Obesity: Is A Man Made Disease but it is curable

Obesity: Is A Man Made Disease but it is curable

Currently, over 1000 million people worldwide are affected by OBESITY, including 0.65 billion adults, 0.34  billion adolescents, and 0,39 billion children. This number continues to increase, and the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2025, 167 million overweight or obese individuals, both adults and children, will experience poor health outcomes.

Obesity can cause heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and some cancers. These illnesses are among the most preventable causes of chronic illness and mortality,

What causes obesity?

• Overeating during childhood and adolescence increases the risk of adult obesity
• Familial obesity appears to be inherited. 
• Low physical activity and junk eating are major contributors.
• Complex psychological and behavioral aspects affect eating habits. Additionally, metabolic inefficiencies in energy use may promote fat storage.
• Insulin promotes fat accumulation by modifying energy and fat metabolism.
• Obesity during childhood and adolescence, as well as low and high birth weight (3500g), can lead to adult obesity

Several studies have linked hours spent viewing TV to weight increase in children and adolescents, largely owing to sedentary behavior, snacking while watching, and energy-dense food ads.

Heredity matters.

NIH research showed that one in six Europeans with particular gene variants gain 7 pounds on average. Those discoveries indicate obesity mechanisms that may prevent weight gain. Intervention options come from obesity research on social issues. People buy fresh fruits and vegetables instead of pre-packaged (and often less healthy) commodities when given weekly food funds instead of monthly ones. We know that affordable housing programs nutrition because people no longer have to sacrifice food for rent.

Weight increase occurs between 25 and 50 for adults. Women become obese during pregnancy and menopause.

BMI is one indicator of health.

Height and weight-based BMI assessments help healthcare providers identify weight categories that may cause health issues.

The cut-off levels for overweight and obesity in children and adolescents range. The 5th and 85th centiles are normal, whereas the 85th and 95th centiles are overweight. Obese is 95th centile or higher.

Heart illness.

Heart disease is more common among obese people. Obesity causes high blood pressure, cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions increase heart disease risk.

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

• Weight gain can lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, a long-term illness that affects blood sugar levels.
• Weight loss of 2.5% can lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetics.
• This means shedding at least 6 pounds for a 250-pound person.
• Type 2 diabetes commonly follows prediabetes. For overweight adults with prediabetes, decreasing 10% of body weight can lessen their risk of type 2 diabetes.
• That means shedding 25 pounds for a 250-pound person.

Allergic airway disease

• Respiratory conditions like asthma narrow the airways, making breathing harder. Overweight persons are 50% more likely to get asthma, according to one study.
• Reduce weight by 7%–8% to reduce asthma symptoms.
• That means shedding 18-20 pounds for a 250-pound person.

Hypertension

• High blood pressure is more common in obese people. High blood pressure is the main cause of heart disease.
• Losing 5-15% of body weight may reduce blood pressure.
• For 250 pounds, that implies shedding 13-38 pounds.

Sleep apnea

Weight gain can lead to OSA, a dangerous breathing disorder. This may increase heart problems, depending on severity. At least 10% weight loss can greatly improve OSA symptoms. If someone weighs 250 pounds, they lose 25 pounds.

Hypercholesterolemia

• Weight and obesity increase the risk of high cholesterol and triglycerides. Their "bad" cholesterol, LDL, may be elevated. Their "good" cholesterol, HDL, may be low. Also, their triglycerides may be excessively high.
• Each level can be improved by losing 5% to 15% of body weight.
• That means shedding 13 pounds for a 250-pound person.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

• Fat is accumulated in the liver in NAFLD. It is common for obese people.
• A weight loss of 10% can help NAFLD.
• That means shedding 25 pounds for a 250-pound person.

Ovarian polycystic

• PCOS causes ovarian cysts. PCOS is twice as common in overweight women.
• A weight loss of 5%-15% can improve PCOS symptoms including menstrual irregularity.
• For 250 pounds, that implies shedding 13-38 pounds.

