough, you’re planning your next stop at the local convenient store to load up on a dozen doughnuts which is your favorite binge food. Doctor Akoury is trying to make you understand what binge eating is all about. She give one of the best illustration that it is as addictive as alcohol drinking or cigarette smoking. Those who use there drugs wouldn’t just stop even if they want to. It is in the same way that binge eaters can’t stop at one cookie or ice cream.

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: What does BED look like?

This vicious cycle of recurrent bingeing without purging brings feelings of despair, disgust, and a sense of loss of control. As a consequence of the binge, fears become reality and weight gain follows. As a result, emotional and physical distress can become so severe that work, school and even social relationships begin to be impaired.

Differentiating between overeating and binge eating is sometimes difficult, even for the eating disorder professionals. Compulsive eating, emotional eating are terms that have been around for years. BED is a distinct entity and not merely the occasional craving, over-eating when you are hungry, or the overindulgence during the holidays. It is important to appreciate that each binge is different, just as every craving is different, and every binge eater is different but the scenario is the same.

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: Criteria for Diagnosis of BED

You can carry out your own self-assessment while considering the following to certain your position in terms of BED:

Loss of control over amount of eating
Marked distress over binge episode
Occurs at least 1x per week for 3 month
Eating more rapidly than normal (i.e. 2 hrs. period
Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
Eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating
Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed or very guilty over after overeating

If this suits your description, then you need to seek for further and more professional help from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: Biological Issues Related to BED

Now that we are well conversant with what binge eating is let us get back to our topic of discussion which is the relationship between obesity and binge eating. You should be very watchful of the following:

Genetics – Although genes can make it harder to make healthy choices and make fighting weight and BED an uphill battle, genes alone do not totally determine a person’s physical or emotional destiny. Environment, ability to rework thoughts, make other decisions, etc. are also factors.

Depression – The incidence of depression is very high in individuals with BED and may need to be further evaluated.

Restrictive dieting – If you have BED, sticking to a traditional weight loss program may be difficult.

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: BED is a treatable disorder

Here are some basic goals for a successful outcome:

Decrease or better still stop binging episodes. It is possible and with determination, you do it.
With the help of weight loss experts you can be assisted to attain and maintain a healthy weight
Treat any co-existing psychiatric disorders
Correct any self-defeating thoughts, feelings, behaviors or situations that trigger a binge.

What is the relationship between BED and being obese or over-weight?

Obesity is a medical illness, not a psychiatric disorder – It is important to understand that if you are healthy (no medical problems), have a healthy attitude (realistic about weight , body image) and have healthy behaviors (healthy eating habits, moderate exercise) then for the most part, whatever weight you are and can sustain is a healthy weight for you. Wellness not weight should be the determining factor. Body mass index (BMI), which defines overweight and obesity, is just one factor, not the sole determining factor for wellness.

Being overweight or obese does NOT mean you have BED – Not everyone who is overweight binges or has BED. Considering what is normal in most culture, giant portion size, sedentary life style and high caloric fast foods, a person doesn’t have to binge to be overweight. And that is why you need to get professional help from the experts. What is normal could be a serious factor in the whole equation. Therefore make appoint of scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury for further deliberation about binge eating and overweight or obesity.

The relationship between obesity and Binge Eating: The New Eating Disorder

Your Role in Childhood Overweight Elimination

March 4, 2015

Your Role in Childhood Overweight Elimination: Identifying Childhood Overweight

Your role in childhood overweight elimination begins with you being a good role model. To curb obesity in our children we must lead from the front and be consistent

Somebody once said that together we stand and divided we fall. This is a very weighty statement in the context of this discussion of your role in childhood overweight elimination. For us to win the war against childhood overweight and obesity, we must all resolve to pool together and bring up healthy children free from the scourge of overweight and obesity. This is very important because being overweight is linked to certain chronic health conditions which we can’t afford to let our children go through. You may not achieve this by leaning on your own understanding. And therefore seeking for professional help will be very ideal. Doctor Dalal Akoury is one of the few experts who are very experienced and are equal to the task. You can get to this great medical professional by scheduling for an appointment with her in her office at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. She actually founded this facility primarily to offer her exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to everyone including other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. It may not matter your background but this is open to everyone including any qualified professional in all discipline.

It is important to note that childhood overweight can only be identified scientifically through the measurement of Body Mass Index or BMI. This can be calculated using kilograms (kg) and meters (m), or pounds (lbs) and inches (in). The moment BMI is calculated, it’s findings can be used to determine if a child is overweight or not, by comparing the BMI with the CDC growth charts for children of the same age and sex.

