Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat that leads to a body weight that is much higher than the healthy weight, usually 20 percent or more over an individual's ideal body weight. In this condition, the amount of fat is much more than the mass of lean muscles of the obese individual. The condition is associated with increased risk of illness, disability and also death.
Causes are mainly diet, sedentary lifestyle and genetic factors.
Intake of more calories than the body’s requirement for the routine activities results in increase in body weight and in the long run, obesity. Intake of excessive food, inadequate exercise and excessive alcohol all leads to obesity. The unused calories are stored in the form of fat. Thyroid problems and genetic factors can also cause obesity.
Medications like steroids, beta blockers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, diabetes medications etc may also cause obesity.
Eating disorders, binge eating disorder, night eating syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, growth hormone deficiency and hypothyroidism, are the risk factors for obesity.
Age, quitting smoking and social and economic issues is some more risk factors for obesity.
Other symptoms of obesity are lack of sleep, difficulty in sleeping, snoring, sleep apnea, rashes or infections in skin folds, always feeling hot, feeling out of breath with minor exertion, fatigue and daytime sleep.
Obesity is diagnosed on the basis of history and physical examination. History includes information about routine exercise/activities, medical history and food habits.
Blood tests may be done to find out if any thyroid problem is there causing weight gain. Other tests to assess other condition related obesity are complete blood count, cholesterol and other blood fats, fasting glucose and liver function test.
Treatment for obesity includes controlled but healthy diet and exercise. This helps in reducing weight and thereby in reducing the risk of serious health problems because of obesity. A dietician and the doctor can help in making a diet plan as per the individual need. Understanding the concept of health, healthy food and significance of exercise is important. Slow and steady weight reduction helps to maintain it longer. The weight program has to be followed life long which requires patience and commitment.
Low fat, low carbohydrate, low calorie diet and exercise are important.
Other ways of stress management like yoga and meditation, food only at table, no in between snacks, foodless parties, support groups and psychotherapy for weight loss are help in weight reduction.
Medications are available for weight reduction but they should not be taken without doctor’s consultation. Medications are effective along with lifestyle changes and not instead of them.
Surgery for weight loss can also be done. Surgery can be an option in cases in which weight reduction program cannot work, i.e. in cases morbid obesity.
Complications are loss of image, depression, sexual problems, social isolation, disability and physical discomfort.
Other complications are certain types of cancers, osteoarthritis, sleep
apnea, high blood pressure, pulmonary hypertension, right sided heart
failure, metabolic syndrome, gall bladder problems, infertility,
irregular periods, non alcoholic fatty liver disease, skin problems
like delayed wound healing and death.