The OA(Osteoarthritis)

• OA is the most common arthritis. OA is more common in obese adults and is caused by increased joint force, including the knees. In fact, obese people are 4x to 5x more prone to develop knee OA.
• A weight loss of 5%-10% can reduce knee pain and increase walking distance and speed.
• That means shedding 13-25 pounds for a 250-pound person.

Here are several weight-related treatments.

Smart eating and portion control

Healthier meal planning and smaller servings lower calories while giving nutrients. Choosing an apple over junk food adds up over the day.

Exercise

Move your body and burns calories. Be more active to burn more calories. Find activities you like or can perform with others for support and encouragement.

Changes in behavior

A specialist in behavior modification may help you form new habits. Clearing out high-calorie items in the kitchen or having your fitness gear near the door may help you reach your weight-management objectives. Find an Obesity Care Provider to assist you attain your goals.

weight-control targets.

Fix up a target to achieve within a stipulated period.

Medicine

• For at least 12 months after weight loss, appetite hormone fluctuations can make you hungry.
• Long-term weight control may benefit from adding a prescription appetite suppressant or fullness enhancer. Talk to your doctor about your options.

Surgeries for obesity

• Individuals with a BMI of 35 or higher with weight-related problems may have bariatric surgery. Some may lose more weight with it than with other treatments.
• Bariatric surgeries reduce the stomach's capacity to lose weight. Your doctor can advise you on their suitability.

Know that the brain controls when and why we eat.

All day, hormones from the stomach, intestines, and adipose tissue send signals about appetite to the neurological system, which includes the brain. Brain and appetite hormones affect what, why, and how much we eat.

Hunger hormones

Ghrelin: Ghrelin, a hunger hormone, starts appetite.

Peptide YY: After eating, the intestines secrete Peptide YY (PYY).PYY tells the brain-eating makes you full.

Cholecystokinin

Gut cells secrete CCK upon eating.

CCK tells the brain the body is full, suppressing hunger.

GLP-1

When someone is full, GLP-1 is released after eating.

Amylin

In specific brain locations, Amylin helps the body determine when it is full after eating.

Insulin

Pancreatic insulin permits sugar to enter cells for energy. The body cannot fuel itself without insulin. Insulin signals the body to cease eating.

Leptin

Leptin is produced by fat cells.

Leptin from fat cells tells the brain to quit eating.

Weight loss: how?

Each weight-loss plan is unique. Let weight loss happen gradually. Weight loss diets should be at least 1000 Kcal/day and include all nutrients. Half a kilogram of weight loss every week is safe. Drugs and extreme methods are risky. Increased physical activity, not food restriction, should treat childhood obesity. Diet and activity must be changed to maintain a healthy weigh

Weight-loss diets should cut fat. Fat has 9 kcal per gram, compared to 4 kcal for protein and 4 kcal for carbohydrates. 

Avoid empty calories like refined sugars (4Kcal) and alcohol (7Kcal). Restricted are refined carbohydrates that enhance quick glucose absorption (glycemic carbs).

Complex carbohydrate and fiber-rich plant diets may lower blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Diets for weight loss must be high in proteins and low in carbs and fats.

Satiety and micronutrient intake can be achieved by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Frequent fasting/semi-fasting (cycle weight loss) and adequate or excessive meal consumption accelerate weight growth. 

A doctor and dietitian should oversee all weight-loss programs.

Conclusion.

Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight requires eating enough calories or changing physical activity to maintain energy balance. Periodically examine and monitor body weight.

Eating Well for Better Mental Health

Eating Well for Better Mental Health leads to clearer thinking, increased alertness, improved concentration, and attention span. Consuming fewer processed foods can improve brain and emotional health.

Conversely, A poor diet can lead to fatigue, impaired decision-making, and can slow down reaction time. It can aggravate, and may even lead to stress and depression.

