CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

A. Overweight problem in general

According to Janis Ihrig the writer and publisher Student of Healthy Living,

 Overweight refers to an excess of body weight compared to set standards. The

excess weight may come from muscle, bone, fat, and/or body water. Obesity

refers specifically to having an abnormally high proportion of body fat. A

Studies done by U. S Department of Health and Human Services,

 Found out the terms "overweight" and "obese" are often used interchangeably.

Although they both refer to excess body weight, they refer to different degrees

of this condition.

 To determine the degree of a person's excess body weight accurately, many

doctors use something called a Body Mass Index, or BMI, a measurement of

weight that takes height into account.

 A person with a BMI of 25 to 29.99 is considered "overweight."

A research conducted by the government of America,

 Found out billions is spent on weight loss programs but the percentage of

overweight people continues to climb. The number of overweight people

increased dramatically during the last 40 years.

According to Charles B. Corbin the writer Concepts of Fitness and wellness,

 some diseases and health problems are associated with overweight and

obesity. In addition to the higher incidence of certain diseases and health

problems, there is evidence that people who are moderately overweight have a

40 percent higher than normal risk of shortening their lifespan.

 Heart disease is not only diseases that are associated with obesity.

Recent studies by Dr. Hulda

 Also indicate a significant increase in risk of breast cancer among the

obese and overweight persons. High blood pressure and asthma are

examples of other conditions associated with obesity and overweight

problem.

A research conducted by The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey,

 . Fat in the upper part of the body is sometimes called “Northern

hemisphere” fat is considered more risky than “Southern hemisphere” fat,

such as in the hips and upper legs. People who have abdominal fatness are

sometimes considered to have the “apple” fat pattern, while people with
  In general, men have higher waist-to-hip ratio than women and

postmenopausal women have higher ratios than premenopausal women.

B. Factors that lead to overweight problem

According to the research from Connecticut Center of life

 Insulin resistance (a condition where your body does not respond to the pancreatic

hormone insulin). Research shows that controlling insulin levels is a key factor in

effective weight loss.

 Hypothyroidism (slow metabolism)

 Chronic stress (which leads to overactive adrenal glands)

 Adverse food reactions or intolerances which promote weight retention

 Medications. Weight gain can be produced by many medications, especially

steroid hormones, some antidepressants, some tranquilizers, and some

antipsychotic drugs. Consequences of overweight problem

C. Consequences of overweight problem

According to the report from Chronic Disease Research Foundation (CDRF)

 High blood pressure (hypertension)

 High blood cholesterol

 Coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries”)

 Angina pectoris (severe, often constricting, chest pain)

 Congestive heart failure

 Stroke

 Insulin resistance/glucose intolerance

 Hyperinsulinemia (high insulin levels in the blood which is a risk factor for

diabetes and heart disease)

 Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes

 Gallstones and other gall bladder problems

 Gout

 Osteoarthritis

 Obstructive sleep apnea and respiratory problems

 Some types of cancer (such as endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon)

 Complications of pregnancy

 Poor female reproductive health (such as menstrual irregularities, infertility,

irregular ovulation)

 Bladder control problems (such as urinary stress incontinence)

 Uric acid kidney stones

 Psychological disorders (such as depression, eating disorders, distorted body

image, and low self esteem).

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

 This message, intended or not, makes many overweight people feel

unattractive. Many people assume that obese people are gluttonous, lazy,

or both. However, more and more evidence contradicts this assumption.

Obese people may face prejudice or discrimination at work, at school,

 while job hunting, and in social situations. Feelings of rejection, shame, or

depression are common.

Founded in 1969, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance

 striving to eliminate discrimination based on body size and provides fat

people with the tools for self-empowerment through public education,

advocacy, and member support.

D. Steps to overcome overweight problem

Studies done by National Institute of Health,

 Found out that people can overcome overweight problem in many ways.

They suggests that people who suffered from overweight problem may

choose low-fat, lean foods from the 5 major food groups: eat sensible

portions, and use fats, oils, sweets, and salt sparingly. Total fat intake

should be not more than 30% of daily calories.

 . If you need to lose weight, do so gradually and aim to lose about 10% of

your body weight over 6 months.

According to Ross Brownson, Ph.D., chair of community health and professor of

epidemiology at Saint Louis University School of Public Health,

 changing communities by making them safer and offering people access to

community parks, public recreation facilities, and walking and biking trails

may help reduce the prevalence of overweight by promoting physical activity

and healthy lifestyles.

 Dr Hulda Clark

 Ideally, the best way to lose weight is proper eating combined with proper

physical activity.

E. How is overweight or obesity diagnosed?

According to The American Government studies,

 one of the most common indicators of body mass, including bone and muscle

but more to the point, excess body fat, is the Body Mass Index (BMI).

 the BMI is a ratio of body weight to height (kg/m2).

 The index tends to be a poor, or unreliable measurement of body fat for

children, the elderly, and for selected individuals such as athletes, the very

large-framed (so-called, “big-boned”) individuals, and others whose stature or

physical characteristics differ appreciably from the norm.

 BMI provides a good approximation of safe body weight for most adults in

the general population. This measurement, combined with body mass index,

aids in determining the likely risk for a number of common health conditions.

 Determination of BMI from height and weight

 Evaluation to rule out underlying/contributing causes of overweight

 Identification of health risk factors

 History and symptoms

 Physical exam

 Laboratory studies (may vary depending on presenting symptoms)

 o Fasting glucose

o Fasting insulin or C-Peptide

o Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels

o Fasting lipid profile, including LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglyceride

levels

o DHEA-S level

o Cortisol levels

o Food allergy testing

o Prolactin level

o Testosterone level

o Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) levels

o Leuteinizing Hormone (LH) level

o Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) level

o Tests to assess risk of cardiovascular disease such as homocysteine,

lipoprotein (a), Cardio CRP

o Tests to rule out other possible causes of symptoms (heavy metal testing,

candida testing, etc.)

F. Conclusion

 . There are over four million-plus entries listed on Google.com for

"Weight Loss."
 It is easier to deal with psychological problems arising from being

overweight when the reasons why excess body fat is accumulating

are simple and well known (lack of exercise, bad nutrition).

 overweight is the result of other problems, a research or a "self-

examination" is very useful.

 Medical research has repeatedly shown that informed patients get

better health outcomes than non-informed patients. Likewise, you

can lose weight faster if you learn more about obesity and

how/why you became overweight.