Awareness of Complications of Obesity in Young Individuals

Abstract

Obesity is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide. As per WHO data in 2008, 1.4 billion persons aged 20 years and above were obese. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, stroke, gall bladder stones, osteoarthritis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are some of the common complications of obesity. Awareness of these complications is very essential among young individuals. The study included a 100 individuals attending out-patient services of Father Muller Medical College Hospital by convenience sampling. Most participants were aware about complications of obesity such as joint pains, risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea and depression. There was no significant body image misperception among the participants in this study. Many participants in our study felt that obesity has a genetic factor because of which obesity cannot be prevented. Community wide efforts to increase awareness and promote environments that encourage physical activity and healthy nutrition are needed. These measures could probably reduce this misperception. (2) There are various factors that play a role in causing obesity. Obesity itself can lead to multiple complications. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, stroke, gall bladder stones, osteoarthritis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are some of the common complications of obesity. (3) Awareness of these complications is very essential among young individuals. Very few studies have been done on awareness of obesity and its complications in young individuals in Mangalore. Hence this study attempts to study the awareness of complications of obesity in young individuals. II. Review of Literature Obesity is known to be associated with multiple diseases affecting multiple organ systems. The major diseases associated with obesity are diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemias, atherosclerotic disease and cancers. These complications are fairly well known among the general public. Other complications such as cholelithiasis, impairment of pulmonary function, sleep disorders, endocrine abnormalities, joint disorders, dermatologic disorders and immunologic impairment are not so well known among people not associated with health care. (3) Complications of obesity in childhood include psychosocial problems, learning impairment, abnormal glucose tolerance, hypertension and significant risk of obesity during adulthood and beyond. (4)