Obesity On The Body Research Paper
Effects of Obesity on the Body
Melissa Harrison
Southern New Hampshire University
Effects of Obesity on the Body
A person is obese if the body mass index is thirty or more. Body mass index can be calculated by taking weight divided by height squared, multiplied by 703. Normal body mass index is between 18.5 and 24.9. Excess weight diminishes the effectiveness of every bodily function. There is increase in risk of diseases. Obesity negatively affects the respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, skeletal, urinary, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems.
Obesity causes complications with mechanical systems due to the stress of extra weight. There are problems with hormones and metabolism. Adipose tissues are made …show more content…
up of cells which are filled with triglycerides or adipocytes. Proteins which are secreted by adipocytes regulate adipose tissue expansion and control organ feeding, energy balance, etc. Obesity causes fat deposits which deregulate these processes causing insulin resistance, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and other diseases (Ahima 2011).
The accumulation of excess fat limits the descent of the diaphragm which then limits lung expansion. Fat actually infiltrates the respiratory muscles causing reduced muscle strength and endurance. The lungs operate at a reduced efficiency. An obese person may then breathe rapidly and shallowly. Oxygen is then absorbed at a lesser rate while using more energy than a normal weight person. During exercise, this reduction of oxygen limits the obese person from attaining peak exercise performance as they cannot support the increased muscle oxygen requirement needed (Sood 2010).
A condition of oxidative stress may occur on the digestive system on a cellular level due to obesity. This is an imbalance of the cell’s ability to detoxify. In obesity, fat- derived cytokines, or signaling molecules, are released under oxidative stress and cause an inflammatory process. Inflammation such as this can cause organ failure. Fat infiltration in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas can cause diseases of these organs. Obesity also puts extra stress on these organs because the liver has to process more fat, the kidneys have more waste to eliminate, and the pancreas function is diminished so the hormones and enzymes released which are needed for digestion and sugar processing may be out of balance (Mathur et. al. 2007).
Obesity affects almost every aspect of the reproductive system. In women, excess weight promotes ovarian hormone secretion and abnormal insulin resistance. This can lead to abnormal menstruation and infertility. During pregnancy, obesity increases the risk of hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Postpartum risks of obesity and gestational diabetes increase the risk of fetal heart defects, spina bifida, and macrosomia, or a larger than normal fetus. In men, excess weight can contribute to erectile dysfunction (Ramsay et al 2006).
The endocrine system manages hormones which are the chemical messengers that control body processes. Obesity can cause excesses or deficits of hormones. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and regulates fat and carb metabolism. It also helps to maintain normal levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Insulin signals are lost in the case of obesity and glucose levels cannot be properly maintained which causes type II diabetes. The growth hormone is low in those who are obese. The growth hormone affects the rate that people metabolize or burn energy. Estrogens produced in the fat cells of obese people have been linked to a higher risk of cancer. The estrogen hormone is also produced by the ovaries but at a much higher rate and regulates the distribution of fat. Placement of fat can affect the development of heart disease, stroke, and arthritis. Lack of estrogen can lead to excessive weight gain (Better Health Channel 2012).
Obesity is hard on the cardiovascular system. Excess amounts of fat cells require an increased blood volume through the body. Oxygen consumption is also increased. The heart must work harder to pump the blood through the veins and arteries to carry oxygen. Overload of blood transit system can cause hypertension and hyperinsulinemia. This will eventually lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke (Garrett et al 2004).
The musculoskeletal system is also affected by the excessive weight of obesity. Risk of osteoarthritis, also called wear-and -tear arthritis, is increased with excessive weight. The pounds of pressure on the knees between the kneecap and the articulation point are about three times a person’s body weight when walking. During more strenuous activities like climbing, running, or squatting, the pounds of pressure is ten times a person’s body weight. Years of putting excess weight and pressure on this area causes arthritis. Obesity also affects the spine. A heavy gut causes a bending and compressive force on the spinal column. This will lead to vertebrae compression, disc problems, and back pain (Makk 2007).
In 2007, an expert panel concluded there was, “evidence of association,” between obesity and cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, colon, rectum, breast, and kidney (HSPH 2013). Reasons for this could be that fat tissue produced excessive amounts of estrogen, the hormone that regulates fat storage. High levels of estrogen have been linked to risk of breast and other cancers. Also, obese people have high levels of insulin or hyperinsulinemia which aids in the development of tumors. Obese people many times have chronic low-level inflammation. This has been linked to increased risk of cancer as well (National Cancer Institute 2013).