A plate of white fish (A plate full of junk food)

                    Processed  food

One of the biggest beliefs in society is on processed foods, rather than nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Processed foods are highly addictive and stimulate the dopamine centers in our brains, which are sources of pleasure and reward. Stop eating those foods and change the physiology in the brain, eliminate sugars and refined carbohydrates from your diet. Hence, Eating Well for Better Mental Health.

Stress and Depression

Sugar and processed meals can cause brain and body inflammation, which may cause anxiety and depression. When anxious or depressed, we often reach for processed foods for a quick fix. In times of rush, people often opt for coffee instead of breakfast and replace fresh produce with high-fat, high-calorie fast food. When depressed, ice cream for dinner or no dinner.

According to the American Dietetic Association, sad and stressed people eat too much or too little. Overeating causes sluggishness and weight gain. Eating too little and being exhausted makes this a hard habit to change. A bad diet during stress and sadness worsens both. This vicious cycle can be broken.

Mental Health Risks of Junk Food

The brain never shuts off. Even when you sleep happily in bed, your brain is still preparing your body for the day.

Food and mood

High-quality diets with fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants nourish and protect the brain. Simply said, an excellent diet strengthens the brain-body connection and trains you to feel well.

Gut bacteria affect nutrient absorption and activate neurological connections that connect your brain and body. Your stomach produces 95% of the serotonin-good hormone.

Processed and Ultra-processed foods

Ultra-processed foods like packaged snacks, buns, and pastries can reduce happy hormone production. Several studies have linked Depression to poor diet-induced inflammation.

Processed foods might affect your mood in short-term as well as long-term health. Sugary foods can raise blood sugar, causing a quick surge of energy followed by a crash that makes you weary and angry.

Here are 10 scientific reasons to avoid junk food:

1. Memory Issues

Junk food's saturated fat and sugar can impair learning and memory. Coca-Cola and noodles significantly affect verbal memory in children.

2. Depression

Excessive consumption of certain foods might alter your neurotransmitters, making you dependent on junk food when you're depressed. Junk eating can disrupt dopamine and serotonin signaling. This causes depression and other mental illnesses.

3. Irritation

A Canadian study found that fast food makes consumers harried and irritable. According to study researcher Julian House, “Fast food allows people to fill their stomachs as quickly as possible and move on.” With immediate satisfaction, you grow more irritated with slow things. “Fast food allows people to fill their stomachs as quickly as possible and move on to other things.” You grow more frustrated when things take longer when you're used to fast pleasure.

4. You may spend more.

Sanford DeVoe, an associate professor at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, says customers who link fast food with quickness and instant pleasure spend more on food. People who eat fast food more often spend more than those who cook.

5. Sugar Addiction

Sugary junk food can provide you with a short-term energy boost. The crucial term is briefly. Your body adapts to suppress dopamine and rely on sugar, making this sensation addicting. Cassie Bjork, a registered and licensed dietitian, and founder of Healthy Simple Life, claims that sugar is more addictive than cocaine.

6. Anxiety

Stress and worry are connected to unhealthy eating habits. Saturated fats, trans fats, and omega-6 fatty acids induce inflammation, whereas refined carbs fluctuate blood sugar. Small amounts of these lipids are important for brain function, but too much might cause anxiety.

Sugar and caffeine can also cause short-term stress by speeding up the heart, sweating the palms, and dilating the pupils.

7. Hyperactivity

A ‘high’ from sodium benzoate in junk food can cause hyperactivity or jitters. These feelings can lead to severe mood fluctuations over time.

8. Dementia risk

Brown University researchers call Alzheimer's brain diabetes. Fatty diets may boost insulin production, causing type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance affects memory formation and storage, increasing dementia risk.

9. Mood Changes

Physical and emotional instability might result from unhealthy eating habits and irritation. Penn State researchers concluded that junk food is not a good choice when you're depressed. In their trial, junk food made depressed participants feel worse, but it didn't affect those who felt pleased.

10. Loss of self-control

Trans fats in processed foods can impair self-control by preventing the brain from recognizing fullness.

Processed food eaters eat more. Much research confirms this. An ultra-processed food diet boosted caloric consumption by 500 calories per day in one research.

