March 4, 2023, is World Obesity Day. This day was started in 2015 as a day to open up conversations about obesity and open up possible courses of action for individuals to strive to achieve a healthy weight. In 2023, the goal is to change perspectives about obesity regarding misconceptions and stigmas that are often attached to obesity.
While any age can be obese, the elderly often find that obesity complicates other health issues they may be battling because of their age. It can compound issues and make treating core health issues more difficult.
Having a conversation about obesity can be a sensitive subject for anyone, so if your loved one is obese, approach the topic with grace, caring, and an open mind. Sometimes having a third party around for these conversations is easier, such as a physician or a home care provider, but other times, having someone like a home care provider makes it more difficult. It’s up to you to determine what will help you have the conversation with your loved one.
One of the main reasons it’s so important to talk about obesity and then search for treatment is the fact that obesity can bring on numerous diseases or make the symptoms worse in others. Here are some of the top health issues being obese can exasperate.
Mental Health Issues
Being obese may make it more difficult for your loved one to enjoy the things in life he used to enjoy and it may even cause him to seclude himself at home more often because of difficulty in travel or possibly not wanting to be seen in public. All of this can have a detrimental effect on his mental health, causing depression and anxiety.
Cognition
Obesity can also have a negative effect on cognition, which includes the way your loved one processes information, his memory function, his comprehension ability, and his ability to problem-solve and make wise decisions. These functions often deteriorate with age and they might deteriorate more rapidly in those who are affected by obesity. Since proper cognition helps your loved one live a fuller and more independent life, this effect of obesity is worth serious conversation.
Many diseases
The majority of organs and body systems are affected by obesity. If your loved one is already battling high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or some cancers, being obese will put extra strain on his body. In addition, being obese can make it more likely for your loved one to develop these same diseases, creating a cycle that is hard to break without losing some weight.
Losing weight isn’t as easy as just saying “stop eating” or “eat better” or “exercise more.” While all of those are important steps, a more holistic method with support from home care providers, family, and support groups is more likely to set your loved one up for success in a healthier, more vibrant life that isn’t weighed down by obesity.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Columbia, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706
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