Obesity has been associated with alteration of the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is the part of the nervous system which controls involuntary actions of the smooth muscles, heart, and glands. In one study, “Heart rate variability and obesity in adolescents,” it was found that in obese adolescents, the ANS as a whole was depressed. There was also evidence of parasympathetic depression which causes the heart rate to slow, the sphincter muscles to relax, and intestinal and gland activities to increase. The nervous system is essentially out of balance, affecting all other systems in the body from the cardiovascular to the endocrine. It was shown that regular exercise could improve this condition and improve the function of the ANS. (TNN 2009).
Obesity is a major health problem. There are some organizations are making an effort to be part of the solution. Statistically, a child who is obese is 16 times more likely to be obese as an adult. Many programs focus on correcting and preventing obesity in children. Amerigroup gives health education workshops to students, teaching them about nutritional facts and help them to analyze and become aware of what they consume (Amerigroup 2012). Another organization which is helping to prevent obesity is call The Health and Obesity Prevention and Education (HOPE). This project trains pediatric clinicians to care for children who are at risk for obesity by educating them of the health consequences of obesity, giving weight counseling for effected families, and health intervention. This program helps promote healthy weight among the youth (Huang et al 2009).
Another organization called “Let’s Move!” was started by the First Lady, Michelle Obama. The goal of this organization is to raise a healthier generation of children by creating a healthy start, empowering parents, providing healthy food in schools, improving access to healthy, affordable foods, and increasing physical activity. This program is a childhood obesity task force to unite our country for the future health of the children. Obesity damages essentially every aspect of health, from shortening our lifespan and contributing to disorders like diabetes and cardiovascular disease to interfering with sexual function, breathing, mood, and social interactions. Obesity increases the risk for many types of cancers, hormone imbalance, heart attack, stroke, and organ failure. There are programs to help educate students and patients about proper nutrition and the dangers of obesity. Many health problems can be prevented with proper weight maintenance. That extra weight can negatively affect every body system. Proper nutrition and exercise will add years and satisfaction to the life.
References
Ahima, R. S. (2011). Digging deeper into obesity. J Clin Invest. 2011 June 1; 121(6): 2076–2079.. doi: 10.1172/JCI58719. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3104789/
Amerigroup. (2012). Childhood Obesity Prevention Through Education. Amerigroup RealSolutions in Healthcare. Retrieved from: http://www.amerigroup.com/sites/amerigroup.com/files/files/Childhood-Obesity.pdf.
Better Health Channel. (2012). Obesity and Hormones. Retrieved from: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Obesity_and_hormones.
Garrett K., Lauer, K., & Christopher, B. (2004). The Effects of Obesity on the Cardiopulmonary System: Implications for Critical Care Nursing. Medscape Today. Retrieved from: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/495041_6
Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). (2013). The Obesity Prevention Source. Retrieved from: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-consequences/health-effects/
Huang, J., Pokala, P., Hill, L., Boutelle, K., Wood, C., Becerra, K., Calfas, K. (2009). The Health and Obesity: Prevention and Education (HOPE) Curriculum Project – Curriculum Development. Pediatrics. Vol 124 No. 5 November 1, 2009. Pp. 1438-1446. Retrieved from: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/124/5/1438.short.
Let’s Move. (2013). Childhood Obesity Task Force Report. America’s Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids. Retrieved from: http://www.letsmove.gov/about.
Makk, S. (2007). Obesity’s Effects on Bones and Joints. Kentukiana Healthy Woman. Retrieved from: http://www.lbjs.net/pdf/KHWDrMakkWeb.pdf
Mathur, A., Marine, M., Lu, D., Swartz-Basile, D.
A., Saxena, R., Zyromski, N. J., & Pitt, H. A. (2007). Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease. HPB: The Official Journal Of The International Hepato Pacreato Biliary Association, 9(4), 312-318. doi:10.1080/13651820701504157. Retrieved from: http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/ehost/detail?sid=787aad35-435f-415f-a456-ae8b10e91e78%40sessionmgr112&vid=1&hid=121&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPWNvb2tpZSxpcCx1cmwsY3BpZCZjdXN0aWQ9c2hhcGlybyZzaXRlPWVob3N0LWxpdmU%3d#db=a2h&AN=26165100&anchor=GoToAllQVI
National Cancer Institute. (2013). Obesity and Cancer Risk. Retrieved from: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity.
Ramsay, J., Greer, I., & Sattar, N. (2006). Obesity and Reproduction. BMJ. 2006 December 2; 333(7579): 1159–1162. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39049.439444.DE1. PMCID: PMC1676144. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1676144/.
Sood, A. (2010). Altered Resting and Exercise Respiratory Physiology in Obesity. Clin Chest Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 September 1. Published in final edited form as: Clin Chest Med. 2009 September; 30(3): 445–vii. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2009.05.003. PMCID: PMC2765111. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2765111/
TNN. (2009). Obesity linked to nervous system imbalance: Study. The Times of India. Retrieved from:
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-17/jaipur/28004870_1_obese-children-high-fat-diet-heart-rate.