Consume Brain-healthy foods

Keep in mind that healthy eating is a lifestyle that requires focus, but it's worth it once you discover consistency! Look and feel better than ever.

Eat plenty of fruits, veggies, and omega-3-rich foods like salmon to improve your mental wellness. Dark green leafy vegetables protect the brain. Brain-healthy foods include nuts, seeds, and legumes like beans and lentils.

A Healthy Gut

Researchers are still proving that you are what you eat, most recently by studying the brain-intestine relationship. The Vagus nerve connects the gut and brain, allowing them to communicate. The stomach influences brain-gut emotional behavior, but the brain can also change gut microorganisms.

Gut bacteria create neurochemicals that the brain utilizes to regulate mood and other physiological and mental processes, according to the American Psychological Association. Gut bacteria produce 95% of the body's serotonin, a mood stabilizer. Positive gut microorganisms may be suppressed by stress.

Consuming Mindfully

Paying attention to how you feel and what you eat is the first step to eating well-balanced meals and snacks. Nutritionists recommend maintaining a food journal because many of us don't track our diets. Documenting when, when, and what you consume helps you understand your tendencies.

When feeling stressed and overeating, writing down your emotions can be helpful. This can help identify the issue. If you are undereating, try arranging five or six smaller meals instead of three large ones.

Learn about emotional and mindful eating.

Sometimes stress and despair are too intense to manage alone. For some, eating issues develop. If you struggle to control your eating habits, whether you eat too much or too little, your health may be at risk. If so, get expert help. Asking for aid is never a show of weakness, especially in challenging times.

Brain Food

Your brain and nervous system need carbs, proteins, and minerals to produce new proteins and cells and function properly. Instead of eating the same meals every day, nutritionists recommend eating a variety of foods to receive all the nutrients that promote mental function.

The top three mental diet foods are:

• Complex carbs like brown rice and starchy veggies provide energy. Quinoa, grain,  beets, and sweet potatoes are healthier and keep you full longer than sugar and candies.
• Lean proteins give your body the energy to think and act fast. Chicken, meat, fish, eggs, soybeans, almonds, and seeds provide protein.
• The importance of fatty acids in maintaining proper brain and nervous system function cannot be overstated. Fish, meat, eggs, nuts, and flaxseeds contain them.

Exercise Healthier Eating

1. Avoid processed snacks like potato chips, which can hinder concentration. Avoid sugary snacks like sweets and soda, which cause energy swings.
2. Use olive, coconut, and avocado oils for healthful fats. This aids brain function.
3. If you're feeling hungry, some healthy snack options include fruit, almonds, hard-boiled eggs, baked sweet potatoes, or edamame. This provides more energy than packaged goods.
4. Make and follow a healthy shopping list.
5. Don't shop when hungry to avoid harmful impulse buys.

Conclusion

Consider where and when you eat. Eating while watching TV can be distracting and lead to overeating. It's best to avoid this habit.Sit down, relax, and observe your food. Chew slowly. Enjoy the flavor and texture.

Allow yourself time to adjust to new diets when you start this adventure. Trying to quit everything at once may not work.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest And Death of Children: Survival Is achievable.

 Sudden Cardiac Arrest And Death of Children:

 Survival Is Achievable

Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Adolescent

Childhood and adolescent sudden cardiac arrest and death is a terrible tragedy. When kids of this age, they pick and choose their own games. They could be putting themselves in danger without even realizing it. The causes of cardiac arrest and death might be varied. However, the tragedy can be prevented if parents of children and teens are just a little more careful with their comments. Some potential courses of action are listed below, in order to eliminate disaster.

Parents' Wishes.

Parents constantly hope their children will have a special talent and become stars in the sporting world. They fantasize about their son taking after Messy or Sachin Tendulkar. They introduce their offspring to the world of which they dreamed as kids. They locate competent instructors to guide them toward success. They give him a lot of food and a lot of training, both of which may be too much for him.

