Obesity due to excess calories digital illustration

Obesity due to excess calories Save


ICD-10 code: E66.0

Chapter: Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases

Obesity due to Excess Calories

Obesity has become a major health concern all over the world, and it is caused by many different factors. One of the main causes of obesity is the intake of excess calories. When we consume more calories than we need, our body stores the extra calories as fat, leading to weight gain and obesity.

To understand the role of calories in obesity, it is essential to know what a calorie is. A calorie is a unit of energy that our body uses to perform various functions. The number of calories we need depends on our age, sex, weight, height, and physical activity level. When we consume more calories than we need, the extra calories are stored in our body as fat, leading to weight gain and obesity.

There are many sources of excess calories, such as fast foods, processed foods, sugary drinks, and snacks. These foods are usually high in calories and low in nutrients, making them unhealthy. When we consume these foods regularly, we are more likely to gain weight and become obese.

To avoid obesity due to excess calories, it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet. A healthy diet should include a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods provide the necessary nutrients and energy for our body to function correctly without the risk of gaining weight.

  1. Avoid Fast Foods: Fast foods are high in calories and low in nutrients. They are usually fried, processed, and contain added sugars and fats. These foods should be avoided or eaten in moderation.
  2. Choose Whole Foods: Whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are low in calories and high in nutrients. These foods should be included in our diet regularly.
  3. Limit Processed Foods: Processed foods such as chips, cookies, and processed meats are high in calories and low in nutrients. These foods should be eaten in moderation or avoided altogether.
  4. Avoid Sugary Drinks: Sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks, and sweetened tea are high in calories and low in nutrients. These drinks should be avoided or replaced with water or unsweetened tea.
  5. Eat Mindfully: Eating mindfully can help us control our portions and avoid overeating. We should take time to enjoy our food and chew slowly to give our brain time to register when we are full.

Obesity due to excess calories is a preventable condition. By maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding unhealthy foods, and eating mindfully, we can reduce our risk of obesity and other related health problems.