Melissa Harrison
Southern New Hampshire University
Effects of Obesity on the Body
A person is obese if the body mass index is thirty or more. Body mass index can be calculated by taking weight divided by height squared, multiplied by 703. Normal body mass index is between 18.5 and 24.9. Excess weight diminishes the effectiveness of every bodily function. There is increase in risk of diseases. Obesity negatively affects the respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, skeletal, urinary, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems.
Obesity causes complications with mechanical systems due to the stress of extra weight. There are problems with hormones and metabolism. Adipose tissues are made …show more content…
up of cells which are filled with triglycerides or adipocytes. Proteins which are secreted by adipocytes regulate adipose tissue expansion and control organ feeding, energy balance, etc. Obesity causes fat deposits which deregulate these processes causing insulin resistance, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and other diseases (Ahima 2011).
The accumulation of excess fat limits the descent of the diaphragm which then limits lung expansion. Fat actually infiltrates the respiratory muscles causing reduced muscle strength and endurance. The lungs operate at a reduced efficiency. An obese person may then breathe rapidly and shallowly. Oxygen is then absorbed at a lesser rate while using more energy than a normal weight person. During exercise, this reduction of oxygen limits the obese person from attaining peak exercise performance as they cannot support the increased muscle oxygen requirement needed (Sood 2010).
A condition of oxidative stress may occur on the digestive system on a cellular level due to obesity. This is an imbalance of the cell’s ability to detoxify. In obesity, fat- derived cytokines, or signaling molecules, are released under oxidative stress and cause an inflammatory process. Inflammation such as this can cause organ failure. Fat infiltration in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas can cause diseases of these organs. Obesity also puts extra stress on these organs because the liver has to process more fat, the kidneys have more waste to eliminate, and the pancreas function is diminished so the hormones and enzymes released which are needed for digestion and sugar processing may be out of balance (Mathur et. al. 2007).
Obesity affects almost every aspect of the reproductive system. In women, excess weight promotes ovarian hormone secretion and abnormal insulin resistance. This can lead to abnormal menstruation and infertility. During pregnancy, obesity increases the risk of hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Postpartum risks of obesity and gestational diabetes increase the risk of fetal heart defects, spina bifida, and macrosomia, or a larger than normal fetus. In men, excess weight can contribute to erectile dysfunction (Ramsay et al 2006).
The endocrine system manages hormones which are the chemical messengers that control body processes. Obesity can cause excesses or deficits of hormones. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and regulates fat and carb metabolism. It also helps to maintain normal levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Insulin signals are lost in the case of obesity and glucose levels cannot be properly maintained which causes type II diabetes. The growth hormone is low in those who are obese. The growth hormone affects the rate that people metabolize or burn energy. Estrogens produced in the fat cells of obese people have been linked to a higher risk of cancer. The estrogen hormone is also produced by the ovaries but at a much higher rate and regulates the distribution of fat. Placement of fat can affect the development of heart disease, stroke, and arthritis. Lack of estrogen can lead to excessive weight gain (Better Health Channel 2012).
Obesity is hard on the cardiovascular system. Excess amounts of fat cells require an increased blood volume through the body. Oxygen consumption is also increased. The heart must work harder to pump the blood through the veins and arteries to carry oxygen. Overload of blood transit system can cause hypertension and hyperinsulinemia. This will eventually lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke (Garrett et al 2004).
The musculoskeletal system is also affected by the excessive weight of obesity. Risk of osteoarthritis, also called wear-and -tear arthritis, is increased with excessive weight. The pounds of pressure on the knees between the kneecap and the articulation point are about three times a person’s body weight when walking. During more strenuous activities like climbing, running, or squatting, the pounds of pressure is ten times a person’s body weight. Years of putting excess weight and pressure on this area causes arthritis. Obesity also affects the spine. A heavy gut causes a bending and compressive force on the spinal column. This will lead to vertebrae compression, disc problems, and back pain (Makk 2007).
In 2007, an expert panel concluded there was, “evidence of association,” between obesity and cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, colon, rectum, breast, and kidney (HSPH 2013). Reasons for this could be that fat tissue produced excessive amounts of estrogen, the hormone that regulates fat storage. High levels of estrogen have been linked to risk of breast and other cancers. Also, obese people have high levels of insulin or hyperinsulinemia which aids in the development of tumors. Obese people many times have chronic low-level inflammation. This has been linked to increased risk of cancer as well (National Cancer Institute 2013).
Obesity has been associated with alteration of the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is the part of the nervous system which controls involuntary actions of the smooth muscles, heart, and glands. In one study, “Heart rate variability and obesity in adolescents,” it was found that in obese adolescents, the ANS as a whole was depressed. There was also evidence of parasympathetic depression which causes the heart rate to slow, the sphincter muscles to relax, and intestinal and gland activities to increase. The nervous system is essentially out of balance, affecting all other systems in the body from the cardiovascular to the endocrine. It was shown that regular exercise could improve this condition and improve the function of the ANS. (TNN 2009).
