All About HEALTH: Post #5: Obesity and Sexual Health: Primary Research Article

Last week we have looked at the relationship between obesity and sexual health.  Today, I will explore this topic even further and provide a primary research article that helps you to better understand the threat of being obese.

The aim of the study conducted was to investigate the effect of high-fat diet-induced obesity on male reproductive organs.  Male rats were randomly assigned into two groups.  The first was fed a high-fat diet, and the second received a standard diet.  After 15, 30, and 45 weeks, they were evaluated by reproductive organ weights and sperm counts.  Sexual behaviour of these rats was also evaluated, as well as fertility after natural mating.

It was found that total caloric consumption between the groups was similar at 15^th week, but the group with high-fat diet had an elevated caloric consumption by week 30 and 45.  Body weight and fat deposits increased significantly for both groups, but were higher in the obese group.

Surprisingly, reproductive organ weights did not show any differences between the two groups.  Sexual behaviour was not altered by the diet, and High-fat diet group’s fertility after natural mating was also similar to standard diet group.  However, there was a significant difference between the two groups.  Results obtained from assessing the sperm quality indicated that the percentages of sperm with progressive movement was significantly diminished and the percentage of sperm without progressive movement was elevated in the high-fat diet group compared to standard diet group.

It is believed that obesity can affect sperm quality by reducing sperm motility (movement), without affecting other parameters.  The low sperm quality, as a result, caused a reduction in fertility potential, proving that obesity may lead to male fertility impairment. 

As you can see, obesity can affect different aspect of one’s life.  Sex life is an important part of our lives that can be affected.  One must keep in mind that his/her quality of life will be severely damaged if one is obese.  Obesity is quickly becoming a worldwide epidemic that affects everyone, from children to adults.  It is important to alert the public of the danger of being obese, to maintain a healthy society.

Reference

1. Fernandez, C. B., Bellentani, F. F., Fernandes, G. A., Perobelli, J. E., Favareto, A. A., Nascimento, A. F., & ... Kempinas, W. G. (2011). Diet-induced obesity in rats leads to a decrease in sperm motility. Reproductive Biology & Endocrinology, 9(1), 32-41. doi:10.1186/1477-7827-9-32

All About HEALTH: Post #4: Obesity and Sexual Health

We have already looked at some of the benefits of losing weight, and also some of the health risks of obesity. Today, we will take a closer look at the relationship between obesity and sexual health. As you may already know, obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. BMI is calculated from a person’s weight and height, and it is an indicator of body fatness and weight categories that may lead to health problems. Obesity can harm not only health and longevity, but also your sex life.
According to a study conducted in 2006, higher BMI was associated with greater impairments in sexual quality of life (Kolotkin, 2006). Obesity, according to this study, is associated with lack of enjoyment of sexual activity, lack of sexual desire, difficulties with sexual performance, and avoidance of sexual encounters. It is also interesting to note that sexual quality of life is most impaired for women who are obese.
Another interesting study, conducted by Nathalie Bajos of France’s National Institute for Health and Medical Research, discovered that obese women had four times as many unplanned pregnancies as normal weight women, even though they had sex less often. Obese women under 30 were also less likely to seek contraceptive advice or use oral contraceptives (Bajos, 2010).
This study also asserted that obese men were 70% more likely than normal weight men to have had more than one sexual partner. These men were also 2.5 times more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. They also had a higher chance of having a sexually transmitted disease.
I believe that these phenomena are linked with social pressure, low self-esteem and concerns about body image. However, I was stunned when I learned that obesity is also linked with mental health. According to the same study, obese person was less likely to view sex as important for their personal life balance.
As you can see, obesity is correlated with sexual health, as well as mental and physical. It should be noted that to live a fulfilling life, fighting against obesity is significant!

                                                      This image can be found here



Reference:
1. "Obesity - Abstract of article: Obesity and Sexual Quality of Life[ast]." Nature Publishing Group : science journals, jobs, and information. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 July 2011. 


2. "Sexuality and obesity, a gender perspective: results from French national random probability survey of sexual behaviours -- Bajos et al. 340 -- bmj.com ." bmj.com . N.p., n.d. Web. 11 July 2011. 

Liposuction: Good or Bad?

Our generation is known for our impatience and indolence.  We often seek the easiest route to obtain what we want.  Because of this, our generation is known as “I want it, and I want it now” generation.    This is evident as more and more young people opt for liposuction as a method of losing weight.  This phenomenon, however, poses some serious problems.  Today, I will discuss the positive and negative effects of liposuction, which is perhaps the most controversial topic in this field. 

Liposuction is a popular type of cosmetic surgery.  It removes unwanted deposits of excess fat to improve body appearance.  It can be performed on abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, and arms.  According to American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, liposuction is the most popular form of cosmetic surgery in the United States.  It is popular because it is an easy and effortless method to lose weight in a short period of time.  Here are some benefits and side effects of this popular surgery:

This image can be found here:

Pros

     1.  Result is immediate.  One surgery can do what exercise could not in months.

     2.  There are many new, innovative liposuction methods that are safer than the traditional methods.

     3.  Liposuction saves you time.

     4.  Acquiring a better body can boost your confidence, and improve your relationship with your peers.

Cons

     

         1.  Not everyone is a perfect candidate for this surgery.  Traditional liposuction is not suitable for people with inelastic skin, or those who cannot tolerate general anesthesia.

