Obesity is a long-term (chronic) health problem that changes over time. Obesity is defined by excess body fat (adipose tissue) that can be detrimental to health.
Body mass index (BMI) is a calculation that takes into account a person’s weight and height to measure body size. Doctors typically use it as a screening tool for obesity.
In adults, obesity is often defined as a BMI of
- Type 2 diabetes
- cardiac disease
- cancer
Although BMI tends to be related to body fat level, its measurement has some limitations.
According to
Despite these limitations, BMI continues to be widely used as a means of measuring body size. This is because it is cheaper than other methods.
It should be noted that the effects of weight discrimination may also contribute to negative health effects.
Obesity is common. The CDC estimates that
Keep reading to learn more about the causes of obesity, risk factors and treatment.
There are no specific symptoms associated with obesity. A doctor can diagnose obesity based on the following factors:
What follows
What is childhood obesity?
For a doctor to diagnose obesity in a child over 2 years old or teenagertheir BMI must be equal to or greater than the
From 2015 to 2016,
Take more calories than you burn Daily activity and exercise – on a long-term basis – can lead to obesity. Over time, these extra calories accumulate and lead to weight gain.
But it’s not always just about calories in and out or a sedentary lifestyle. Although these are indeed causes of obesity, some causes are uncontrollable.
Common Specific Causes of Obesity include:
- genetics, which can affect how your body converts food into energy and how fat is stored
- to get oldwhich can lead to decreased muscle mass and a slower metabolic rate, making it easier to gain weight
- I do not sleep enoughwhich can lead to hormonal changes that make you hungrier and crave certain high-calorie foods
- high stress, which can trigger the production of hormones that cause you to eat more and store more fat
- pregnancybecause weight gained during pregnancy can be difficult to lose and can eventually lead to obesity
Certain health conditions can also cause weight gain, which can lead to obesity. These include:
A complex mix of factors can increase a person’s risk of obesity.
Genetic
Some people have genes that make them more likely to gain weight and body fat.
Environment and community
Your environment at home, at school, and in your community can all influence how and what you eat, as well as your activity level.
You may be at higher risk of developing obesity if you:
Psychological and other factors
Depression can sometimes lead to weight gain, as some people may turn to food for emotional comfort.
Having disrupted sleep habits
If you smoke, stop smoking is beneficial for your health, but quitting smoking can also lead to weight gain. In some people this can lead to
Drugs
Certain medications can also increase the risk of weight gain. These medications may include:
BMI provides a rough calculation of a person’s weight in relation to their height.
Other more precise measurements of body fat and where body fat is located include:
A doctor may also order certain tests to help diagnose health risks related to obesity. These may include:
A measure of fat around your waist is also a good predictor of your risk of developing obesity-related diseases.
Obesity can cause more than just weight gain.
A high ratio of body fat to muscle puts pressure on your bones as well as your internal organs. It also increases inflammation in the body, which can be a risk factor for cancer. Obesity is also a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have linked obesity to many health complicationssome of which can be life threatening if left untreated:
If you suffer from obesity and want to lose weight but can’t do it on your own, medical help is available. Start with a primary care physicianwho may be able to direct you to a weight specialist in your area.
A doctor may also want to work with you part of a team help you lose weight. This team could include a dietitian, therapistor other healthcare personnel.
The doctor will work with you to make necessary lifestyle changes. Sometimes they may also recommend medication or bariatric surgery. Learn more about treating obesity.
Doctors usually recommend lifestyle and behavior changes to help obese children lose weight. In some cases, doctors
A healthcare team can recommend food choices and help develop a nutritious diet it works for you. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
A structured exercise program increased daily activity – between
Advice or support groups can also identify triggers and help you deal with issues related to:
A doctor may also prescribe certain prescription weight loss medications in addition to diet and exercise programs.
Doctors may prescribe medication if other weight loss methods have not worked and you have a BMI of 27 or higher in addition to obesity-related health problems.
Prescription weight loss medications prevent fat absorption or suppress the appetite. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following drugs for short-term use (
These medications may have unpleasant side effects for some people, but may have more serious side effects for others. For example, orlistat can cause unpleasant side effects such as frequent, fatty stools, bowel urgency, and gas. But liraglutide and semaglutide can increase the risk of thyroid cancer for people with personal or family history.
It is important to tell the prescribing doctor your medical history before starting any of these medications. The doctor will usually monitor you closely to manage side effects and reduce your risks.
Bariatric surgery is commonly called bariatric surgery.
This type of surgery limits the amount of food you can comfortably eat or prevents your body from absorbing food and calories. Sometimes it can do both.
Bariatric surgery is not a miracle solution. This is a major surgical procedure that can carry serious risks. Afterward, people who have surgery will need to change the way they eat and the amounts they eat, otherwise they risk getting sick.
However, non-surgical options are not always effective in helping obese people lose weight and reduce their risk of comorbidities.
Types of bariatric surgery include:
- Gastric bypass surgery: In this procedure, a surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach that connects directly to your small intestine. Food and liquid pass through the pouch and enter the intestine, bypassing most of the stomach. It is also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.
- Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB): LAGB separates your stomach into two pockets using a band.
- Gastric sleeve surgery: This procedure remove part of your stomach.
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: This procedure removes most of your stomach.
Surgery candidates
For decades, experts have recommended that adult candidates for bariatric surgery have a BMI of at least 35 (classes 2 and 3).
However, in the 2018 guidelines, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Weight loss surgery approved for adults with a BMI of 30 to 35 (class 1) who:
- have associated comorbidities, particularly type 2 diabetes
- I haven’t seen long-term results with non-surgical treatments, such as diet and lifestyle changes
For people with class 1 obesity, surgery is more effective for those between 18 and 65 years old.
Some people may need to lose weight before surgery can be approved. Additionally, they will normally undergo counseling to ensure that they are both emotionally prepared for the operation and the lifestyle changes it will require.
In the United States, only a few surgical centers perform these types of procedures on children under 18 years old.
Due to a dramatic increase in obesity and obesity-related diseases, communities, states and the federal government are emphasizing healthier measures. food choice And activities to help prevent obesity and treat overweight and obese people.
On a personal level, you can help prevent weight gain and obesity by:
Obesity is a chronic disease caused by excess visceral fat. This can increase your risk of developing several health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.
Treatment may include lifestyle changes and medications. In some cases, this may involve surgery.
