Obesity describes a person who is very overweight. It is a common condition that affects around 1 in every 4 adults in the UK. Obesity is a very serious condition that can have damaging effects on your mental and physical health.
How can obesity affect your physical health?
Obesity can affect nearly every part of the body, this includes:
- Bones
- Brain
- Heart
- Liver
- Joints
- Blood vessels
Obesity can increase risk of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, cancer, kidney failure, etc. It is a really dangerous condition that is really life or death. Being overweight/obese will make you run out of breath quicker and become lazier which will make it harder to lose the weight as the heavier you are, the more tired you will become.
How does obesity affect mental health?
Poor self-esteem
Lack of confidence
Depression
Mood disorders
Anxiety
Body dysmorphia
Not only is obesity damaging for your overall physical health, but it can trigger a drop in your mental health that causes you to feel unhappy within yourself.
How to prevent weight gain/obesity
Weight gain/obesity can be prevented by having a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet and daily physical activity.
A good diet – Healthy eating is the key to good physical health as well as physical activity. There are different types of food for different types of goals, but without physical activity you won’t get the results you want quick enough.
Daily physical activity – It is important to stay active not only for your physical health, but your mental health as well. Being active helps you to maintain your weight and also reduces risks of chronic diseases.
Keep track of your weight – Whether this be weighing yourself every day or journaling, to maintain a healthy weight it can help to keep track of your weight.
Drink enough water – Drinking fizzy drinks can put weight on you when you may need to drink some water. Water can fill you up and also prevent the formation of kidney stones. Water plays a role in maintaining a healthy weight.
What can cause you to gain weight and become obese?
There are many ways that pose risks to gaining weight, including what calories you intake and what kind of physical activity you partake in. Some causes may include:
Drinking too much alcohol
Comfort eating
Eating large amounts or fast food
Eating larger portions than recommended
Lack of physical activity
Bad eating habits may run in the family
Underlying medical conditions
What underlying conditions can cause obesity?
Depression – Depression has a link to over-eating due to it being a sort of comfort, and this occurs when someone is feeling down, they turn to food to comfort themselves.
Alcohol – People who are addicted to the use of alcohol have a high chance of becoming obese. The calories within alcohol are high and misuse can lead to obesity.
Drugs – Certain drugs such as antidepressants have symptoms of an unexpected increase in weight which may be hard to get rid of whilst using the drug.
Under-active thyroid gland – This produces a hormone that maintains our bodies reproduction and our use of energy. If someone has an under-active thyroid, they produce less than they should and increase the chance of weight gain as they will have less energy than someone with an active thyroid.
What to do if you are concerned about your weight
Visit your GP – Your GP can give you help and advice on how to lose weight safely and discuss any increased risk of mental health problems due to your weight and help you the best that they can to take care of your health and wellbeing.
Change your lifestyle/diet – This may be cutting out calories like drinking, having a stricter, healthy diet, eating out, partaking in exercise.
Make sure your mental health is in check – As well as your physical health, it is important to reach out when you are struggling. Obesity can trigger depression, and if you are experiencing this it is important to seek help from your local GP.
What kind of exercise can I do to prevent/lose weight?
When people hear the word exercise, they may lose motivation. Exercise doesn’t have to be going to the gym, it can be going on a daily walk. Exercising can be hard, but it is the best way to shift weight and it can actually improve your mental health. Many people say that after being at the gym, their mood has increased and they have felt happier and more energetic.
Remember and take it at your own pace. You will get there with hard work and dedication. You need to want to do it for yourself and your wellbeing.
What should a healthy diet consist of?
A healthy diet doesn’t have to be salads on top of salads. Many people think of diets as disgusting, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many types of food that you can enjoy as a diet such as:
Plenty of fruit and vegetables
Potatoes, bread, pasta, rice
Meat
Fish
Eggs, beans
Milk and dairy
If you are already obese, try to avoid foods containing high sources of salt. Salt can raise your blood pressure and that can be dangerous for someone already overweight/obese.
Diets can be hard, however there are many groups/programmes that you can access which can help you to achieve your goals. Losing weight doesn’t happen overnight, it is gradual and it is important to understand that.
Setting realistic goals
It might be helpful to write a list of goals for you to complete and achieve when trying to lose weight. Completing each goal will bring you a sense of relief and motivation, making you want to continue and achieve bigger goals down the line. Ask for help when you need it, it is ok to struggle, everyone needs a little support now and then, and with determination you will achieve the outcome you have been hoping for.