Children who have a BMI at or above the 95%, percentile for age and sex are considered overweight.
Children with a BMI that falls between the 85%-95% are classified as at risk for overweight.

And because children may not understand the root cause of the problem, it therefore becomes your role in childhood overweight elimination by consulting with pediatrician or your family physician to help you in monitoring the weight and the child’s growth. Screening for other health risk factors (such as blood pressure or lipid profile) may be recommended by your physician. Remember that the BMI is just an initial tool in a series of examinations required to determine if your child is overweight. Determining your child’s overweight or obesity is not something you do by just making observation. Therefore at no time should a child be diagnosed and labeled overweight by a parent, teacher, or other lay (non-medical) individual. Discussions concerning the child’s weight should occur only after reviewing his or her condition with a medical professional. And this is what we do best at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury. Talk to us today and allow us to not only help your child, but you as well.

Your Role in Childhood Overweight Elimination: Tips for Parents & Caregivers to Help Establish Healthy Eating Patterns with Kids

Parents should choose what children can eat, (what foods and drinks are in the home, what foods and drinks are served at meals and snacks, what restaurants they go to, etc.) but among those foods, parents should allow kids to choose whether they eat at all and how much to eat.
Fruits and vegetables, as compared to high calorie snack foods (often high fat and high sugar), should be readily available in the home.
Serve and eat a variety of foods from each food group.
Use small portions – child portions are usually very small, particularly compared to adult portions. More food can always be added.
Bake, broil, roast or grill meats instead of frying them.
Limit use of high calorie, high fat and high sugar sauces and spreads.
Use low-fat or nonfat and lower calorie dairy products for milk, yogurt and ice cream.
Support participation in play, sports and other physical activity at school, church or community leagues.
Be active as a family – Go on a walk, bike ride, swim or hike together. Limit TV time.
Avoid eating while watching TV. TV viewers may eat too much, too fast, and are influenced by the foods and drinks that are advertised.
Replace high-sugared drinks, especially sodas, with water or low fat milk.
Limit fruit juice intake to two servings or less per day (one serving = ¾ cup) – Many parents allow their children unlimited intake of fruit juice (100%) because of the accompanying vitamins and minerals. However, children who drink too much fruit juice may be consuming excess calories.
Encourage free play in young children and provide environments that allow children to play indoors and outdoors.
Role model through actions healthy dietary practices, nutritional snacks, and lifestyle activities. Avoid badgering children, restrictive feeding, labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” and using food as a reward.

Your Role in Childhood Overweight Elimination: Expert’s role in Eliminating Childhood Obesity

Tips for Pediatricians & Other Health Care Professionals to Facilitate the Prevention of Childhood Overweight. Health Supervision Recommendations may include the following:

Identify and track patients at risk by virtue of family history, birth weight, or socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural, or environmental factors.
Calculate and plot BMI once a year in all children and adolescents.
Use change in BMI to identify rate of excessive weight gain relative to linear growth.
Encourage, support, and protect breastfeeding.
Encourage parents and caregivers to promote healthy eating patterns by offering nutritious snacks, such as vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy foods, and whole grains; encouraging children’s autonomy in self-regulation of food intake and setting appropriate limits on choices; and modeling healthy food choices.
Routinely promote physical activity, including unstructured play at home, in school, in child care settings, and throughout the community.
Recommend limitation of television and video time to a maximum of 2 hours per day.
Recognize and monitor changes in obesity-associated risk factors for adult chronic disease, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyper-insulinemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Like I had indicated before, the spirit is all about pooling together. In view of this, the following are some of the advocacy recommendations:

As a professional help parents, teachers, coaches, and others who influence youth to discuss health habits, not body habitus, as part of their efforts to control overweight.
Enlist policy makers from local, state, and national organizations and schools to support a healthful lifestyle for all children, including proper diet and adequate opportunity for regular physical activity.
Encourage organizations that are responsible for health care and health care financing to provide coverage for effective obesity prevention and treatment strategies.
Encourage public and private sources to direct funding toward research into effective strategies to prevent overweight and to maximize limited family and community resources to achieve healthful outcomes for youth.
Support and advocate for social marketing intended to promote healthful food choices and increased physical activity.

The list is endless and I want to encourage you to be smart and get the first hand information from the experts by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today.

Tag Archives: Eliminating childhood obesity