Obesity: What You Need to Know ?
Obesity is a chronic health condition characterized by an excess accumulation of body fat, which can pose serious health risks over time.
To gauge obesity, doctors often use a measure called Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated from a person’s weight and height. A BMI of 30 or higher is typically considered indicative of obesity by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, BMI has limitations; it may not accurately reflect body fat levels due to factors like age, sex, ethnicity, and muscle mass. Additionally, it doesn’t differentiate between fat, muscle, or bone mass, nor does it indicate fat distribution in the body.
Despite its limitations, BMI remains a widely used tool for its affordability.
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Moreover, weight discrimination can exacerbate health issues related to obesity.
Symptoms of Obesity
The symptoms of obesity aren’t always clear-cut. Instead, doctors typically diagnose obesity by looking at certain factors:
1.Excessive accumulation of abdominal (visceral) fat compared to fat in other areas of the body.
2.A waist circumference exceeding 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women.
3.A body mass index (BMI) over 30.
How is obesity classified?
The following classes are used for adults who are at least 20 years old:
| BMI | Class |
| 18.5 or under | underweight |
| 18.5 to <25 | “normal” weight |
| 25 to <30 | overweight |
| 30 to <35 | class 1 obesity |
| 35 to <40 | class 2 obesity |
| 40 or over | class 3 obesity (also known as morbid, extreme, or severe obesity) |
morbid obesity icd 10 : In the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), the code for morbid obesity is E66.01. This code is used to classify cases where obesity has reached a severe level and poses significant health risks to the individual. It is important for accurate medical coding and documentation purposes in healthcare settings.
Facts & Figures
As per the NFHS-5 data, 23% of women and 22.1% of men are overweight as per the BMI criterion. The preliminary finding on the status of abdominal obesity reveals that 40% of women and 12% of men are abdominally obese in the country.
Abdominal obesity is prevalent in India, with high rates among both women and men. Overall, 40% of women and 12% of men in the country are abdominally obese. However, the rates are even higher among specific age groups. For instance, 49.3% of women aged 30–39 and 56.7% of women aged 40–49 surpass the defined cut-off for abdominal obesity. For women it is found that 23% of women have BMI above the cut-off range of 25 and 39.6% of women have WC above the cut-off range of 80 cm.
It is found that the 22.1% of men tend to have BMI above the cut-off range and 11.9% of them have a WC above the cut-off range.
According to The Lancet, The demographic segregation of data depicts that compared to women (39.6%), the prevalence of abdominal obesity was lower in men (11.9%).
What is childhood obesity?
In order for a doctor to diagnose obesity in a child aged 2 years or older, or in a teenager, their Body Mass Index (BMI) must be at or above the 95th percentile. A BMI at or above the 95th percentile is higher than the BMI of 95% of people with the same age and sex assigned at birth.
Childhood obesity is a significant health issue for kids and teenagers. It’s concerning because it can lead to various health issues typically associated with adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Additionally, it can negatively impact a child’s self-esteem and lead to feelings of depression. Improving the eating and exercise habits of the entire family is one of the most effective ways to combat childhood obesity. By addressing and preventing obesity early on, you can safeguard your child’s health both now and in the future.
| Percentile range of BMI | Class |
| >5% | underweight |
| 5% to <85% | “normal” weight |
| 85% to <95% | overweight |
| 95% or over | obesity |
Top 10 most obese countries by percentage as mentioned as per cerbariatrics.com
- Nauru – 61.0%
- Cook Islands – 55.9%
- Palau – 55.3%
- Marshall Islands – 52.9%
- Tuvalu – 51.6%
- Niue – 50.0%
- Tonga – 48.2%
- Samoa – 47.3%
Types of Obesity:
- Visceral Obesity: Also known as central obesity, this type involves excess fat accumulation around the abdominal organs, particularly in the abdominal cavity. It is commonly associated with an “apple-shaped” body.
- Subcutaneous Obesity: This type of obesity involves the accumulation of excess fat directly under the skin, particularly in areas such as the thighs, hips, and buttocks. It is often associated with a “pear-shaped” body.
- Android Obesity: Characterized by excess fat accumulation in the upper body, particularly around the abdomen, chest, and upper arms. It is more common in men and is associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Gynoid Obesity: This type involves excess fat accumulation in the lower body, particularly around the hips, thighs, and buttocks. It is more common in women and is associated with a lower risk of metabolic disorders compared to android obesity.
