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Weight management for obesity – Stages, diagnosis, and prevention

Weight management for obesity – Stages, diagnosis, and prevention

Obesity is one of the most common medical problems in the country, and almost one-third of the adult population of the country requires weight management. Technically, if an adult who is over the age of 35 years has a BMI of 30 or more, they will be considered obese.

Let’s take a look at the stages of obesity weight management and how to diagnose and prevent it.

Stages of obesity

There are broadly six stages of obesity weight management.

  • Denial
    This is the first step of any behavioral issue, but the fact is that there is a mathematical calculation for the ideal weight and one for obesity as well. Thus, it is not a subjective matter, and one can clearly understand that there is a reason for action if the weight goes above the ideal weight.
  • Decision
    Even after realizing that the weight is off the scale, it takes time for people to register the next steps. Whether one wants to maneuver eating habits or increase exercise every day, people take time to implement plans.
  • Action
    The weight management phase starts here. This is an inclusive action and it is not limited to only eating healthy or working out. One must eat well, exercise regularly, cut down on bad habits, maintain a healthy sleeping schedule, and various other things to keep oneself from obesity.
  • Reaching the goal
    Getting to the goal might seem difficult at first, but the weight management journey gets easier as you see the results. Soon enough, it becomes a habit and not just an activity that you’re keeping track of.
  • Maintenance
    It’s not enough to just reach the goal; staying there is equally important. You cannot begin to deviate from the diet plans once the goal is reached.
  • Acceptance
    The last phase is an acceptance that this is a long journey, and not a goal-to-goal activity. One must keep eating healthy and exercising throughout your life to stay healthy.

Diagnosis of obesity for weight management

Obesity is fairly easy to diagnose. Any person having a BMI of more than 30 is considered obese. Body Mass Index is a number that establishes a relation between a person’s height, weight, and age. Apart from this, there are several other factors that determine obesity, and on which basis the condition can be diagnosed. These include skinfold thickness and waist-to-hip comparisons. Further, there are tests including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and MRI scans that can further help a doctor determine obesity in a patient.

Prevention of obesity with weight management

Beyond the cosmetic repercussions of obesity, there are many chronic issues that one might face if one is obese. Several diseases and conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and some serious heart problems can arise due to obesity. Further, obesity also becomes a risk factor for multiple types of cancers. To avoid the risk of obesity, every individual must always maintain a healthy diet and regular fitness activity so that there are no health issues in the long run.

There are three main factors affecting the risk of obesity including genetics, environment and community, and psychological and other such factors. While genetics has a direct correlation and there’s no absolute way of preventing obesity due to genetics, the activity level of an individual can be increased for weight management. Further, one must find solutions to depression and other emotional problems before it translates into obesity. Apart from these, a sure-fire way for weight management and obesity prevention is eating less unhealthy food.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Common signs of pregnancy

From fatigue to nausea and weight gain, several symptoms can indicate pregnancy. The entire pregnancy can last for about 40 weeks, and for some women, it may even sound scary. Having said that, understanding the symptoms of pregnancy and what to expect during this period can help make this period smooth and comfortable for women.Common symptoms of pregnancyAmong the first things women should know are the signs that can help them understand that they are pregnant. Although the symptoms of pregnancy may differ among women, here's a list of the most common ones:A missed menstrual cycle: The most common and among the earliest signs of a pregnancy is a missed menstrual cycle. However, this is not a sure sign as irregular or delayed menstrual cycles can also be a result of ill health.Tender breasts: Tender and sensitive breasts can also be a sign of pregnancy as they are caused by hormonal changes that occur during the early stages of pregnancy.Nausea and vomiting: Nausea is a common symptom of pregnancy, and it generally starts a month after a woman conceives. However, it may occur earlier for some women, while others may not develop this symptom at all. This symptom is commonly known as morning sickness, but women may experience it at any time of the day.Increased urination: Increased urination is another common symptom of pregnancy as a result of increased blood flow in a woman’s body. This leads to the kidneys working overtime to process more fluid and eliminate toxins, which increases the urge to urinate among pregnant women.Fatigue: Exhaustion and fatigue are among the most common signs of pregnancy. The production of progesterone increases significantly among women during the early stages of pregnancy, which causes fatigue and sleepiness.Other than these symptoms, pregnancy may lead to bloating, mood swings, cramping, constipation, and sudden dislike for certain foods among women, even to the extent of throwing up at their sight or smell.Stages of pregnancyThe stages of pregnancy are known as trimesters. By the 12th week, the baby starts developing muscles and nerves, along with the head. The second trimester lasts from week 13th to 28th, and the bone marrow of the baby starts creating blood cells during this time. Also, fingerprints and footprints form, the hair on the baby's head starts growing, and the baby grows to around 12 inches long in the second trimester. In the third trimester, the organs of the baby start functioning on their own.Prevention of unwanted pregnancySeveral birth control methods can be used by women with an active sex life if they do not wish to conceive. The most common contraceptive methods are condoms, cervical caps, oral contraceptive pills, and IUDs.If a woman notices any of these symptoms of pregnancy, she must take a pregnancy test. Modern home pregnancy tests can give a 99%-accurate result, but visiting a doctor can help women get a confirmation. The urine or blood test performed by a medical professional can confirm a pregnancy.

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