Obese people are at risk of many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Obese people tend to have a lower percentage of muscle mass because of muscle atrophy and lack of exercise.
Diagnosing Obesity
Obesity can be diagnosed in several ways. The most common way is by determining your body mass index. Body mass index is figured by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703 and then dividing that figure by the number of inches in your height squared. The final sum is your body mass index. If your body mass index measures more than 30, you may be obese. In addition to body mass index, physicians will measure your waist or the skin folds to determine your percentage of body fat.
Causes
Many people assume that obesity is only caused by overeating. While overeating is strongly associated with obesity, drinking too much alcohol, not getting enough exercise, an underactive thyroid gland, medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and certain medications can also contribute to obesity. In addition, people are more likely to become obese when they quit an addiction such as smoking, when they suffer from mental illness such as clinical depression, and as they age and their metabolism winds down.
Muscle Loss
Lack of exercise is especially a problem for obese people because it can contribute to muscle atrophy as well as put the obese person more at risk for heart disease and other illnesses. A 2011 study in Experimental Physiology indicates that obesity can alter the neural pathways in a way that accelerates skeletal muscle loss. This study, coupled with the fact that many obese people do not get sufficient exercise, indicates that poor health habits lead to obesity, and that obesity itself can also lead to worsening health over time.
Regaining Muscle
The most important thing you can do for your health if you are obese is to lose weight. When you lose weight, you also lose some muscle unless you make an effort to rebuild muscle through exercise. Many exercises can help you gain muscle, but before you begin, you should consult a physician or personal trainer to develop a fitness regimen that is right for your fitness level. An expert can help you design a diet and exercise plan that will help you shed pounds without sacrificing what remains of your muscle mass.
References
- PubMed Health: Obesity
- PubMed Health: Body Mass Index
- Experimental Physiology; Diet-induced Obesity Alters Signalling Pathways and Induces Atrophy and Apoptosis in Skeletal Muscle in a Prediabetic Rat Model
- The Merck Manual of Health & Aging; Mark H. Beers and Thomas V. Jones
- Obesity Epidemiology; Frank B. Hu
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