Obesity: The Root Cause of Multiple Medical Problems
Obesity is undeniably the primary cause of numerous medical issues, often acting as a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality rates, not only in our country but worldwide. Shockingly, estimates suggest that over 42% of Americans and nearly 40% of the global population are classified as obese. In less than half a century, the prevalence of obesity in our nation has more than tripled, making it one of the most critical health conditions we face today. It has truly reached epidemic proportions.
The detrimental impact of obesity spans across various diseases. Obesity directly increases the incidence of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney failure, chronic pain, sleep apnea, and multiple types of cancers. Furthermore, obesity increases the risk of serious infections and death. It's no exaggeration to say that the more obese an individual is, the shorter their lifespan tends to be. In fact, certain studies indicate that extreme obesity can result in up to a 20-year reduction in life expectancy.
While several factors contribute to obesity, some of them beyond our control such as genetics and certain medical conditions, it remains one of the most preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in our country.
Addressing obesity may seem simple at first—burn more calories than you consume. However, the reality is far more complex. Take, for instance, the food industry in our country. It is often cheaper to purchase a bottle of soda than a bottle of water. Healthy foods tend to be more expensive than processed alternatives, which offer little nutritional value but come with significantly higher caloric content. Many individuals simply cannot afford to adopt a healthy diet due to financial constraints, forcing them to choose cheaper, high-calorie options. Moreover, advertisements often fail to emphasize healthy foods or options, while also promoting mixed messages about what is truly healthy, causing considerable confusion among consumers. Portion sizes, particularly in America, continue to increase, leading to higher food consumption and calorie intake, as people are often hesitant to leave food on their plates.
Technology plays a substantial role in our daily lives, but unfortunately, it contributes to a more sedentary lifestyle. Fewer individuals are pursuing physically demanding jobs, and as technology evolves and reshapes our workforce, physically demanding positions become increasingly scarce. Consequently, physical activity levels decline. In addition, limited access to parks, recreational areas, and fitness equipment further reduces calorie expenditure. The global Covid pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges.
While the nationwide "body positivity" movement empowers individuals and boosts confidence, it raises the question of whether we are inadvertently sacrificing our health. Are we justifying obesity?
Certain medications can lead to weight gain; however, they typically account for only a small percentage of overall weight gain. In many cases, alternative medications exist if weight gain occurs while taking a particular drug. Furthermore, medical conditions that contribute to obesity, such as low thyroid function, Cushing syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome, are largely treatable. Several mental health conditions also contribute to obesity and unfortunately, these conditions often receive inadequate or no treatment at all.
Obesity remains one of the most preventable causes of death globally, and although numerous treatment approaches are available, its prevalence continues to rise. While diet and exercise should always be the primary defense against obesity, several supplementary medications are showing promise in achieving significant weight loss.
Ongoing studies are currently underway to test new drugs in the fight against obesity. Be Well Clinical Studies proudly joins this effort, conducting an obesity study to evaluate another promising drug aimed at helping people lose weight. Check here for more information on this study.
AJ Ryan, DO
Principal Investigator for Be Well Clinical Studies