OBESITY & MORBID OBESITY

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What Is Obesity?

How Does One Become Obese?
Obesity is a complex condition that can be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, behavior, and environment. Here are some common factors that can contribute to the development of obesity:

1. Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to obesity, which means they are more likely to develop the condition due to inherited traits and tendencies.

2. Lifestyle factors: Sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and lack of physical activity can contribute to obesity. Eating a diet high in processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats can also contribute to weight gain.

3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s syndrome, can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

4. Medications: Some medications, such as certain antidepressants or corticosteroids, can cause weight gain as a side effect.

5. Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as living in a food desert or a neighborhood with limited access to safe places to exercise, can also contribute to obesity.

6. Psychological factors: Emotional eating and other psychological factors can contribute to overeating and weight gain.
It’s important to note that obesity is a complex condition and may have multiple causes. It’s also important to seek medical advice if you are concerned about your weight and to work with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized plan for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Why Being Obese Is Such A Health Risk ?

Being obese is associated with a range of health risks and complications. Here are some of the most significant health risks associated with obesity:

1. Cardiovascular disease: Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

2. Type 2 diabetes: Obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes glucose.

3. Sleep apnea: Obesity is a common cause of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that can lead to interrupted breathing and low oxygen levels during sleep.

4. Joint problems: Excess weight can put added strain on the joints, leading to conditions such as osteoarthritis and other joint problems.

5. Respiratory problems: Obesity can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, shortness of breath, and decreased lung function.

6. Cancer: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer.

7. Mental health: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

8. Reduced quality of life: Obesity can impact a person’s overall quality of life, leading to decreased mobility, social isolation, and reduced self-esteem. Overall, being obese can increase the risk of developing a range of serious health complications, and it’s important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a plan for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce these risks.

If You Are Obese You Are:

If you are obese, it means that you have excess body fat that can have negative effects on your health. Obesity is usually defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. BMI is calculated based on a person’s weight and height, and can be used as a screening tool to identify potential weight-related health problems.

It’s important to note that while BMI can be a useful tool, it’s not a perfect measure of health, and other factors such as body composition, genetics, and lifestyle habits can also impact a person’s health. However, in general, being obese can increase the risk of developing a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, joint problems, and certain types of cancer.

If you are concerned about your weight, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider and develop a personalized plan for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. This may include changes to your diet and exercise habits, as well as other lifestyle modifications and potential medical interventions.

Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that can lead to negative health effects. It is typically diagnosed based on body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of weight relative to height. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

Obesity can increase the risk of many health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and joint problems. It can also reduce life expectancy.

Obesity is typically caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, such as a diet high in calories and low in nutrients, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetic factors that affect how the body processes and stores fat. Treatment for obesity typically involves lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and sometimes medication or surgery in severe cases.

How do we quantify obesity?

Obesity is usually quantified using the body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. The formula for BMI is:

BMI = WEIGHT (KG) / HEIGHT (M) ^2

A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. However, it is important to note that BMI is not always an accurate measure of body fatness, especially in athletes and older adults who may have a higher proportion of muscle mass.

Other methods of quantifying obesity include waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. Waist circumference is a measure of the distance around the waist at the level of the belly button, while waist-to-hip ratio is a comparison of the circumference of the waist to that of the hips. In addition to these measures, doctors may also consider other factors such as overall health status, medical history, and family history of obesity when determining whether someone is obese.

How overweight are you?

All over the world populations are becoming more and more overweight. To measure this, experts now talk about your BMI, or body mass index. This is calculated by dividing your weight in kg by your height in metres, twice. Here are some basic definitions for you.

Weight is commonly measured in Kilograms. The degree of obesity is better measured as BMI (body mass index) which is a ratio of weight and height [Wt in Kg / (Ht in metres)2]. Obesity can be graded as:

Degree of ObesityBody Mass Index
 For WesternersFor Indians
Overweight25.0–29.922.5 – 27.5
Obesity30–34.927.5 – 32.5
Severe obesity35–39.932.5 – 37.5
Morbid obesity40–49.937.5 – 47.5
Superobesity> 50> 47.5

 

Obesity becomes morbid obesity when an adult is 45 kgs or more over ideal body weight has a BMI of 40 or more or has a BMI of 35 or more in combination with a health-related condition such as obstructive sleep apnea or a disease such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease.

BMI In Adults

BMI categories are the same for both men and women and all body types and ages. BMI helps to keep track of health for those individuals who are overweight or obese. People with higher BMI are at risk for many diseases and health conditions like:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Osteoporosis
  • Stroke
  • Gallbladder diseases
  • Cancer

BMI range:

BMI

Classification

Health Risk

Under 18.5

Underweight

Minimal

18.5 – 24.9

Normal Weight

Minimal

25 – 29.9

Overweight

Increased

30 – 34.9

Obesity class I

High

35 – 39.9

Obesity class II

Very High

Greater than or equal to 40

Obesity class III (also known as severe, extreme, or morbid obesity)

Extremely High

 

BMI Calculator

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Your BMI is……

BMIClassification
less than 18.5: Underweight
18.5 – 24.9:Normal weight
25 – 29.9:Overweight
30 – 34.9:Class I Obese
35 – 39.9:Class II Obese
40 upwards:Class III Obese

Obesity puts your health at risk

Yes, obesity can put your health at risk. Excess body weight, especially when it is due to excess body fat, is associated with an increased risk of many health problems. Obesity can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and joint problems. It can also reduce life expectancy.

However, the good news is that losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of these health problems and improve overall health. If you are concerned about your weight or have been diagnosed with obesity, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about developing a safe and effective weight loss plan that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and other lifestyle changes that are tailored to your individual needs and health status.

Obesity dramatically increases the risk of:

Obesity can dramatically increase the risk of various health problems, including:

1. Type 2 diabetes: Excess body fat can make it harder for the body to use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
2. Heart disease and stroke: Obesity can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
3. High blood pressure: Excess body weight can put extra strain on the heart, leading to high blood pressure.
4. Sleep apnea: Obesity can contribute to the development of sleep apnea, a condition in which a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep.
5. Joint problems: The excess weight can put pressure on the joints, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.
6. Certain types of cancer: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer.
7. Mental health problems: Obesity can also affect mental health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

It’s important to note that obesity can also increase the risk of other health problems not listed here. If you are concerned about your weight or have been diagnosed with obesity, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about developing a safe and effective weight loss plan that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and other lifestyle changes that are tailored to your individual needs and health status.

Risks of Obesity:

People with obesity have a higher chance of developing below health disorders:

  • Hypertension- High blood pressure.
  • High blood cholesterol and triglycerides (dyslipidaemia, or high blood fats).
  • Heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke.
  • Bone and joint problems like Osteoarthritis, a disease that causes joint pain and stiffness.
  • Sleep apnea or breathing pauses during sleep.
  • Gallstones and liver problems.
  • Some cancers.

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