    2.   Liposuction is quite costly.  It can range from $1600 to $ 7500

    3.   Liposuction is associated with shock, fluid overload, infections, bleeding, blood clot, and uneven fat removal.

    4.   If you regain the weight after liposuction, the fat may be deposited in other areas which did not get liposuction.

     5. Liposuction does not stimulate a person to change his or her lifestyle, to really care about his their health. 

     6.   Liposuction requires hospitalization and a few days to weeks for full recovery.

As you can see, there are many positive and negative effects of liposuction.  Personally, however, I believe that liposuction is not a good way to obtain healthy weight.  This is because liposuction does not change your fundamental lifestyle, which is crucial in order to maintain your health.  Fast result without diet and exercise stimulates negligent attitude, and this will accelerate one’s weight gain.  Moreover, one cannot assume that large volume liposuction can eliminate obesity.  There is a certain quantity of liquid that can be removed from the body.  About 4.5 pounds is the maximum that can be taken off without risks.

References

1.       http://wo-pub2.med.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/PublicA.woa/5/wa/viewHContent?website=wmc+physicians&contentID=1126&wosid=BqzCba8Ef1eHbdsgL2uAj0

2.       http://www.liposuction.com/cost-of-liposuction.html

3.       http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002985.htm

All About HEALTH: Post #2: Assessing the Credibility of Health Information

The internet is perhaps the most important innovation of our society today.  This is because it instantaneously provides valuable information that we can utilize in our lives.  However, the Internet is also dangerous because it is a medium for uncontrolled transmission of ideas.  This means that there are numerous websites that provide false information.  Today, we will take a look at a website that lacks credibility.  I will show you why the website, and the information provided, is untrustworthy.  Remember!  There are numerous untrustworthy websites out there to deceive you, so be careful!

BestWeightLossPills.net is a website that offers Apidexin, a type of weight loss pill that “works”.  According to the website, Apidexin is clinically proven, patented, and produced visible results fast.  

 

Let’s take a look at the errors of this website, and find out why this website lacks credibility.

1. Where are the sources?  :  This website argues that Apidexin, the product they offer, is “clinically proven”.  However, there are no references to credible source.  As you can see from the image provided above, this weight loss product contains several ingredients that helps you lose weight fast.  According to the website, there are numerous studies that were performed to confirm that the ingredients used were safe and effective.  However, there is no evidence that the studies were actually conducted.  The website just states that “there was a recent study”.  In order for a website to be credible, it must provide evidence that the ingredients safe
2. Purposely misleading statements: This website contains numerous statements that purposely mislead you.  For example, the website claims that if the customers are not satisfied with the results, they will give the money back within 1 business day.  However, this is an extremely misleading statement. As you can see from the image above, the website says: "Simply return the unused bottles" to get the money back.  However, it would be impossible for the consumers to know the effect of this product without opening the bottle.  Moreover, the website makes an implication that the product can be trusted because the ingredients are patented or patent-pending.  This statement is very misleading, because patent-pending simply means "applied for patent".  The ingredient may be rejected from being patented. 
3. Far-fetched results : One of the customer reviewers claims that she is down five pounds six days.  This, in my opinion, is too good to be true.  Even if this is true, it would contain numerous side effects that can potentially harm your body. 
4. Unprofessional : This website is unprofessional.  At the bottom of the website, it says that "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration".  This suggests that even your next door neighbour Barney could have written this.  Moreover, this website evens contains a spelling error. Apparently, the diet pills are guaranteed to give 100% "satasfaction" in every way (see image above).
5. Is it safe? : This website claims several times that Apidexin is safe, and the best way to lose weight.  However, it has been proven that there is a correlation between heart disease and diet pills (Harvard Heart Letter, 2000).  Furthermore, Fletcher et al. (1996) found that there is a direct relation between physical inactivity and cardiovascular death.  This diet pill promotes inactivity, because it suggests that taking this pill effortlessly achieve the weight loss.

Reference:

1. Fletcher, G. et al. (1996). Statement on Exercise: Benefits and Recommendations for Physical Activity Programs for All Americans.

2. Harvard Hear Letter (2000). More on Heart Disease and Diet Pills.

All About HEALTH: Introduction

Hello, and welcome to All About HEALTH! My name is Andy Kang, and I am a second year business student studying at Simon Fraser University.  My blog is for anyone who is suffering from being obese, and therefore lacks self-confidence.  Starting today, I will be talking about the benefits of losing weight, detrimental effects of being obese, and how to lose weight safely.  Seeing so many people around me who are suffering from being obese, both physically and psychologically, I couldn't help but notice that obesity is a huge problem of today's society.  This is why I have decided to talk about obesity.  Before we begin though, I'd just like to inform you that even though I am genuinely interested in this topic, I am not an expert in this field.  However, my passion for health is inextinguishable.  Together with you, we will learn about obesity one step at a time, and in the end we will overcome it.  The process will be tough.  You may not get there in one semester, or even in one year.  But do not lose hope.  Oscar Wild once said: “What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.”  Let's get this started!