Obesity

Everything You Need To Know About Obesity

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a complex condition involving excess body fat. It is generally believed to be a cosmetic issue. However, it is much more than how one appears physically. The condition is a serious medical issue that increases the overall risk of an individual developing other diseases and health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancers.

Many reasons contribute to an individual's trouble losing weight. In most cases, obesity results from the following:

  • Inherited and genetic factors
  • Physiological factors
  • Environmental factors
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Lack of physical activity

Achieving modest weight loss can prevent health problems associated with obesity. One needs to focus on a healthier diet combined with physical activity and behavioral changes. These efforts are usually enough to achieve an ideal body weight. Patients can also consider prescription medications and other modern weight-loss procedures for treating obesity effectively.

Types and Stages of Obesity

These are determined by measuring BMI (i.e., body mass index). This calculation can determine whether a person is obese or not.

Here is how the calculation is evaluated:

  • Underweight: BMI of less than 18.5
  • Healthy Weight: BMI of 18.5 to less than 25, you are in the healthy weight range
  • Overweight: BMI of 25.0 to less than 30
  • Obesity: BMI of 30.0 or higher

Obesity can be divided into three separate categories of severity based on BMI calculation:

  • Class 1 Obesity: BMI between 30 and less than 35
  • Class 2 Obesity: BMI between 35 and less than 40‌
  • Class 3 Obesity: BMI of 40 or higher (also referred to as "severe" obesity)

Symptoms of Obesity

Common symptoms of obesity in adults include the following:

  • Excess body fat, mainly around the waist
  • Snoring
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating more than usual
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Skin issues such as accumulation of moisture in the folds
  • Inability to perform simple physical tasks of daily life
  • Fatigue (mild to extreme)
  • Persistent pain (back and joints)
  • Psychological issues (negative self-esteem, shame, depression, and social isolation)

Causes of Obesity

Excessive Calories: An average physically active man requires 2,500 calories a day to maintain a healthy weight, while a woman needs about 2,000 calories a day from healthy foods. Consuming more calories and staying inactive will store excess fat in the body.

Poor Diet Patterns: Consuming large amounts of processed or fast food and drinking too much alcohol and sugary drinks affect one's health.

Lack of Physical Activity: Lack of physical activity is one of the major causes of obesity. For instance, sitting at a desk all day and being sedentary, addiction to watching TV, browsing through the internet, or playing computer games, etc., can lead to obesity.

Genetics: Sometimes obesity runs in the family (genes). Although certain rare genetic conditions may lead to obesity, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, genetic weight loss is not impossible. Some genetic traits inherited from parents may make weight loss challenging for individuals.

Medical Reasons: Some individuals may increase weight due to underlying medical conditions such as an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and Cushing's syndrome. Additionally, certain medicines such as corticosteroids, antidepressants, and those prescribed for treating mental conditions, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and diabetes can contribute to weight gain. In some cases, weight gain may be a side effect of giving up smoking.

Prevention of Obesity

It is possible to prevent gaining unhealthy weight by following prevention methods such as those listed below:

Healthy Food Choices: Choosing healthier foods, such as a limited amount of healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein sources, can help control healthy body weight. One should also restrict the intake of unhealthy foods such as sweets, refined grains, potatoes, red meat, processed meat, and sugary beverages.

Increase Physical Activity: It is essential to stay active to prevent obesity. One can adopt exercises such as walking, jogging/or running, and aerobics.

Control Stress: Stress is one of the major contributing factors to obesity. Hence, managing stress by doing activities such as meditation or yoga is vital. Stay away from all factors contributing to stress.

Sleep Well: Make sure you sleep well. Getting undisturbed sleep at night is crucial to avoid stress and to maintain a healthy weight.

Restrict Unhealthy Habits: Limit all unhealthy habits that can contribute to laziness. Avoid watching television excessively and browsing the internet constantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals weighing above 45 kgs above ideal body weight for height and gender – BMI > 38.5 or > 33.5 and high-risk conditions such as high BP, diabetes, or sleep apnea can consider Bariatric Surgery. The individual should not have any psychiatric or drug dependency issues.

No. Skipping meals can result in many adverse effects on health. Skipping meals for several hours can increase the feeling of hunger, leading to uncontrolled and unhealthy snacking, such as fast foods high in fats and sugars.

Obesity can put one at risk for several preventable diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, chronic back pain, breathing problems, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Obesity can also affect one's self-esteem and lead to depression.

The primary difference between being overweight or obese is determined by assessing an individual's body mass index (BMI). It is a ratio between weight and height. A BMI of between 25 and 29.9 makes one overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher makes one obese.

Yes. Obesity is the number two cause of preventable premature death (smoking being the first). Obesity can shorten one's life expectancy by around ten years.

Several genetics, cultural and environmental factors may lead to obesity. However, the primary cause of this condition is eating in an abrupt uncontrolled way and/or not getting enough exercise.

Yes, obesity is curable. However, losing weight without proper diet and exercise is impossible. Apart from a well-planned diet and exercise schedule, one can also decide on a permanent solution such as bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure designed for achieving permanent weight loss. The surgery is performed using a laparoscope and laparoscopic instruments. Therefore, it has minimal scarring and a faster recovery time. The decision to undergo this surgery should be performed under the guidance of an experienced surgeon after evaluating all risks and benefits.

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