*IMPACT OF OBESITY ON HEALTH OF WOMEN IN MIDLIFE
The deleterious effects of obesity are diverse & include increased risk of chronic diseases and decreased quality of life.
Predisposes to myriad of conditions such as:
#cardiovascular disorders
#Metabolic disorders( Diabetes, Thyroid etc)
#Impact on reproduction
#Increased risk of joint pains and disability
# Menstrual irregularities due to effect on hormonal profile
#Cancers( Breastcancer, Endometrial cancer, Ovarian cancer)
*CHANGES IN FAT DISTRIBUTION IN WOMEN DURING MIDLIFE
Redistribution from subcutaneous to visceral sites leading to android distribution (male type) ,causing from pear to an apple shape.
*OBESITY AND CANCER
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancers.
Increased adiposity
↓
Insulin resistance
↓
Increased levels of circulating insulin
↓
Increased levels of estrogen
↓
Breast Cancer
*OBESITY AND INFERTILITY
Obesity has adverse effects on the ability to reproduce due to hormonal imbalance which leads to irregularity in the menstrual cycle, thus leading to infertility.
*Obesity can also lead to metabolic syndrome which may be associated with poor sexual functioning.
*BMI
The body mass index( BMI) is a measure that uses ones height and weight to calculate if the weight is healthy .An ideal BMI, for adults is in the range of 18.5 to 24.9
BMI = weight (kg)/ Height( m)2
Waist to hip ratio :is the ratio of circumference of waist to that of the hips &is a quick measure of fat distribution that indicate the persons overall health. For women it is 0.8 or less.
*IMPORTANT TIPS
Weight control, thus has a considerable health benefit and is a single most important factor in prevention of many a disease.
*A healthy and balanced diet should have inclusion of cereals, seasonal fruits and vegetables, sprouts with the necessary amounts of carbohydrates and fats.
*Fixed timings of meals with early dinner is a small step towards weight loss
*The benefit of physical exercise on weight loss is manifold. An hourly session of even a brisk walk, 4 to 5 days a week , done consistently is a good step towards achieving the goal of weight loss.
As the old adage goes, ’prevention is better than cure’ so we should continue to promote a healthy lifestyle and aim to prevent the increase in the prevalence of obesity.