Obesity has become quite a problem in America in the last decade. In fact, obesity is the leading preventable cause of death in America, and is stigmatized as a serious public health problem. Obesity is a MEDICAL CONDITION in which excess fat on the body accumulates eventually causing health complications; the list of complications is very extensive. Our nation is becoming known for our poor, excessive eating habits. Should we be disappointed about that fact? Or should we celebrate? It seems that whenever either situation arises, sadness or cheer, we indulge ourselves and eat whatever we want. The satisfaction of having that comfort food or celebratory meal is what we as humans are adapt to achieve. Some individuals don’t achieve the feeling of satisfaction and result in eating more.
The feeling of satisfaction is achieved when we eat enough food. But when do we know we have had enough? Our stomach releases chemicals when food is being eaten and is partially responsible for telling us that we are full. The other signals that are functioning in our bodies are the release of insulin and leptin. Leptin and Insulin are of concern when talking about the regulation of food intake. The amount of fat a person harbors determines the amount of leptin and insulin signaling to the brain. What is understood about these chemical signals is that when they are increased, food intake is decreased and energy expenditure is increased. And when leptin and insulin signaling are decreased food intake is increased and energy expenditure in decreased.
Obese individuals show a developed resistance to leptin due to an overabundance of adipose tissue that secretes leptin in the body. The highly sustained concentrations of leptin from the adipose tissue cause the leptin desensitization in the body. Leptin acts in the hypothalamus of the brain to reduce intake and increase energy. The problem, as mentioned before, is that these individuals don’t receive the feeling of fullness that is supposed to follow eating. Hence, if the effects of leptin are desensitized in the hypothalamus, feeding will continue without the feeling of getting full and increase fat stores even more.
I had capitalized the words “medical condition” in the beginning because I would have never thought that being overweight is now being stigmatized and classified as a medical condition. It turns out that throughout history obesity has had mixed interpretations. The Greeks were the first to recognize obesity as a negative attribute, followed by the Native Americans who had recommended physical labor to cure the obese ailment. During the Middle Ages and renaissance obesity was seen as a sign of common wealth. And now, in 2011 Obesity is at the top of the charts for preventable deaths. As a young individual in America I suggest staying away from fast food restaurants. Instead, exert some energy preparing a meal that will appropriately satisfy your stomach and brain.
Im bored… Lets eat!
