Obesity in older Generation – Unlocking the Truth

It is important that we go thing right while in our youthful stages of life so that we may prevent being obese in old age. Obesity is real in all stages of life.

What get into your mind when we talk of obesity? To whom do you think is most at risk of being obese? A lot more questions can be asked but the bottom line is that obesity is a condition with us as is affecting everybody almost in equal measure. For instance, in the US the prevalence of obesity is sky rocketing in all age groups with the past few decades the number doubling. However the focus of this article is going to be very specific on the number of older people being obese. Much as we want to focus on the older generation it should be made clear that not all older people are obese in fact majority of older people are not obese and are living healthy lives.

Prevalence of Obesity among Older Adults

Looking at the available statistics, the prevalence of obesity in the US is over 15% of older people with this number expected to grow significantly if measures to curb it is not addressed, this can only mean that as age catches with people so is the increase in the population likely to suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and hypertension because all these conditions are frequently accentuated by obesity. Therefore as a community we must be knowledgeable to undertake necessary measures to a void this by all means possible because we can.

Causes of Obesity in Older Adults

Addressing the root cause of obesity in older people will begin with the determination of body fat mass which is the connection between the intake and output of energy. The presence of obesity will be seen when one consumes more calories than their body systems can burn. Calories are very essential for our lives however it is equally important that we keep desirable weight by controlling on the quantity of energy we take in form of the food stuff we eat with that energy we dispose. The moment we consume more calories than we can burn what follows is increased BMI.

Various research have established that the quantity of food we take does not change as we approach our sunset days meaning that the decrease in energy used in old age contributes significantly to the increase in body fat in old age. Besides this the hormonal changes occurring during old age may also build up fats in the body due to the aging being associated with decrease in growth hormone secretions, declining responsiveness to thyroid hormone, decline in serum testosterone and resistance to leptin. Resistance to leptin is also likely to cause a decreased ability to regulate appetite downward. Other factors that can also contribute to obesity include:

• Genetic
• Environmental and
• Social factors

Obesity in older Generation – Genetic Factors

Scientifically there is no clear connection between obesity and genetic. It has not been conclusively established any link of obesity and hereditary however following the observations made by health care providers that obesity tends to run in families may be persuasive to believing that obesity is related to the genes a person has inherited.

Obesity in older Generation – Environmental and Sociological Factors

When we talk of the environment we look at the wider spectrum to include the world around us, access to healthy food and safe side walk. All these in one way or the other affects and influences what we feed on, our engagement in physical activities and our general life style. For instance if you are residing in unsecure neighborhood with lots of mugging and kidnaping you are likely not to take a walk along the path and use your car each time you want to leave the house for whatever reason. All these will reduce and limit your involvement in regular physical activities. In the same way you may be from time to time take your meals from the restaurants possibly because of nature of your work. You report early and leave very late and in the process you have very little time going to the groceries to buy your supply for home-made food. These are reasons that can cause you to have a very inactive kitchen in your home and we all know that foods from the restaurants are all junk full of calories. These high calorie processed food are less expensive and often easy to prepare. There being readily a available makes them easy prey for low income people who may not afford the more nutritious food stuff which are relatively costly. Because of these circumstances the prevalence of obesity in older people is likely to continue being on the rise.

Obesity in older Generation – Other Causes of Obesity

Other conditions and illnesses that are associated with both weight gain and obesity include:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Depression

The older adults who are obese are more likely than those who are not obese to report symptoms of depression such as:

• Feelings of sadness
• Worthlessness
• Hopelessness

Inadequacy of sleep may contribute to obesity, as well as certain drugs, such as steroids and some antidepressants that may stimulate the appetite, cause water retention, or slow the metabolism rate.

Finally, the complex relationship between functional ability and lifestyle patterns merits attention as a contributor to obesity. Joint pain, decreased mobility, and activity intolerance may lead to weight gain because of decreased activity. Older people compared to young people may experience functional limitations associated with chronic illnesses that may trigger stress, pain, and depression cycle that can result in lifestyle patterns leading obesity necessitating the need to be in constant touch with an expert in matters of weight gain and obesity a service you will comfortably get at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Dalal Akoury who has been helping people solve their weight related problems for more than two decades now. The kind of treatment you will get from this facility is unique and natural doctor Akoury together with her team of experts will care for you with dignity and professionalism while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. Your worries will be turn into lusting joy with guaranteed life enjoyment thereafter.

Obesity in older Generation – Unlocking the Truth