Obesity not only threatens physiological health in many ways, but also negatively affects mental health. Obesity can often lead to depression and other psychiatric disorders. There are studies showing a linear relationship between obesity and decreased self-worth. The desire to cope with personal inadequacy can turn into a rigid attitude towards eating behavior. In this respect, “dieting and weight loss” can function as a way to regain power and control and to redefine oneself, at least in appearance.
Is psychological treatment for obesity possible?
One therapy approach that is effective in the treatment of obesity is cognitive-behavioral therapy. In this therapy, patients are thought to misinterpret environmental stimuli and hunger sensations, leading to uncomfortable feelings and subsequent eating behavior. Using cognitive restructuring methods, dysfunctional thoughts about food and diet, negative emotions, demotivating attitudes and associated logic errors can be identified.
Is obesity seen in children?
Eating habits are as important a factor in obesity in children as the effect of genetic inheritance from the family. The proportion of adipose tissue varies according to age. Obesity, which occurs when this ratio increases in an unhealthy way, is a disorder of energy metabolism that occurs with excessive fat storage in the body and can cause physical and mental problems.
What causes obesity in children?
Scientific research has proven that genetic inheritance from the family has an effect on obesity in children. However, excess calorie intake, malnutrition and inactivity cause obesity in children. Other underlying causes of obesity are hormonal balance and genetic diseases.
Does excessive and uncontrolled internet use cause obesity in children?
The internet, which can be useful in many areas, especially in communication and education, can negatively affect children’s mental and physical health and lead to anxiety disorders and obesity, especially when used uncontrolled in childhood. Long hours spent using the internet can lead to inactivity, eating disorders and orthopedic problems in children. The child, who gradually moves away from the social environment, may also change his/her eating patterns when he/she is in front of the internet in a sedentary manner. As a result, they gain weight rapidly and face the threat of obesity.
How to prevent obesity in children?
- Regular check-ups of the baby should not be neglected. With these checks, the risk of obesity can be determined at an early stage.
- The baby should not be fed every time he/she cries. The child’s diet and food intake should be under the control of the family. This will prevent obesity in infants.
- The child or baby should not be fed while watching television, and the child should be given the habit of sitting at the table with the family. Thus, obesity can be prevented for the baby.
- Fast food, chips, chocolate and sugary foods should be avoided as much as possible and the child should not be introduced to these foods if possible.
- From an early age, children should be supported for all kinds of sportive activities.
- It is necessary to get expert help against the problem of obesity without wasting time.
Why should obesity be feared?
Obesity with obesity reduces lung capacity by 20-30%. If there are diseases such as smoking or chronic bronchitis, it becomes impossible for a person to breathe after a while. Probably the biggest disease group affected by obesity is diabetes. The rate of diabetes in obese individuals is 40 times higher than in a normal individual. After the age of forty, obese individuals with a family history of diabetes have a 100% chance of developing diabetes. With a different mechanism, high blood pressure is observed 4-5 times more in obese people. In addition to hypertension, the likelihood of heart disease and heart attack is 3-4 times higher.
Another problem in obesity is gallstones. The possibility of gallstones is 4-5 times higher than a normal individual. The likelihood of fatty liver disease is also significantly increased in these individuals. Another dimension of obesity is the dissatisfaction with one’s condition. This can cause the person to fall into depression quickly and make it severe.
Does obesity increase the risk of kidney stones?
One of the most important factors that increase the risk of kidney stone formation is obesity. For this reason, individuals with weight problems should reach their ideal weight levels with personalized nutrition programs. Daily exercises also play an effective role in preventing kidney stones as they prevent weight gain. In this direction, unhealthy diets, especially protein diets that are thought to help weight loss, should be avoided. High blood pressure also increases the risk of stone formation for patients. Patients with high blood pressure should take their medication regularly and limit their salt intake.
What does losing weight change?
According to scientific research, a weight loss of 5 kilograms reduces the likelihood of diabetes by 50 percent. Therefore, diabetes-related deaths are reduced by 40 percent, and people’s lifespan is extended by 3-4 years. In case of 10 kg weight loss, the probability of death from any cause decreases by 20%, the probability of death due to cancer decreases by 37%, and the probability of developing cancer decreases by 40%. The likelihood of death due to heart disease decreases by 15% and the likelihood of general hospitalization decreases by 25%. When 10 kilograms are lost, life expectancy increases by 5-6 years.
Are there obesity medications?
Although there are various medical treatment methods for obesity, these methods should be prescribed by an endocrinologist. Products touted as “obesity drugs” seen on the internet should never be used without asking a doctor. The doctor will definitely inform people about obesity treatment.