Obesity and Overweight Sourcebook, Second Edition

Helping the Layperson Understand, Manage, and Avoid Serious Illness Omnigraphics' Health Reference Senes is designed for the general reader seeking guidance on how to avoid serious illness by following preventive lifestyles and recognizing early warning signs. It also supports the layperson who has received a diagnosis of a serious disease or disorder as well as the family member or nonprofessional caregiver who must learn to care and to cope with the illness. Each volume in the series deals comprehensively with a particular area of medical concern and contains material found in publications issued by the National Institutes of Health and other agencies and associations. Nowhere else can general readers find this information conveniently collected, coordinated, and indexed in book form. Obesity and Overweight Sourcebook. Second Edition Obesity and overweight are significant health conditions resulting from an increase in the size and number of fat cells in the body. These conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States, affecting public health, the economy, and overall productivity. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 41.9 percent of U.S. adults aged 20 and over were classified as obese between 2017 and March 2020. with severe obesity affecting 9.2 percent of adults. Among children and adolescents aged 2-19 years, the prevalence of obesity was 19.7 percent. Obesity is linked to numerous chronic diseases, including hypertension, which affected 45.1 percent of adults, and diabetes, affecting approximately 14.8 percent. Despite these risks, obesity and overweight can often be managed or prevented with appropriate lifestyle and dietary changes. Obesity and Overweight Sourcebook, Second Edition provides a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to obesity, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, dietary patterns, lifestyle choices, and socioeconomic and environmental influences. It explores the prevalence of obesity in different demographic groups and examines its economic and social effects. The book details the associated health risks, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and more. It also addresses the psychological and socials consequences of obesity, such as stigma and mental health challenges. Strategies for prevention and treatment are thoroughly discussed, covering public health initiatives, dietary and physical activity guidelines, behavior therapy, medical interventions, and weight management strategies. The book concludes with a glossary of terms related to obesity and a directory of resources for additional support and information.