Fat distribution can influence a person's risk of disease. Fat carried around the waist and in the abdominal area, characterized by the "apple shape", is associated with an increased risk for many medical problems such as heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Fat that is mostly distributed around the buttocks and thighs is associated with a lower risk of developing these diseases. As much as 50 to 75 percent of obesity has genetic influences. Just what those genetic influences are that affect body weight have not been identified. Obese people should be evaluated for medical consequences of their obesity. Motivated persons are encourage to enter medically supervised treatment programs that use a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss. Fasting diets for weight loss may be right for obese persons who have serious weight-related medical problems. Rapid weight loss is the primary advantage of using these diets. This may be helpful in motivating the individual to continue with the program. This may help to support lifestyle changes which are needed for continued weight loss. Proper use of these diets requires close monitoring and follow-up. To promote lasting weight loss, lifestyle changes must be made by the dieter while on the fast. During the holidays or when celebrating, many of us have overeaten. But some people have problems controlling their appetite and end up eating non-stop until eating is interrupted. Binge eating is like bulimia, but does not include purging behaviors. A diagnosis of binge-eating disorder is made when a person binges an average of two days per week over a six month period. Binge eating can be difficult to control because many people turn to food as a way of dealing with their feelings. Keeping a food diary can be beneficial in identifying specifically what feelings are likely to trigger binge eating as well as what types of foods are consumed during a binge. Strategies can then be employed to reduce the urge to binge when the impulse strikes.
Many people may actually be overfat but not overweight. Fat can also be hidden throughout the body. A person may be overfat without the appearance of being overweight. As we age, muscle tissue is replaced with fat. This occurs despite regular exercise. Body composition describes the percentages of fat, muscle and bone in your body. Many experts think men's bodies should be between 12 to 18 percent fat, while women's should be 18 to 22 percent fat. The risk of developing weight associated medical problems increases if the majority of body fat is located in the abdominal area. This risk decreases if body fat is primarily located in the hips, buttock and thigh region. Height and weight tables are generally used to determine how person's weight compares to a standard. However, weight in these tables is an overall measure of all components of the body. Individuals may differ in muscle, frame size and percentage of body fat. The waist to hip ratio of body composition assessment provides information on where the majority of body fat is located.
Terms interpretingFDA
- Food and Drug Administration: A government agency that oversees public safety in relation to drugs and medical devices. The FDA gives approval to pharmaceutical companies for commercial marketing of their products.
Fat blocker
- Drugs that block the absorption of fat or calories, and lose substantial weight.
Overweight
- Weighing more than is normal, necessary, or allowed, especially having more body weight than is considered normal or healthy for one's age or build.
Appetite
- An instinctive physical desire, especially one for food or drink. Decreased desire to eat is termed anorexia, while polyphagia (or "hyperphagia") is increased eating. Disregulation of appetite contributes to anorexia nervosa and cachexia, or oppositely, overeating.
Diabetes
- Any of several metabolic disorders marked by excessive discharge of urine and persistent thirst, especially one of the two types of diabetes mellitus.
Diet
- A regulated selection of foods, as for medical reasons or cosmetic weight loss.
- A solutions designed to reduce or suppress the appetite.
Fat
- Any of various soft, solid, or semisolid organic compounds constituting the esters of glycerol and fatty acids and their associated organic groups.
Obesity
- The condition of being obese; increased body weight caused by excessive accumulation of fat.
Stress
- A state of extreme difficulty, pressure, or strain.
- A physical and psychological response that results from being exposed to a demand or pressure.
Suppress
- To curtail or prohibit the activities of.
- To inhibit the expression of (an impulse, for example).
- To bring to an end forcibly as if by imposing a heavy weight.
|
