Overweight – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, May 24, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Overweight, as well as obesity, is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. An adult who is overweight has a body mass index (BMI) of greater than or equal to 25. BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. On the other hand, overweight in children and teens is defined as a BMI at or above the 85^th percentile and below the 95^th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex.

The main cause of overweight and obesity is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. There has been an increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat; and an decrease in physical activity.

Other causes of weight gain include genetics, engineered junk foods, food addiction, high insulin levels and insulin resistance, certain medications, leptin resistance, high sugar intake, and misinformation.

Known side effects of overweight

The known side effects of overweight include increased risks for developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, particularly osteoarthritis, and some cancers, such as endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon.

Being overweight also causes everyday health problems, such as breathlessness, increased sweating, snoring, inability to cope with sudden physical activity, feeling very tired every day, back and joint pains, low confidence and self-esteem, and feeling isolated.

Body systems harmed by overweight

The body systems harmed by overweight include the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and digestive systems.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent overweight

Foods that prevent you from being overweight include romaine lettuce, grapefruit, cayenne and chili peppers, ginger root, white kidney beans, barley, chicken breast, pine nuts, oatmeal, okra, apples, fenugreek seeds, papaya, eggs, buckwheat, turnip greens, watercress, tuna, mushrooms, kale, green tea, garlic, broccoli, sweet red pepper, apple cider vinegar, tiger nuts, and quinoa.

Treatments, management plans for overweight

Treatments for overweight are focused on creating a balance between the calories eaten and the calories burned. Treatments include making healthy lifestyle changes, such as getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days of the week for adults, and at least 60 minutes of activity each day for children and teens. Overweight treatment also includes eating healthy, especially increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; eating a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugar; drinking more water instead of sugary drinks; and including lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts in your diet.

Where to learn more

Summary

Overweight is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.

Overweight causes breathlessness, increased sweating, snoring, inability to cope with sudden physical activity, feeling very tired every day, back and joint pains, low confidence and self-esteem, and feeling isolated.

Overweight increases the risk of developing various diseases.

Overweight can be prevented by eating romaine lettuce, grapefruit, cayenne and chili peppers, ginger root, white kidney beans, barley, chicken breast, pine nuts, oatmeal, okra, apples, fenugreek seeds, papaya, eggs, buckwheat, turnip greens, watercress, tuna, mushrooms, kale, green tea, garlic, broccoli, sweet red pepper, apple cider vinegar, tiger nuts, and quinoa.

Overweight treatments include making healthy lifestyle and dietary changes.

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