Posted on January 11, 2008 in Latest News
Many people tend to be obese at the middle age. While it’s more important to be fit at middle age. Obesity in middle age can bring several types of disease and disabilities that can sometimes become life threatening.
Fitness is important to retain proper mobility, strength and balance in middle age and onwards. Middle-aged people who do half an hour’s vigorous activity three times a week are half as likely as the sedentary to suffer physical decline and impaired mobility as they get older.
Men and women who are obese or overweight in their 40s are far more likely than those of normal weight to be diagnosed with dementia when they reach their 60s and 70s, according to research studies.
Here are few revealings of contemporary research studies
- People who were obese in mid-life were 74 percent more likely to have dementia (Dementia is a disease which shows symptoms caused by brain disorder.), while overweight people were 35 percent more likely to have dementia, compared to those with normal weight, said lead investigator Rachel A. Whitmer, PhD, a research scientist.
- The researchers found that middle age, high body mass and high skin-fold thickness in the upper back and upper arm are strongly associated with risk of dementia.
- Research findings imply that weight loss in middle age may have positive effects at the end of your life span.
The Dangers of Obesity in Middle Age
The dangers of obesity in middle age are numerous. Here are the following diseases and disabilities caused by obesity:
- Heart Disease: Obesity can be the reason of a number of heart diseases and increase the possibilities of an attack even at middle age. It is a fact that heart attacks and deaths occur even at the age of thirty and more, caused by obesity due to over nourishment and high living style.
- Impaired lung function: Basically, an obese body gathers a large amount of fat around the chest, the lungs have less room to expand. Blood oxygenation is impaired. This also makes the heart work harder due to which breathing becomes laborious.
- Loss of mobility: The structure of the human body is designed to be active in order to stay fit and be free from disabilities. An obese body does not allow brisk activity and exercise. Exercise is essential for the production of calcium and to prevent its depletion in the bones.
- Rigidity of the limbs: If there is no activity, the amount of calcium in and around the bones and joints will reduce, causing stiffness of the joints. When the weight bearing joints are over-burdened due to obesity, they tend to cause swellings and rigidity of the limbs.
- Degeneration of joints: The pain and stiffness confines the individual to bed discouraging even the minimum of essential movements. The damage occurs slowly and progressively when degeneration of the joints takes place.
- Risk of heart attack: An obese person also risks strokes when he happens to fall, especially if he has crossed the age of forty. It can also result in paralysis of the limbs. At such times, even the pressure of the blood pumped by the heart suddenly rises. The impact of the raised blood pressure sometimes results in heart attacks too.
- Accidental falls: Another drawback faced by the obese persons, concerns their accidental falls. A lean person, when he falls down, does not get hurt as badly as an obese person does. He runs the risk of breaking his already over-burdened weight bearing joints and spine.
- Constipation and piles: People who are overweight suffer from one more irksome problem - piles. Constipation is a favorable condition to cause piles among overweight persons.
- Dementia: Obese middle-aged people are more likely to develop dementia in their latter years
Obesity in Middle-aged Men:
According to research, obesity in middle-aged men has serious consequences. The risk of heart strokes in middle-aged men is double when compared to non-obese men. Middle-aged men who are obese are also at risk of developing dementia in the future.
Obesity in Middle-aged women:
Obesity in middle-aged women has several risks. According to research, middle-aged women who are obese are more at risk of heart strokes and cancer. Also, middle-aged women who are obese tend to be more depressed than non-obese women.
Tips for Avoiding Obesity during Middle Age
Here are a few tips for avoiding obesity during middle age:
- Be physically active. Exercise not only burns calories but prevents muscle loss. The bigger your muscles, the more calories you burn.
- Try to choose healthy foods. Eat at least five fruits and vegetables each day. Eat fish and lean meats. Enjoy healthy nuts like almonds and walnuts. Choose whole grains. Avoid greasy foods, fried foods, sugary foods and don’t over indulge in junk foods.
- If you are obese, it is time to get serious about your weight. Use a food diary to track your meals.
- Keep track of the foods you eat and choose only healthy foods. If you are confused, consider speaking with a dietitian or nutritionist to help you choose healthy foods.
- People who frequently eat in restaurants have a tendency to have problems with weight gain. Watch your portion sizes and make healthy and hygienic choices. Share your meals or take half of them home with you.
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