Obesity is a chronic disease that is becoming more common in adults, adolescents, and children, and it is now considered a worldwide epidemic.
Overweight and obesity rates in adults and children continue to rise. The frequency of overweight or obese children and adolescents aged 5–19 years grew more than fourfold from 4% to 18% globally between 1975 and 2016.
Obesity and overweight are both described as abnormal or excessive fat buildup that poses a health concern. Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2). BMI does not measure body fat directly, but BMI is moderately correlated with more direct measures of body fat obtained from other body fat measuring tools
Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 to 25.9, and obesity is defined as a BMI above 30. Obesity is further divided into three categories: Class 1 (BMI 30-34.9), Class 2 (BMI 35-39.9), and Class 3 (BMI 40-49.9). (BMI above 40).
Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern; it’s a medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and many chronic and debilitating diseases. Even modest weight loss improves these comorbidities.
Obesity affects psychosocial function as individuals with obesity are often exposed to public disapproval. This stigma is seen in education and employment, among other areas.
Obesity screening can help identify high-risk patients who might not otherwise receive counselling about health risks, lifestyle modifications and obesity treatment options.
During a routine physical examination, all patients should be evaluated for overweight and obesity by calculating their body mass index (BMI). Waist circumference should be measured in adults to test for abdominal obesity and to provide independent risk information not accounted for by BMI. Patients with abdominal obesity have an increased risk for overall mortality, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart disease, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A waist circumference of ≥40 in (102 cm) for males and ≥35 in (88 cm) for females is considered elevated and indicative of increased cardiometabolic risk. A waist circumference ≥31 in (80 cm) in Asian females and ≥35 in (90 cm) in Asian males is considered abnormal.
Obesity-related morbidity is thought to be reduced as people lose weight.
Many people discover that dieting helps them lose weight at first, but they regain the weight after the diet plan ends. Because it is so difficult to lose weight and keep it off over time, it is critical to get as much knowledge and support as possible before beginning a weight loss program.
The purpose of treatment is to improve quality of life by preventing, treating, or reversing the complications of obesity. Weight loss of as little as 5% of body weight has been found to provide health benefits.
Losing weight through healthy eating, increasing physical activity, and making other lifestyle changes are all common therapies for overweight and obesity. Behavior modification or behavior therapy is one cornerstone in the treatment for obesity.
Some people may benefit from weight-management programs to lose weight or avoid regaining it. Other people, however, are unable to either drop enough weight to enhance their health or to maintain their weight loss. In such cases, adding other treatments, including weight-loss medicines, weight-loss devices, or bariatric surgery is a good option.
Weight-loss medications work by suppressing the appetite or altering the digestion. They are recommended for people who have not met weight loss goals (loss of at least 5 percent of total body weight at three to six months) with a comprehensive lifestyle intervention, and
- Have a BMI of 30 or greater; or
- Have a BMI between 27 and 29.9 and also have medical problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.
Adults who have not met weight loss goals with diet, exercise, and drug therapy and a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 kg/m2 with at least one significant chronic disease are candidates for bariatric surgery.
In summary, obesity is the root cause of many chronic illnesses as mentioned above. Every patient should be screened for it during their health visit. The conditions related to obesity can be harmful to overall health, but many of these complications can be avoided through weight loss.
Dr. Nehdia Hashemi
Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine Consultant
EXPERIENCE
- 10 years of experience as a Family Physician
- American Board Certified in Family Medicine
- Michigan State University, Michigan, USA
- American Board Certified in Obesity Medicine
HIGHLIGHT TREATMENTS
Services: Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, Health Maintenance, Patient Education, Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic illnesses, Obesity Medicine