Weight reduction in relation to BMI and good health
Introduction:
Weight
reduction is the aim of every person who is obese, to have a healthy body and
to look good, as many people want to reduce weight also to get red from some
diseases like diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and some types of heart diseases. The person must
know what obesity is, BMI, fat accumulation places and risks, and what diseases
can cause weight gain, so if the person has this information, they can start
dieting and doing exercise with doctor consultation and not be afraid of
complications.
https://youtu.be/CrvulNxjHY8
Obesity:
Obesity is defined as an increase in body fat a BMI of 30 or higher. Obesity can increase the
risk of the most serious diseases and complicated medical conditions that
affect a patient's life, like diabetes, hypertension, increased lipids in the blood,
heart diseases, and other diseases.
BMI:
BMI means body mass
index, which measures your weight in relative to your height which have special
calculation and the outcome number indicates if you are obese or normal weight.
The BMI calculation:
BMI = weight in kg /
(height in meters) ²
For example, as your weight is 65 kg and your height 169 cm you must
convert height from centimeters to meters as it will be 1.69 m and multiply
(1.69x 1.69) = 2.8561.
BMI = 65 / 2.8561 = 22.7583
Interpretation of BMI:
The BMI
interpretation can be as follows
·
The BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight
·
The BMI from 18.5 – 24.9 is considered a healthy
weight
·
The BMI from 25.0 – 29.9 is considered overweight
·
The BMI above 30.0 is considered obese
The example
calculation outcome is 22.7583, which is considered a healthy weight as it is between 18.5 – 24.9
Fat accumulation:
BMI can
tell you about body mass index but if there is specific fat accumulation in
your body can’t be found by BMI because accumulation of fat can be under the
skin and you can see it or can be accumulated around your organs which can cause
high risk of certain diseases but their specific consideration to some people
which can normally having little high weight even if they are athletics.
·
Sex: which studies mentioned that females have
10% more body fat than males at the same BMI.
·
Race/ Ethnic group: different ethnic groups
have different body mass index, which can include high bone density, body fat
percentages, water percentages, and overall body size.
·
Muscle mass: muscle mass can interfere on the
body weight, but when doing dieting must have special consideration who is
having high muscle mass.
·
Pregnancy: during pregnancy specific
consideration must be taken and must have specific diet must be followed with doctor
observation.
Specific consideration of some diseases causing weight gain:
Weight gain can result from various issues, many of which can be addressed with proper medical guidance to achieve weight loss. Some of these issues include:
· Medications: Certain drugs, such as corticosteroids, antihyperglycemic medications for diabetes, antihypertensives for hypertension, and antipsychotics or antidepressants, can lead to weight gain. Seeking advice from a healthcare professional can help manage side effects and prevent complications.
Insomnia: This condition can disrupt the body's metabolic processes and hormone balance, including appetite-related hormones, potentially increasing food intake and contributing to weight gain.
Quitting Smoking: When nicotine is reduced after quitting, metabolism slows down, appetite increases, and feelings of hunger are more frequent. Consulting a doctor can help address these changes and support weight management.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): As part of an endocrine disorder affecting hormones and the reproductive system, PCOS can cause insulin resistance, leading to weight gain and raising the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Medical advice is essential before starting dietary changes.
Heart Failure: Weight gain may occur due to fluid retention, leading to edema. People with heart failure require close medical monitoring and consultation to avoid complications.
Kidney Problems: Conditions like kidney failure or nephrotic syndrome can lead to weight gain and symptoms such as fatigue, puffy eyes, muscle weakness, and appetite loss. These issues need professional medical care and observation.
Cirrhosis: This liver disease involves replacing healthy tissue with scar tissue, leading to fluid buildup in the abdomen. Symptoms such as swelling, abdominal pain, and breathing difficulties require physician consultation for proper treatment.
Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid produces insufficient hormones, slows metabolism and causes weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, constipation, and other issues.
Cushing’s Syndrome: Excess cortisol production, sometimes due to medications for conditions like asthma or lupus, can result in weight gain, fatigue, bruising, and irregular menstruation.
Ovarian Cancer: Initially asymptomatic, this condition can later lead to weight gain, abdominal pain, sleep disturbances, frequent urination, and loss of appetite, requiring medical attention.
Conclusion:
If someone wishes to lose weight, it's essential to first consult a specialized doctor or a dietitian. This ensures they are in good health and free from any underlying medical conditions. Based on this assessment, a personalized diet plan can be created to suit their body's specific needs, combined with an appropriate exercise regimen for effective and safe weight management.
References:
WebMD.
(2019). BMI Calculator - Calculate your Body Mass index. [online]
Available at: https://www.webmd.com/diet/body-bmi-calculator.
Cleveland
Clinic (2020). Obesity & Weight Control: Health Risks, Weight Loss &
Bariatric Surgery. [online] Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11209-weight-control-and-obesity.
Sissons,
B. (2019). What causes rapid weight gain? [online] Medicalnewstoday.com.
Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324872#ovarian-cancer
[Accessed 9 Apr. 2025].
