Obesity and Underweight: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Weight Issues and Their Solutions
Obesity
Causes
1. Consuming large quantities of food without burning it off, in addition to the types of food that are high in fats and sugars.
2. Genetic factors.
3. Lack of movement and physical activity.
Treatment
You can follow some steps that help with weight loss and tackle obesity, including:
- Not overeating and choosing low-fat foods, such as vegetables and fruits.
- Stopping the consumption of carbonated drinks as they contain high calories that can lead to obesity, and replacing them with plenty of water.
- Choosing smaller plates and smaller portions to get used to it.
- Getting enough quality sleep to reduce hormone disturbances responsible for hunger and satiety.
- Paying attention to breakfast to provide the body with the necessary energy for daily tasks, and having dinner earlier to allow time for digestion before sleeping.
- Avoiding large meals at once; distribute food into small meals throughout the day so the body does not store excess fat.
- Avoid skipping meals; this can lead to extreme hunger and eating more at once.
- Keeping a diary of foods that are low in calories and committing to it.
Underweight
Causes
1. Genetic factors where their metabolism may be fast and their appetite may be weak.
2. Excessive movement and activity lead to continuous calorie burning without sufficient food intake.
3. Illness; certain diseases can suppress appetite and reduce the body’s ability to store food, such as diabetes, cancer, and thyroid issues.
4. Taking certain medications can lead to loss of appetite and weight loss.
5. Psychological stress, anxiety, and depression can impact appetite and food intake.
6. Food sensitivities in some individuals can cause digestive issues and difficulty in absorbing food.
Treatment
1. Eating larger portions and focusing on foods that are high in calories rather than low calorie, with gradual increases.
2. A thin person can engage in certain sports that help build muscle.
3. Taking weight-gain supplements after consulting a doctor.
4. Consuming foods containing calories that are not harmful, such as various types of nuts, whole milk juices, different breads, calorie-rich fruits like dates and bananas, healthy oils like olive oil, mayonnaise, calorie-dense vegetables like avocados, and protein-rich foods like meats.
5. Increasing the number of daily meals.
6. Adding spices to stimulate appetite.
7. Using larger plates.
8. Eating zinc.
9. Eating quickly, as slow eating may cause a person to feel full.
