Music Corner World

Obesity is the bodily condition that has been characterized by excessive deposition or storage of fat in adipose tissue. It is the result of excessive consumption of food to meet the physiological needs. Its incidence is higher in persons who consume more food and lead sedentary lives. It can occur at any age and can affect both the sexes. A woman tends to be obese after pregnancy and at menopause. As in pregnancy the women usually gains about 12 kg weight and during that phase there is an increase in the adipose tissue, which serves as a store to meet the demands of lactation. Obesity is a serious health hazard as the extra fat put strain on the heart, kidneys and liver and joints of hips, knees and ankles bear the weight of the obese body are more affected. It is common among people in western countries and also among higher income groups in India and other developing countries. Obese people have more chances to suffer from several diseases like heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gout and gall bladder disorders. Obese and to be overweight are not the same things. Overweight refers to an increase in weight of the total body that includes essential body tissues whereas obesity refers to excessive fat tissue only.

Causes

The main cause of obesity is overeating, when the intake of calories increases the energy requirements of the body. Some people are in the habit of eating more when in stress or tension, this also cause obesity. It may also be caused due to the problem in the functioning of thyroid glands. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly the basal metabolic rate becomes low and they tend to gain weight unless a low calorie diet is followed.

It is recommended to have more proteins as weight loss is often accompanied by loss of protein tissue as well as fat tissue. About 20 percent of the total energy should be provided from proteins like low fat milk and whole pulses. Fats should provide 20 percent of the total energy. Fried foods like pakoras; paranthas, halwa, puries, mathi and chips should be avoided. High fat foods like butter, cheese, khoa, meats, chicken, cream, ice creams and chocolates should be restricted. The rest 60percent of the energy should be provided from carbohydrates and it should be from dietary fibres like barley, maize, wheat flour, rajmah and dry peas. High carbohydrate foods such as breads, cakes, cookies, dry fruits, honey jam, syrups, potatoes and sweet potatoes should be avoided. Fresh juices, water and lemon drinks are good as they contain fewer calories. Foods and vegetables that are a good source of vitamins and minerals should be included in the diet as they provide roughage that helps in relieving constipation. Drumsticks, French beans, jackfruits, grapes, figs, peaches, phalsa and guava should be included in the diet. Intake of salt should not be restricted unless the obesity is accompanied by hypertension and heart disease. An exclusive lemon juice diet is also effective in dealing with obesity. On the first day the patient should be given nothing except plenty of water. On the second day juice of three lemons mixed with equal amount of water should be given. One lemon should be increased each day till the juice of 12 lemons is consumed per day. Then in the same manner the number of lemons should be decreased till three lemons are taken in a day. In the starting the patient may feel weak and hungry but the condition will be stabilized afterwards. After the lemon juice diet the patient can adopt a normal diet.

# posted by Michael Christopher : 12:12 AM