When we carry only a few extra pounds, it does not really make an impression on us. We don’t see it as a big deal and most of us believe that a little power of will or the right special event are good ways to get back in shape. What is the difference between being a little heavier and  being overweight?  World statistics show that more people than ever need fall into the category of being overweight and obese. There is a well established connection between these two diseases and the loss of mobility, premature death and a great variety of health problems. 

Excessive accumulation of fat, especially in certain parts of our body, poses serious risks to our health. In addition, the number of children who are overweight or obese is growing each year. All this is a good enough reason to approach the problem with greater awareness and seriousness.

Is your weight healthy?

Nowadays, it is a common practice to calculate body mass index (BMI). You can do it yourself by looking for one of the available formulas by which BMI is calculated. The moment you find out that your weight does not meet the health norms and you are in the risk group, it is mandatory to take measures. This type of healthy weight calculation is not the most accurate, but it can give you a general idea of what you need to change or not change in your lifestyle.

What are the causes of overweight and obesity?

According to modern medicine, the reasons for the accumulation of fat in your body are various. Some of them are genetically determined, and others are related to the environment in which we live and the quantity, quality and composition of the food we eat. There are also physiological factors - disorders of adipose tissue metabolism, hormonal changes, disorders in certain parts of the brain, in particular in the hypothalamus, which control satiety; and also psychological factors - eating disorders and overeating as a way to deal with stress or depression.

Our modern way of life is equally as responsible for weight issues. It predisposes to lower physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle (as many professions require) and high-calorie foods, that are not healthy. The accumulation of extra pounds is also caused by taking certain medications.

What causes us to be overweight and obese?

We mentioned that being overweight and obese can be fatal. However, this does not happen instantly, but is associated with the gradual and sometimes irreversible deterioration of various systems in the human body.

Excess weight affects the metabolic processes in our body. This often shows as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, type 2 diabetes, gout and gouty arthritis. When our body suffocates under the pressure of unbearable weight, the cardiovascular system also suffers. People who are overweight or obese often suffer from various heart problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, for example. In addition, it has been scientifically proven that these people are at high risk for myocardial infarction.

When you suffer from overweight or obesity, the risk of deterioration of the nervous and respiratory systems and the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract increases. According to some medical studies, obesity also leads to some types of cancer.

Some of the most visible health conditions, due to overweight and obesity, are related to the musculoskeletal system - osteoarthritis, coca lime, Blount's disease, flat feet and others.

Last but not least, neglecting the extra pounds can lead to reproductive and pelvic disorders, skin problems (including stretch marks that are already problematic for women) and psychological problems.