Weight gain is the kilograms added to the body mass as a result of overeating, or complete lack of physical activity or hormonal imbalance or side effects of medications – usually a varied combination of these factors. There are pathological conditions where there is retention of water in the body which is also reflected as loss of weight. The term Weight itself can mean weight in the form of fat or muscle or body water.
Most of the time the gradual weight gain goes unnoticed. This happens when the calories consumed is lesser than that burned. Long hours in front of the TV and continuous snacking in children and adolescents is the most common cause of weight gain. Snacks that are mentioned as low fats may be very high in carbohydrates and may result in weight gain. It is the norm to mention as zero cholesterol to deceive people to pick up the snack from the rack.
When weight gain is the result of PCOS, the excess hormones released from the ovary, namely testosterone promotes and maintains the weight gain.The weight gain around the abdomen is the prototype weight gain pattern along with excess hair growth and acne. This results in an apple shaped body instead of the pear shaped female torso. Other hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain.
Stress induced depression is another cause of weight gain which goes undiagnosed. Sluggishness, insomnia or excess sleep, overeating , loss of focus, weight gain- all these are pointers to underlying depression and anxiety.
After the underlying diseases are monitored and corrected, the focus shifts to weight loss. The usual weight loss strategy followed by most obese people is cutting down on food to levels that hardly give the body the necessary energy to function normally. This further worsens depression. Medical weight loss is an art and in the hands of a specialist can retain the vitality and garner positive energy.
Those attempting weight loss without the help of a trained medical person often end up losing body lean muscle mass. This results in loss of power, loss of balance, loss of endurance, problems in blood sugar control and compounds many medical problems.
Weight loss tips should focus on giving the essential macro nutrients and micronutrients that should aid normal function and most importantly maintain normal immune function. It should be borne in mind that all infections and diseases are common only in those whose immunity is not good, though everybody is exposed to the same infectious agents. The immune cells and antibodies that are made in the human body need the daily quota of proteins for synthesis. A deficient diet for the sake of weight loss makes people prone to all kinds of infections especially respiratory infections. In Winter the atmosphere is abounding in viral infections and infections such as swine flu are more common only in the nutritionally deprived individual rather than those who eat a healthy diet and have no other co-morbidities
Women who have a self supervised nutrition deprived diet often lack the lustre in the skin and hair, feel weak and are prone to numerous infectious diseases. Memory deficit and lack of focus in work are often reported in those who attempt weight loss without the help of a specialist. Anemia and hypoproteinemia are common in those women who have been dieting without proper supervision. This is compounded in pregnant women when the requirements are more.
Numerous mental disorders have been reported in women who try to manage their weight. One such is called bullimia nervosa, which is marked by binge eating followed by self induced vomiting or purging. This is a life threatening disorder common in places where great emphasis is given to weight. Cognitive therapy and medications are necessary to break the cycle. Another disorder is anorexia nervosa. Here self imposed starvation to maintain weight leads to more than 15% lower than normal weight.
Hence obesity should be prevented especially in children. If a person is obese, excessive discussion with friends and colleagues is better avoided. Nagging children at home can lead to adverse consequences. Stubborn people can be brought around by counselling.Obesity is not the end of the world. Acting prudently and efficiently and most importantly getting the right advise is important