Obesity is a medical condition which often occurs when the weight of the person is disproportionate to his age and height. It is important to assist people who are obese in their lifestyle, as they are often mistreated, physically and emotionally neglected by friends, relatives and even parents. Moreover, obesity rates are on the rise, and obesity may often impede the progress of people and even cause severe psychiatric problems through constant criticism and disapproval (International Obesity Task Force prevalence Data, 2011).
Causes of Obesity. The issue of obesity has long been the center of debates of psychologists, sociologists, and nutritionists all over the world. Various causes such as race, genetics, behavior, environment, gender, and other socio-economic conditions have been and are considered from a theoretical and practical perspective. Indeed, obesity continues to be one of the salient topics today, and in some cases the causes and effects of obesity are multiple layered and can be difficult to sort through (Berthoud, Lenard, & Shin, 2011).
Effects of Obesity. The extreme addictiveness of food and other health dangers has not been adequately explained to people. More and more patients have significantly less knowledge of their disease, important lifestyle modifications, and essential self-management skills. In any case, it should be remembered that obesity is a big problem, which not only affects the one person, but also people and society as a whole. Indeed, when a person suffers from obesity, he or she can challenge the future for everyone involved.
People believe they can reduce or stop obesity before health problems occur. The reality is that most people will be unable to stop obesity, and up to half will die from obesity-related illnesses. Many obese people cannot name specific diseases caused by obesity other than high cholesterol levels, and do not know that obesity also causes high blood pressure, breathing difficulties, beginning signs of heart disease, restless sleep patterns, complications in surgery, polycystic ovarian syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and type II diabetes among others. The effects of obesity can also be the increased risk of vitamin deficiencies (vitamin B12), which can easily contribute to bone and joint problems (such as slipped femoral epiphysis and bow legs), and various emotional disorders such as depression and poor self-esteem. Furthermore, obesity has potential to lead to bad emotional well-being, social discrimination, unhealthy peer/adult relationships, high risk activity (drug/alcohol use), lowered expectations for a positive future, and being misunderstood by family members among others. Since obesity affects every organ system in a person’s body, it could decrease life expectancy by two to five years (Hoffman, 2010).
Strategies and Interventions Designed to Stop Obesity. The process of identifying potential risk factors that cause obesity is very important in every community. Only through positive intervention, programming, education and counseling, it is possible to divert a person from a path that otherwise would result in obesity. Moreover, it is also believed that early-phase intervention including individual, group and organizational efforts, represents the best approach to preventing obesity (Berthoud, Lenard, & Shin, 2011). Since …