However, they might not give a hoot about kiddos' wellness. They should evaluate their current fitness level, their stamina, and the field conditions to determine which sport is best for them. When these aren't respected and adopted by unregulated sports, disaster often results. The risk of sudden cardiac arrest and death is high at any age, but especially in young adults.

The health of their children is ultimately their responsibility.

• Investigate the state of their kids' health.
• Energy and stamina.
• Appropriate physical activities for their kids.
• The Right Kind of Coach.
• The instructor must be able to handle potentially harmful scenarios.
• As a trainer, he should be familiar with CPR and automated external defibrillators (AED).

What happens during a cardiac arrest and why it's fatal?

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops working, causing the victim to lose consciousness and collapse. Deadly if not handled in a matter of minutes.
• Death from sudden cardiac arrest occurs instantly and without notice.
• Immediately, the victim's heart stops beating, and he or she stops breathing.
• It's possible that parents and coaches are unaware of the risk of sudden cardiac death among young people.
• Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of unexpected mortality in young adults. 
• It's possible that people will ignore warning signs when they occur.

Sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death are not the same.

• Sudden cardiac arrest is the sudden cessation of heart function caused by arrhythmia. With the right diagnosis and prompt treatment, survival is achievable.
• Those under the age of 35 who are otherwise healthy rarely experience sudden cardiac death. Typically, males are affected more than females.
• Genetic heart disease may be the cause of sudden deaths in adolescents and young adults.
• An undiagnosed heart condition causes the unexpected death of an athlete or physically active individual during competition.
• Even in those circumstances where no physical activity is involved, sudden cardiac death can occur.

Shortness of breath, chest pain

An early indicator of sudden cardiac arrest.

• Neither the patient nor his or her loved ones reported any injuries or health problems.
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, and even fainting may be experienced by some people due to cardiac issues
• Nothing dangerous was felt in that.
• Abnormal fainting
• Experiencing fainting spells while exercising
• Consciousness lapse.
• Intense racing or thumping of the heart
• Feelings of Weakness or Dizziness
• If there has been a sudden death in your family, talk to your doctor about possible screenings.

Students and athletes can also benefit from safeguards for their heart health.

• Drink fluids; if you see your perspiration increasing, reach for a sports drink or similar electrolyte-rich beverage.
• Stay away from pre-workout and energy beverages. The physician warns that these goods are detrimental to cardiovascular health.
• When someone collapses and goes unconscious, you should start CPR or use a defibrillator right away.
• After six minutes of cardiac arrest, the doctor warns circulation must be restored or the patient would die.
• Athletes, young people, coaches, and parents should all be aware of the severity of sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of early action.

Should we test every young person for sudden cardiac arrest risk?

Should we test every young person for sudden cardiac arrest risk?

• Anxiety and repeated testing could be caused by a high rate of false positive test findings.
• Patients at high risk for cardiac disease or SCA-related family members can benefit from knowing the warning signals and risk factors, getting an accurate medical history, and undergoing cardiology and genetic testing.
• Screening for sudden cardiac arrest is not recommended by the American Heart Association for healthy young adults who are not sports.
• Sudden cardiac death screenings are often advised for those who have a family history of the condition or other risk factors.

Preventing Cardiac Arrest: A Set of Guidelines.

• Handle Anxiety
• Put down the cigarette and the tobacco.
• Start eating right
• Restrict your intake of high-sodium, high-fat foods.
• Reduce your alcohol intake.
• Weight control and regular exercise.
• Check for a history of SCA in the family
• Checkups are essential for those with preexisting heart conditions.
• Make sure you're ready by learning CPR and how to operate an automated external defibrillator

Sudden cardiac death can happen to young people at any time.

• Young individuals who choose not to participate in organized sports.
• During physical activity, passive states, and sleep.
• SCA can cause irreversible brain damage, which can lead to death days or weeks later.

