Obesity
Other names: Weight loss
DEFINITION
Obesity is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat. It increases the risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Modest weight loss can improve or prevent health problems associated with obesity through dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavior modifications.
SYMPTOMS
Obesity is diagnosed when the body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.
| BMI | Weight status |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5-24.9 | Normal |
| 25.0-29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0-34.9 | Obese (Class I) |
| 35.0-39.9 | Obese (Class II) |
| 40.0 and higher | Extreme Obesity (Class III) |
CAUSES
Obesity occurs when calorie intake exceeds expenditure through exercise and daily activities. Inactivity and unhealthy eating habits are common causes. Genetic, behavioral, and hormonal factors also influence body weight.
RISK FACTORS
Genetics, family lifestyle, inactivity, unhealthy diet, medical conditions, certain medications, social/economic issues, age, pregnancy, quitting smoking, and lack of sleep are risk factors for obesity.
COMPLICATIONS
Obesity increases the risk of high triglycerides, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, various cancers, breathing disorders, gallbladder disease, gynecological problems, erectile dysfunction, osteoarthritis, among others.
PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
Discussing weight concerns openly with a healthcare provider is crucial. Prepare for your appointment by thinking about your goals for treatment and writing down questions to ask your provider.
TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS
Healthcare providers review health history, perform physical exams and tests like BMI calculation and measuring waist circumference to diagnose obesity.
TREATMENTS AND DRUGS
Treatment includes dietary changes, exercise, behavior modifications, prescription medications (in some cases), and weight-loss surgery for severe obesity cases.
LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES
Prevent unhealthy weight gain by exercising regularly, following a healthy eating plan, identifying triggers that cause overeating, monitoring weight regularly, and being consistent with healthy habits.
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Be cautious with dietary supplements as their effectiveness and safety are often questionable. Mind-body therapies like acupuncture and yoga may complement traditional treatments but haven't been extensively studied for weight loss.
COPING AND SUPPORT
Improve coping skills by journaling emotions, staying connected with others through activities or support groups, focusing on goals, and learning relaxation techniques to manage stress effectively.
QUESTIONS
- What is obesity?
Obesity is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat.
- How is obesity diagnosed?
Obesity is diagnosed when the body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher.
- What are the common causes of obesity?
Inactivity and unhealthy eating habits are common causes of obesity.
- What are the risk factors for obesity?
Risk factors include genetics, family lifestyle, inactivity, unhealthy diet, medical conditions, certain medications,social/economic issues among others.
- What complications can arise from obesity?
Complications include high triglycerides,type 2 diabetes,strokes,cancers,breathing disorders,gallbladder disease among others.
- How can one prepare for a doctor's appointment regarding weight concerns?
By thinking about treatment goals and writing down questions to ask the provider.
- What are some treatments for obesity?
Treatments include dietary changes, exercise/physical activity modifications,prescription medications,and weight-loss surgery in severe cases.
- How can one prevent unhealthy weight gain at home?
By exercising regularly,following a healthy eating plan,maintaining consistency in healthy habits,and monitoring weight regularly.
- Should one be cautious about alternative medicine approaches for treating obesity?
Yes,it's important to be cautious as their effectiveness,safety,and interactions with other medications may be uncertain.
- How can individuals cope with obesity and their weight-loss efforts?
By improving coping skills through journaling emotions,staying connected with others,focusing on goals,and learning relaxation techniques to manage stress effectively.