Obesity is no longer simply a cosmetic or body image issue; it is one of the greatest health issues facing the world. Excessive weight gain, especially around the abdominal area, is obviously connected to the possibility of chronic diseases.
A healthy weight not only improves one’s appearance, but it also prevents or minimizes the consequences of these diseases and even partially reverses them.
When is weight considered a health condition?
Obesity is a chronic medical condition. It is affected by various biological, behavioral, and environmental factors. A well-planned strategy is needed to prevent and treat obesity.
A person is said to have obesity if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or higher. It is calculated on the basis of their weight and height.
But there are other ways to diagnose obesity, too, including:
- Waist circumference.
- Body fat percentage.
Waist circumference is another factor. Excessive fat around the waist can lead to many metabolic disorders. This occurs when the waist circumference is over 102 cm in men and over 89 cm in women.
Obesity-related health complications
Obesity can cause many diseases, such as:
- Heart disease.
- Stroke.
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Certain types of cancer.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Gout.
- Depression.
- Obstructive sleep apnea.
Not everyone who is obese will experience any of the above diseases; however, the risk of developing them can increase if there is a genetic predisposition.
Why Does Obesity Occur?
The main reason for obesity is the imbalance of energy. This occurs when the energy taken is consistently greater than the energy expended, so excess is stored as fat. However, there are many other causes of obesity.
First: Genetic and family factors
Obesity sometimes runs in families due to the interaction of genetic factors with shared lifestyle habits. Genes play a role in:
- Fat storage.
- Appetite.
- Metabolic rate.
- Calories burned during activity.
Second: low activity and a sedentary lifestyle
Dietary habits play a very important role in weight gain. Modern dietary habits include fast food and drinks, sugary drinks and processed foods, which contribute greatly to obesity.
Liquid calories – like soft drinks, juices, and alcohol – are a particular problem, because they don’t provide lasting fullness.
Physical inactivity is another reason for obesity. Modern life involves a lot of screen time and low levels of physical activity at work.
Third: Medical conditions and medications
Certain health conditions may lead to weight gain, such as:
- Hypothyroidism.
- Cushing’s syndrome.
- Prader-Willi syndrome.
Certain medications also can cause weight gain, such as:
- Corticosteroids.
- Antidepressants.
- Antipsychotics.
- Beta-blockers.
- Certain diabetes medications.
Fourth: Additional contributing factors
Other factors may contribute to obesity, although early intervention and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risks. These factors include:
- Pregnancy weight gain.
- Smoking cessation, even though it is the healthier option.
- Chronic stress.
- Lack of sleep.
- Gut microbiome composition.
- Lack of access to healthy food and exercise due to social and economic obstacles.
Major health risks of obesity
Obesity has a significant impact on the quality of life and poses serious health risks to various body parts.
Cardiovascular Diseases
High blood pressure and unhealthy levels of cholesterol are common in obese people. This can lead to heart disease and stroke, as extra fat makes the heart work harder. 5% weight reduction can greatly reduce heart disease.
Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
About 9 out of 10 people of type 2 diabetic patients are either overweight or obese. Obesity increases insulin resistance, leading to high blood sugar levels.
High blood sugar levels can greatly harm the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Reducing 5-7% of weight can prevent or delay diabetes.
Liver and Gallbladder Diseases
Building up fat in the liver can cause MASLD, and in severe cases, it may develop into liver fibrosis or liver failure.
Gallstones can also occur if the bile cholesterol levels have increased and the gallbladder does not function properly. Reducing 3-5% of weight can lower liver fats.
Kidney Disease
Obesity has been associated with chronic kidney disease, even in people without diabetes or hypertension. Dietary improvements and weight reduction may slow the progression of kidney disease.
Respiratory Disorders
Obesity increases the risk of developing asthma and worsens its symptoms. It is also associated with sleep apnea, which involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
Joint disorders and gout
Excessive weight strains joints, especially knees and hips, and increases the risk of osteoarthritis. It also causes inflammation that accelerates joint degradation.
Gout is also associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Its episodes can be reduced by weight loss.
Fertility and pregnancy complications
Obesity increases the risk of infertility in both males and females. It also increases the risk of pregnancy-induced diabetes, hypertension, and cesarean delivery.
Obesity may also increase the risk of long-term metabolic problems in the baby. Loss of 5% or more body weight improves menstrual regularity and increases the chances of conception.
Psychological and social impact
Obesity is greatly related to depression, low self-esteem, body image issues, and stress. Weight discrimination in the workplace or schools may cause long-term psychological effects.
Research indicates that weight loss improves body image and decreases stress and depression.
Obesity prevention strategies
Some people think that losing a small amount of weight may not have a great impact. However, this is not true. Losing just 5% of body weight can have a huge impact.
Healthy Nutrition
Nutrition is commonly the main cause of obesity. You can limit its risks by:
- Calorie reduction.
- Vegetable, whole grain, and protein consumption.
- Sugar, fried, alcohol, and soda reduction.
Physical Activity
To maintain a healthy weight, at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or resistance training at least twice per week, is necessary.
In addition, daily physical activities, like taking the stairs and moving around more often, play an essential role in obesity management.
Behavioral Support
If you have problems with appetite control, healthy behavior, and emotional eating, you can join:
- Counselling sessions for emotional eating.
- Support groups.
- Keep a record of your food and physical activities for self-monitoring.
Medication
Medicines may be taken along with lifestyle modifications; however, a doctor consultation is a must. These drugs include:
- Orlistat.
- Phentermine and topiramate.
- Bupropion and naltrexone.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Bariatric Surgery
Surgery is an effective option for severe obesity cases. It is effective only if the patient is ready for dietary and lifestyle modifications. It includes:
- Gastric bypass.
- Sleeve gastrectomy.
- Adjustable gastric band.
Conclusion
Obesity is a chronic disease that affects multiple body systems and may cause heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, respiratory disease, and more. The good news is that even a 5% reduction in weight results in better health outcomes. Obesity can be managed with healthy nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle change.
Regular monitoring is essential for prevention and complication reduction, so use the iDoc devices to evaluate your vital signs and monitor your health in the app.