Obesity and Its Implications

Obesity is defined as an excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. People who are abnormally heavy for their height and age are considered to be overweight or obese. Excess fat in the body can cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.

This used to be a problem among high-income countries. Now, prevalence of obesity in the developing countries is increasing, especially in urban areas. It is estimated that the number of obese cases in the Philippines could rise up to 9% within the next 5 years.

This increasing rates raise concern because of their implications to Filipinos’ health. Being obese or overweight increases the risk of many diseases and health problems, such as:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

There is no better remedy for obesity than eating a proper diet and regular exercise. Some food supplements claim to speed up fat burning and actually have clinical data to back it up. However, these supplements have to be taken in careful consideration of its side effects and additive contents. When these fat burners are taken the prescribed way, together with proper diet and exercise, excess fat will be lost in no time.