Reason for young people's unexpected deaths 

• Incorrect cardiac electrical signaling.
• The ventricles, the lowest chambers of the heart, tremble when the heartbeat is rapid.
• A condition in which the heart fibrillates instead of pumping blood.
• Heart tissue is damaged when the heart is overworked. 
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or Hypertrophy of the heart muscle.
• The development of an abnormally thick cardiac muscle can have genetic roots.
• When blood thickens, it makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood, which can lead to an increased heart rate.

Abnormal heartbeat disorder.

• If you have long QT syndrome, your heartbeat may be irregular and rapid.
  
• It has been associated with abrupt cardiac arrest and fainting.
• Congenital (existing at birth) long QT syndrome is a possibility.
• Medical disorders or medications could be to blame.(syndrome of prolonged QT interval)

There are other forms of arrhythmias,

•  WOLFE-PARKINSON-WHITE SYNDROME and the BRUGADA SYNDROME.

Traumatic Chest Contusion:

Athletes are susceptible to Commotio Cordis if they are struck violently in the chest, either by equipment or by other players.  Signals of electrical in the heart are modified.

A problem with the structure of the heart.

• (Congenital cardiac defect) existing at birth.  Birth defects in the heart and blood arteries are a leading cause of reduced blood flow and abrupt cardiac death in some persons.
• Dysplasia of the right ventricle can cause arrhythmias. Scar tissue replaces healthy cardiac muscle in people with this inherited disease.

Myocarditis

Infections are typically the initial cause. The heart's walls are inflamed, as a result. In youngsters, myocarditis is relatively common. When a virus like enterovirus enters the cardiac tissue. It can be caused by bacterial, fungal, or parasitic diseases, as well as by adverse reactions to certain drugs.

Syndrome of Marfan

Heartbreak is a possible symptom of disorders affecting the connective tissue.

Blood vessels in the aorta. 

A person born with this syndrome may not recognize their height or arm length as abnormal. 

Anomaly of the coronary arteries:

This condition, also known as an anomalous coronary artery, arises when the heart's major blood vessels are compressed because of an abnormal origin for the coronary arteries.

Causes of Sudden cardiac death

• More testing needs to be done because of this.
• A history of sudden deaths in those under the age of 50
• A history of chest pain with activity in a family member with a heritable heart muscle or an electrical issue.
• An undiagnosed issue involving the heart's pace or rhythm.
• Sudden loss of consciousness due to fainting or a seizure
• Being born with a cardiac defect (congenital or otherwise; this includes corrected defects)
• Whether or not you can exercise or play sports safely will depend on your own health situation.
• Full-contact sports are unsafe for those with implanted medical devices.
• The machine might be shifted by avoiding strikes to the chest area. 
• Dr. Zoghbi recommends that all young athletes get a full physical examination that includes a discussion of their family medical history.

Help to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death.

Adolescents, especially those who are not actively participating in sports, should have regular wellness tests and focus on improving their sports fitness.

Children and their parents can get a screening exam whenever they want to.

It could be useful in determining if a specialist appointment is warranted.

The doctor would advise you to stay away from competitive sports if you have a high risk of sudden cardiac death.

Medication or surgery may be suggested to lessen the likelihood of an unexpected death, depending on the severity of the illness

For example.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are medical devices that can be placed in the chest to monitor and treat irregular heart rhythms. In the event of a potentially fatal abnormal cardiac rhythm, the ICD will provide electrical shocks to the heart. 

A person in cardiac arrest can be treated with a portable device called an automated external defibrillator. To restart the heart, an AED administers electric shocks.

Dr. Zoghbi recommends that all young athletes get a thorough physical examination that includes a discussion of their family medical history as a first step.

Dr. Zoghbi stresses that even if there is a family history of heart problems, non-invasive diagnostic tools like the electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiography (HCG) can be used to assess the heart's structure and function.

Conclusion

• Collect information about your family's heart health and share it with your pediatrician. Well-child exams and sports physicals can benefit from this information.
• All heart diseases are either inherited or new congenital illnesses, making it crucial to ask about family history among young people, especially young athletes.