Obesity is an epidemic. In Australia, it affects one in four children or 25% of all young people aged 2 to 17. Among adults, two in three or 67% of the population are considered overweight or obese.
It is an extremely complex condition. Sometimes, it is caused by an underlying medical issue. Often, it leads to the development of numerous health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancers.
Morbid Obesity: Why is it a Serious Cause for Concern
Obesity is determined based on a person’s Body Mass Index or BMI. The weight is considered normal if their BMI ranges from 20-25. If a person’s BMI is above 30, they are obese.
A BMI that falls around 40 (or more) is morbidly obese. Their weight is 100 pounds over their ideal weight based on their height.
A person who is morbidly obese might experience limitations in movement, making it even more difficult to exercise and lose weight. In more extreme cases, people have to use a lifting machine for aged care, a mobility scooter, or a wheelchair because the act of standing up and walking has become more difficult or outright impossible.
Moreover, those who are morbidly obese are more likely to be diagnosed with osteoarthritis, type-2 diabetes, heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, urinary stress incontinence, infertility, and depression.
Some choose to undergo surgical procedures to address morbid obesity. Patients should discuss their doctors’ options to see if it is the right treatment for their condition.
People who are considered obese should make major lifestyle changes to bring their weight down to a healthy level. They should watch what they eat and exercise regularly.
Here are the types of physical activity that people who are morbidly obese should try.
Water Aerobics
Being on the heavier side can strain one’s joints, which can discourage them from exercising. If joint pain is a problem, patients should consider joining water aerobics classes.
This type of workout is done in local pools. It is ideal for people who experience joint pains, especially when moving, because the water supports body weight. There, therefore, is less impact on the joints even if people are moving around.
Yoga
Yoga is a great workout overall. People who are overweight or obese might feel intimidated to join classes, but the practice would improve their condition.
Yoga is low-impact, which means it is kinder to the joints. It also focuses on balance, flexibility, and building strength – improving the range of movements that a person can do.
Beginners can look around for classes that are specifically designed for bigger-bodied yogis. They can also call an instructor or gym ahead of time to ask if they have experience teaching overweight or obese people.
It would take time. Yoga is not an easy physical activity, and it requires patience to learn. However, if done regularly, it can change people’s appearance and entire outlook in life.
Weightlifting
People who want to lose weight should spend more time building their muscles. Cardio burns calories to create energy during the workout, but by incorporating weightlifting into one’s regular exercise routine, they raise their metabolism throughout the day. They will burn more calories from simply sitting in front of their desks at work or standing in the elevator.
It makes the process of losing weight easier and faster.
Choose exercise equipment that does not require doing acrobatics before and after. This is when having a trainer would be helpful. They can design a routine that works out major muscle groups but would not pressure the joints.
However, for those who do not know where to start, free weights do not have frames to get in and out of. It can be done while seated or while in a standing position.
Walking
The best exercise out there that does not require any special equipment is walking. Walking is easy; everyone can do it. It is also a whole-body workout that strengthens the muscles and bones as well as improves overall health.
Those who are struggling can start by walking around their house or yard for a few minutes. They can gradually increase the distance and speed when they have developed stamina. Eventually, they will walk farther and run faster, decreasing their weight in the process.
Obesity is more than just a cosmetic issue. Those who suffer from it are in danger of developing serious illnesses. However, it can be prevented and improved through major lifestyle changes that include regular exercise.