Introduction
Obesity has over the years evolved to become a major health problem in modern world .It is actually a condition whereby a person accumulates excess body fat to an extent where it may have adverse effects on someone’s heath. About two thirds of USA citizens are obese and more of concern is the alarming development of the condition among the adolescents and children. According to research nearly 15% of children are overweight compared to only 4% a few years ago (Fiebach 2007). It is evident clear that child obesity is a major health concern in the contemporary world. Children who are obese are at the greatest risk of developing major health problems at their adult hood. Obesity levels are measured by the body mass index (BMI).If BMI indicates that someone is overweight or obese, and then he or she will be at the greatest risk of falling a victim of the many health complications which are associated with obesity.
Obesity has numerous negative impacts on health on health. High blood pressure is one of the effects of obesity. Obesity is associated with increased fat tissues in the body (Fiebach 2007) .These additional fat tissues require more nutrients and oxygen for one to live. This means that blood vessels will have to supply more blood to the tissues. On the other hand, the work of the heart increases as it will have to pump more blood. As the heart pumps harder, the pressure on the arteries increases .The high pressure of blood in the arteries leads to high blood pressure.
Heart disease may also occur as a result of obesity. Obesity leads to fat deposits along the arteries. This narrows the blood canal in the arteries. This may lead to chest pains (angina) or heart failure. (Southern 2004)
Obesity is also a major cause of diabetes. Over the years this type of diabetes has been associated with the elderly but it is now common with children (Moyer 2004). Obesity can impose restriction to insulin .Insulin resistance in the body may lead to high sugar levels.
The weight and stress placed on joints, hips and knees by the additional weight. This leads to damages in the joints, including osteoarthritis. Respiratory problems and sleep apnea are also common with obesity patients. Sleep apnea causes people to bring to a halt to breathing for short periods which interferes with sleep all through the night (Moyer 2004).Sleep apnea also causes breathing problems and snoring when one is sleeping. In most women, being obese increase chances of developing various types of cancer. Women who are overweight are at the biggest risk of getting breast cancer as well as cervical cancer. Men who are obese are also at a risk of getting prostate cancer and colon cancer. (Thompson 2004)
The condition also has psychological effects on victims. Obese people are usually unattractive and lazy.People are overweight are usually disadvantaged by the condition and suffer from discrimination. They are usually blamed for the condition and as a result of this they may suffer from depression and low self–esteem.
Many medical experts have described obesity as the leading preventable cause of death. Obesity is typically a health condition which has its root in life style. Our modern lifestyles have been the biggest cause of obesity. Poor dieting and lack of exercise are major causes of obesity. Obesity has no root in someone’s genetic make up. The only cure for obesity is through diet and exercise. (Waters 2010) However many obesity patients find kit difficult to shun from unhealthy diets or concentrate on exercise .However, an Evidence Based Practice approach has been very resourceful. Tremendous steps towards reducing obesity have been taken through the Evidence Based Practice.
When left on their own, people suffering from obesity can not adequately manage the condition. Dealing with obesity requires a high level of discipline and strictness. (Waters 2010) Doctors and other medical care providers are exclusively positioned to assist people suffering from diabetes to to set and attain their weight goals. Through dialogue they can build partnerships with people suffering from overweight and freely discuss their health problems and how to go about the condition.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has actually appreciated the use of evidence based approach and strategies towards fighting obesity. This body has actually assisted many people with obesity to deal with the weight issue and engage in successful weight loss programmes. Evidence based approach has provided a tool for transforming Science into practice. (Thompson 2004). Evidence Based approach in dealing with obesity includes engaging the patient in a dialogue through which the doctor takes the patient through the health risks associated with obesity. The doctor also explains the importance of losing even the smallest amount of weight. The health care provider also advises the patient with the making decisions on the best diet and choosing exercise programs. This is usually followed by setting of weight goals and following up to make sure that the patient strictly observes the diet and exercise programmes.
The introduction of Evidence based practice in fighting obesity has been resourceful. The Evidence Based Practice has seen many people lose weight successfully and go back to healthy weights.
References
Waters, E. (2010). Preventing childhood obesity: Evidence, policy and practice. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell
Fiebach, N. H., Barker, L. R., Burton, J. R., & Zieve, P. D. (2007). Principles of ambulatory medicine. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Moyer, V. A., & Elliott, E. J. (2004). Evidence based pediatrics and child health. London: BMJ Books.
Southern California Evidence-Based Practice Center/RAND., & United States. (2004). Pharmacological and surgical treatment of obesity. Rockville, Md.: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Thompson, J. K. (2004). Handbook of eating disorders and obesity. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons.
Dancyger, I. F., & Fornari, V. M. (2009). Evidence based treatment for eating disorders: Children, adolescents, and adults. New York: Nova Science.
