Essay on Obesity and Its Effects: A Clinical Problem

In the text by Withrow and Alter, the authors denote that in the recent past, there has been a rapid increase in obesity cases in both adults and young people not only in the United States but also in other countries worldwide. These cases have contributed to a plethora of challenges, which have led to huge expenditures. Additionally, the prevalence of obesity in the world has made it not only a social and economic challenge but also a clinical problem that demands a measure of attention from the healthcare sector. The authors state that even though several efforts have been made to curb the condition, many people are prone to be affected by the lifestyle disease.

Background of the study

A number of reports have indicated that the United States is one of the countries with a high number of diabetic people. Nevertheless, the lifestyle disease has become common in most countries globally. Much blame has been directed to peoples lifestyle, which involves overeating, psychological factors, physical inactivity, genetics, and the consumption of excessive carbohydrates (Seeley et al. 2014). With the rising cases of obesity becoming a challenge to the world, clinicians have sought to delve into the issue and ascertain appropriate remedies to the problem. In spite of this, most of their efforts have been thwarted because obesity is majorly linked to individual decisions such as exercise and a control on diet.

In the same way, although people are taught on healthy lifestyles, most of them ignore and maintain the habits and for this reason, the prevalence of lifestyle diseases is on a rapid growth. In the same token, parents should be blamed for the increase in obesity cases that has been realized amongst children. Since these youngsters do not know what a healthy lifestyle entails, it is the role of their parents to ensure that they provide them with required measures of food so that they do not encourage overeating. Consumption of excessive junk foods such as ice creams and fries increases one's chances to become a heavyweight, which is one of the symptoms of obesity. This study delves into the issue of obesity as a clinical problem, its effects, and the required remedies to the problem.

Method study

In order to have a deeper understanding of the prevalence of obesity, there is a need for the use of data and for this reason, there has to be a utilization of the quantitative research method. In the same way, a degree of interpretation and observation is required in the research and as a result, qualitative research is inevitable. Both the research methods are relevant because they denote substantial information on the obesity and its prevalence in the world.

Results of the study

In regard, in order to have a compelling understanding of the condition, it is important to ascertain how individuals are classified as obese, overweight, healthy weight, and underweight. A measure in body mass index (BMI) and the weight and height of an individual is required in order to be wary of their obesity conditions. For instance, an individual with a height of 59 with a weight range of 203 lbs. is obese if he or she has a BMI of 30 (Withrow & Alter, 2011). Notably, studies have shown that the predominance of the condition in the world has been linked to excessive eating with a lack of exercise.

In the recent past, obesity has been perceived to be on the rise because of an increased consumption of calories. For instance, the United States Agricultural Department exhibits that approximately 20 percent more calories were consumed by average Americans in the year 2000 as compared to the year 1983 (Whitney et al. 2011). Such an increase was also linked to a higher consumption of meat in the United States. Other studies presented by the World Food Program indicate that an increase in the consumption of fast foods is linked to the prevalence of obesity not only in the United States but also in other nations throughout the world. Today, it has become common for people to embrace fast foods that are sold at KFC or the MacDonald's. Such companies have been alleged to contribute to the increase of consumption of these foods. These companies have rapidly grown due to their massive sales and today, they are found in almost every country across the world. Ideally, research exhibits that 11 percent of the American population is prone to taking fast foods.

Ostensibly, the rise of obesity in the world has triggered the attention of clinicians. They have sought to discover the appropriate approach to the condition. In principle, doctors have indicated that overeating is the major cause of obesity among adults and young people in the society. They have claimed that the way obesity has rapidly grown may not be explained by genetics but through environmental conditions (Pedersen & Febbraio, 2012). The way most clinicians may advise their obese patients is usually different depending on their beliefs on what causes overweight.

Although genetics may increase, the chances of one becoming obese, most of the cases are associated with excessive consumption of fats among adults and adolescents. Doctors encourage people to ensure that they exercise their bodies in order to reduce the chances of becoming obese. Accordingly, it is a personal obligation for one to ensure that he or she does not take excessive amounts of foods rich in fats and carbohydrates. Such foods are rich in calories which when eaten in large amounts may make one overweight hence increasing a risk of obesity.

Ethical considerations

Therefore, it is the responsibility of every individual to ensure that there is a priority and as a result, there is a need for them to take care of it. Effectively, they should know that the body requires enough fats, carbohydrates, and excess quantities increase calories that may cause an increase in weight especially if an individual does not exercise (Derosa & Maffioli, 2012). Although there are other ways of eliminating obesity such as through surgery, it is still essential for individuals to realize that exercise and a close monitor on diet plays a pivotal role in the control and prevention of obesity.

Conclusion

It is evident that the prevalence and devastating effects of obesity have made it one of the major clinical problems that require the attention of experts to be shunned. In a bid to control obesity, governmental and nongovernmental organizations should ensure that people are advised and counseled to the appropriate dietary requirements for healthy weight. Even though doctors may invent ways that may help in the control of obesity, it remains a personal decision to consume appropriate amounts of food or to exercise their bodies.

References

Derosa, G., & Maffioli, P. (2012). Anti-obesity drugs: a review of their effects and their safety. Expert opinion on drug safety, 11(3), 459-471.

Pedersen, B. K., & Febbraio, M. A. (2012). Muscles, exercise, and obesity: skeletal muscle as a secretory organ. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 8(8), 457-465.

Seeley, M. A., Gagnier, J. J., Srinivasan, R. C., Hensinger, R. N., VanderHave, K. L., Farley, F. A., & Caird, M. S. (2014). Obesity and its effects on pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, 96(3), e18.

Whitney, E. N., Rolfes, S. R., Crowe, T., Cameron-Smith, D., & Walsh, A. (2011). Understanding nutrition. Cengage Learning.

Withrow, D., & Alter, D. A. (2011). The economic burden of obesity worldwide: a systematic review of the direct costs of obesity. Obesity reviews, 12(2), 131-141.