Obesity is a major health problem. There are some organizations are making an effort to be part of the solution. Statistically, a child who is obese is 16 times more likely to be obese as an adult. Many programs focus on correcting and preventing obesity in children. Amerigroup gives health education workshops to students, teaching them about nutritional facts and help them to analyze and become aware of what they consume (Amerigroup 2012). Another organization which is helping to prevent obesity is call The Health and Obesity Prevention and Education (HOPE). This project trains pediatric clinicians to care for children who are at risk for obesity by educating them of the health consequences of obesity, giving weight counseling for effected families, and health intervention. This program helps promote healthy weight among the youth (Huang et al 2009).
Another organization called “Let’s Move!” was started by the First Lady, Michelle Obama. The goal of this organization is to raise a healthier generation of children by creating a healthy start, empowering parents, providing healthy food in schools, improving access to healthy, affordable foods, and increasing physical activity. This program is a childhood obesity task force to unite our country for the future health of the children. Obesity damages essentially every aspect of health, from shortening our lifespan and contributing to disorders like diabetes and cardiovascular disease to interfering with sexual function, breathing, mood, and social interactions. Obesity increases the risk for many types of cancers, hormone imbalance, heart attack, stroke, and organ failure. There are programs to help educate students and patients about proper nutrition and the dangers of obesity. Many health problems can be prevented with proper weight maintenance. That extra weight can negatively affect every body system. Proper nutrition and exercise will add years and satisfaction to the life.
References
Ahima, R. S. (2011). Digging deeper into obesity. J Clin Invest. 2011 June 1; 121(6): 2076–2079.. doi: 10.1172/JCI58719. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3104789/
Amerigroup. (2012). Childhood Obesity Prevention Through Education. Amerigroup RealSolutions in Healthcare. Retrieved from: http://www.amerigroup.com/sites/amerigroup.com/files/files/Childhood-Obesity.pdf.
Better Health Channel. (2012). Obesity and Hormones. Retrieved from: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Obesity_and_hormones.
Garrett K., Lauer, K., & Christopher, B. (2004). The Effects of Obesity on the Cardiopulmonary System: Implications for Critical Care Nursing. Medscape Today. Retrieved from: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/495041_6
Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). (2013). The Obesity Prevention Source. Retrieved from: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-consequences/health-effects/
Huang, J., Pokala, P., Hill, L., Boutelle, K., Wood, C., Becerra, K., Calfas, K. (2009). The Health and Obesity: Prevention and Education (HOPE) Curriculum Project – Curriculum Development. Pediatrics. Vol 124 No. 5 November 1, 2009. Pp. 1438-1446. Retrieved from: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/124/5/1438.short.
Let’s Move. (2013). Childhood Obesity Task Force Report. America’s Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids. Retrieved from: http://www.letsmove.gov/about.
Makk, S. (2007). Obesity’s Effects on Bones and Joints. Kentukiana Healthy Woman. Retrieved from: http://www.lbjs.net/pdf/KHWDrMakkWeb.pdf
Mathur, A., Marine, M., Lu, D., Swartz-Basile, D.
A., Saxena, R., Zyromski, N. J., & Pitt, H. A. (2007). Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease. HPB: The Official Journal Of The International Hepato Pacreato Biliary Association, 9(4), 312-318. doi:10.1080/13651820701504157. Retrieved from: http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/ehost/detail?sid=787aad35-435f-415f-a456-ae8b10e91e78%40sessionmgr112&vid=1&hid=121&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPWNvb2tpZSxpcCx1cmwsY3BpZCZjdXN0aWQ9c2hhcGlybyZzaXRlPWVob3N0LWxpdmU%3d#db=a2h&AN=26165100&anchor=GoToAllQVI
National Cancer Institute. (2013). Obesity and Cancer Risk. Retrieved from: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity.
Ramsay, J., Greer, I., & Sattar, N. (2006). Obesity and Reproduction. BMJ. 2006 December 2; 333(7579): 1159–1162. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39049.439444.DE1. PMCID: PMC1676144. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1676144/.
Sood, A. (2010). Altered Resting and Exercise Respiratory Physiology in Obesity. Clin Chest Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 September 1. Published in final edited form as: Clin Chest Med. 2009 September; 30(3): 445–vii. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2009.05.003. PMCID: PMC2765111. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2765111/
TNN. (2009). Obesity linked to nervous system imbalance: Study. The Times of India. Retrieved from:
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-17/jaipur/28004870_1_obese-children-high-fat-diet-heart-rate.