Obesity as a problem of epidemic proportions

Obesity is the chronic condition due to the excess amount of fats present in our body. Body fat is considered as an important component in the human body because it helps us in storing energy, heat insulation, shock absorption, and in other body functions. But, when the body fat is found more then its requirement then it is referred as obesity, which is a source of different diseases.

Today obesity has been a serious problem in public health. In 1998,World Health Organization has declared obesity as a problem of epidemic proportions. The rate is growing everyday, the latest survery showed that there are billion obese adults and children through out the globe. The reason of obesity can be the poor diet or low physical exercise or genetic but this is seriously growing everyday increasing diseases and decreasing our life expectancy.

Though many weight loss tonics and medications are available but still obesity is increasing rapidly because of the negligence, poor diets, null physical exercise etc.

What is the risk associated with obesity?

Gout:

Gout is a disease related with extreme joint pain. The cause is due to excess amount of uric acid in our blood. It is more common with obese people because of the unwanted body mass. If you have a history of gout, then we suggest you to take necessary suggestions and precautions given by your doctor before trying any weight losing products or trying any physical exercises.

Sleep apnea:

Sleep apnea is life threatening condition seen in obese people. Generally, obese people are found to suffer from this critical condition where the individual stops breathing for a short period to time. People suffering from sleep apnea may get heart attack and strokes which may lead to death. The simple and the best way to avoid this fatal problem is weight loss.

Heart disease:

Heart disease is the major cause of death observed in US. People who are obese develop high risk of heart diseases like: high blood pressure, heart attack problem, stroke etc. In obese people sudden death due to angina, heart attacks and stroke is seen which is very hazardous. If you are obese then it’s better if you focus on your diets and physical exercise. A balance diet and proper physical exercise can help you reduce the risk of heart disease.

Diabetes:

Type2 diabetes is commonly seen in obese people. The unwanted body fat reduces the body ability to produce insulin which leads to type2 diabetes. Obesity and diabetes has been major cause of early death and sudden attacks of heart associated diseases. Obese people are more likely to suffer from type2 diabetes then the normal people.

The only way to avoid these diseases and problems is to reduce your body fat by physical exercise and proper diets. It is a good idea if you consult your doctor for weight loss program

Stroke:

Stroke is caused due to the narrowing of the arteries in our heart. This condition may clot the blood and stops the blood flow in the heart which leads to stroke. Stroke is usually seen due to the high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol foods. In the case of obesity the risk of stroke is high because obesity increases the blood pressure and sugar level in the body.

Are medications worthwhile?

Medications are effective and they are of great use. With a successful medication program one can easily reduce 5 pounds of your weight within a month of his treatment. Loss of 10 to 15 percent of in the total weight is seen approximately in every individual who undergo medication.

But, medication has also its limits. Great loss of weight can only be expected when they are taken as directed by doctors. Mean while physical exercise and balanced diet are also recommended because as the medication is discontinued abnormal gain of weight and fatty tissues are observe.

Medications are only suggested to those people whose BMI is greater then 30 or of those people having BMI more then 27 who have other medical problems like: diabetes, high blood pressure etc.

Generally, there are two methods of using medications on obesity.

Single Drug Treatment:

These medications are modestly effective, leading to an average weight loss of 5 to 22 pounds above that expected with non-drug obesity treatments. People respond differently to appetite suppressant medications, and some people experience more weight loss than others. Some obese patients using medication lose more than 10 percent of their starting body weight–an amount of weight loss that may reduce risk factors for obesity-related diseases, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Maximum weight loss usually occurs within 6 months of starting medication treatment. Weight then tends to level off or increase during the remainder of treatment. Studies suggest that if a patient does not lose at least 4 pounds over 4 weeks on a particular medication, then that medication is unlikely to help the patient achieve significant weight loss. Few studies have looked at how safe or effective these medications are when taken for more than 1 year.

Prescription Weight-Loss Medications

Generic Name	Trade Name(s)
Dexfenfluramine	Redux (withdrawn)
Diethylpropion	Tenuate, Tenuate dospan
Fenfluramine	Pondimin (withdrawn)
Mazindol	Sanorex, Mazanor
Orlistat	Xenical
Phendimetrazine	Bontril, Plegine, Prelu-2, X-Trozine
Phentermine	Adipex-P, Fastin, Ionamin, Oby-trim
Sibutramine	Meridia

Combined Drug Treatment:

Combined drug treatment using fenfluramine and phentermine (“fen/phen”) is no longer available due to the withdrawal of fenfluramine from the market. Little information is available about the safety or effectiveness of other drug combinations for weight loss, including fluoxetine/phentermine, phendimetrazine/phentermine, herbal combinations, or others. Until more information on their safety or effectiveness is available, using combinations of medications for weight loss is not recommended except as part of a research study.

Medications are also not free from side effects and injuries. While most side effects of prescription medications for obesity are mild, serious complications have been reported. Valvular heart disease has recently been reported to occur in association with the use of certain appetite suppressant medications. As a result of these reports, the manufacturer has voluntarily withdrawn two medications, fenfluramine (Pondimin) and dexfenfluramine (Redux) from the market.