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In the last half a century, the number of people suffering from obesity has tripled, says the statistics according to the World Health Organization. The same report underlines that over 2 billion people worldwide, which is 1 in every four individuals, can be categorized as overweight and about 700million of them are known to be obese. Thus, one can clearly see that obesity is a gigantic health condition that is prevalent across the globe and threatens to, if it is not already, become a global health crisis.
Obesity as we all know is the harbinger of several co-morbidities, including heart disease, sleep disorders, risk of strokes & other neurological ailments, orthopedic problems, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances and infertility, amongst others.
Causes of Obesity
In very simple terms, obesity is the directly caused by excess calories consumed vis-à-vis the number of calories burnt/used every day. Per the WHO classification any individual with a BMI of above 25 is considered overweight, while those with a BMI of over 30 are categorized as obese. So, what exactly is causing this excessive calorie intake, or inadequate usage of calories –
- Excessive consumption of energy-dense foods such as carbs, fats & sugars
- Increasing levels of sedentary lifestyle
- Lack of physical activities & exercise
On a macro-level, changes in dietary and physical activity patterns are often influenced by environmental, societal, and cultural changes. With advancements in technology in the last century, today we have several avenues of making our lives automated, reduce physical exertion, make employment less physically exhausting, and have access to processed food – all of which have resulted in increased levels of obesity.
Symptoms of Obesity
Not everyone with obesity will experience the same symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary. Some common symptoms and associated health issues of obesity include:
- Excess Body Fat
- Weight Gain
- Increased Appetite
- Fatigue
- Shortness of Breath
- Joint Pain
- Sleep Problems
- Skin Issues
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol Levels
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Fatty Liver Disease
It's important to note that obesity is a complex condition influenced by various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Additionally, not everyone with obesity will experience all of these symptoms, and some individuals may be at a higher risk of certain health complications than others.
Obesity is a serious health concern, and it's essential to seek medical advice and support for its management and treatment. Consult with a Bariatric Doctor.
Consequences of Obesity
Here are some of the key consequences of obesity:
1. Health Risks:
Cardiovascular Disease: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, including conditions like hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart attacks.
Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity is strongly associated with insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes.
Stroke: The risk of stroke is higher in obese individuals due to factors like hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Certain Cancers: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of various types of cancer, including breast, colon, and kidney cancer.
Respiratory Issues: Obesity can lead to breathing problems like sleep apnea and asthma.
2. Metabolic Consequences:
Insulin Resistance: Obesity can lead to insulin resistance, which impairs the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, potentially leading to diabetes.
Fatty Liver Disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common in obese individuals and can progress to more severe liver conditions.
3. Musculoskeletal Problems:
Osteoarthritis: Excess weight places added stress on the joints, particularly in the knees and hips, leading to osteoarthritis.
Back Pain: Obesity can cause or exacerbate back pain due to the increased load on the spine.
4. Psychological and Emotional Consequences:
Depression and Anxiety: Obesity is associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety, often related to body image and self-esteem issues.
Eating Disorders: Obesity can sometimes be linked to unhealthy eating behaviors, including binge eating disorder.
5. Reduced Quality of Life:
Obesity can limit physical activity and reduce overall quality of life by impairing mobility, leading to social isolation, and limiting participation in enjoyable activities.
6. Reproductive Issues:
Obesity can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect fertility in both men and women. It can also increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
7. Social Stigma and Discrimination:
Obese individuals often face societal bias and discrimination, which can lead to reduced opportunities and a lower quality of life.
It's important to note that the consequences of obesity can vary from person to person and may depend on factors such as genetics, the distribution of body fat, and the presence of other health conditions. Managing and preventing obesity through a combination of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and medical intervention when necessary can help mitigate these consequences and improve overall health. It's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on weight management and addressing obesity-related health issues.
Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is commonly associated with a higher propensity for obesity in adulthood, which consequently increases the risk of premature death and disability. In addition to increased future risks, obesity causes breathing difficulties, increased risk of falls & fractures, premature hypertension, early onset of cardiac diseases, and possible insulin resistance.
Obesity in childhood is also associated with mental health disorders such as low self-esteem, social anxiety, social withdrawal, depression and others.
Overcoming Obesity
As the cause for obesity indicates, the most primary option of overcoming obesity is to be able to reduce calories intake and/or increase calories burning. This can be achieved by having a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet. However, this option is available only in case of early obesity or being overweight.
For patients suffering from morbid obesity and long-term obesity. Simple exercises and diet restrictions may not work. In many cases, these patients might have tried and failed at reducing weight by diet & exercise. Several of them may have reduced to an extent but regained the same in due course. For such patients, weight loss or bariatric surgery remains a viable option to reduce weight.
Bariatric surgery is a proven method of achieving long-term, sustained weight-loss. However, surgery alone is not sufficient with positive lifestyle modifications also required to lose adequate weight.
To overcome obesity, Consult with a Bariatric Doctor for getting proper diagnosis and treatment.
Related Blog Articles:
1. Healthy Eating Habits to Prevent and Manage Obesity
2. Childhood Obesity: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention
3. Obesity and Its Impact on Chronic Diseases