- Mixed Obesity: Some individuals may exhibit a combination of visceral and subcutaneous obesity, resulting in a mixed pattern of fat distribution across the body.
Understanding the different types of obesity can help healthcare professionals tailor treatment plans and interventions to address specific health risks associated with each type.
What makes people become obese?
Eating more calories than you burn off through activity and exercise for a long time can lead to obesity. When you consistently take in more calories than your body needs, the extra calories turn into fat and you gain weight.
But obesity isn’t just about eating too much and not moving enough. While those are big factors, there are other reasons you might become obese that you can’t control.
Some common causes of obesity include : 
- Genetics: This affects how your body turns food into energy and stores fat.
- Getting older: As you age, you tend to have less muscle and a slower metabolism, making it easier to gain weight.
- Lack of sleep: Not getting enough sleep can mess with your hormones, making you feel hungrier and crave high-calorie foods.
- Stress: High stress levels can make your body produce hormones that increase your appetite and store more fat.
- Pregnancy: Weight gained during pregnancy can be hard to lose and might lead to obesity later on.
Certain health conditions can also cause weight gain, which may lead to obesity. These include:
- Metabolic syndrome: A group of risk factors like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess fat around your waist that raise your chance of serious health problems.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal imbalance can cause weight gain.
- Prader-Willi syndrome: A rare condition from birth that causes constant hunger.
- Cushing syndrome: Having too much of the stress hormone cortisol in your body.
- Hypothyroidism: When your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough important hormones.
- Conditions like osteoarthritis (OA) that cause pain and reduce your activity level.
Who’s at Risk of Obesity?
A variety of factors can increase someone’s chances of becoming obese.
Genetics: Some individuals have genes that make them more prone to gaining weight and storing fat.
Environment and Community: The surroundings where you live, study, and spend time can impact your eating habits and physical activity levels. You might be at a higher risk of obesity if you reside in a neighborhood with limited access to healthy food options or an abundance of high-calorie fast-food restaurants. Additionally, lacking cooking skills or feeling unable to afford healthier foods can contribute to the risk. Limited opportunities for physical activity, such as safe places to play or exercise, can also play a role.
Psychological and Other Factors: Conditions like depression may lead to weight gain, as some individuals use food for emotional comfort. Disrupted sleep patterns can increase daytime eating, especially of high-fat and high-carbohydrate foods. Quitting smoking, while beneficial for health, can sometimes result in weight gain, particularly during the initial period after quitting.
Medications: Certain medications may elevate the risk of weight gain, including corticosteroids used to treat autoimmune diseases, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and beta-blockers prescribed for high blood pressure.
How is Obesity Diagnosed?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common method used to estimate a person’s weight relative to their height. However, it’s important to note that while BMI is widely used, it may not always provide an accurate assessment of body fat or its distribution.
For a more precise evaluation of body fat and its distribution, healthcare providers may use other methods, including:
- Skinfold Thickness Tests: These tests involve measuring the thickness of skinfolds at various points on the body to estimate body fat percentage.
- Waist-to-Hip Comparisons: Measuring the circumference of the waist and hips can provide insights into how fat is distributed throughout the body. A higher waist-to-hip ratio may indicate increased abdominal fat, which is associated with a greater risk of obesity-related health issues.
- Dual Energy Radiographic Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scans: DEXA scans use low-energy X-rays to assess body composition, including bone density and fat distribution.
- Other Screening Tests: Additional imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI scans may be utilized to evaluate body fat distribution and assess obesity-related health risks.
In addition to these measures, healthcare providers may order specific tests to assess obesity-related health risks, including:
- Blood Tests: These tests can evaluate cholesterol and glucose levels, which are important indicators of metabolic health.
- Liver Function Tests: Assessing liver function can help identify conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is closely associated with obesity.
- Diabetes Screening: Screening tests such as fasting blood glucose or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) may be conducted to evaluate diabetes risk.
- Thyroid Tests: Thyroid function tests may be performed to rule out conditions such as hypothyroidism, which can contribute to weight gain.
- Heart Tests: Electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG) may be used to assess heart health and identify any abnormalities associated with obesity-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, measuring the circumference of the waist can serve as a valuable predictor of obesity-related disease risk, as excess abdominal fat is particularly linked to adverse health outcomes.
Complications Associated with Obesity.
Obesity brings forth more than just weight gain.
The excessive ratio of body fat to muscle not only burdens your bones but also strains your internal organs. Moreover, it fosters inflammation within the body, potentially increasing the risk of cancer. Obesity stands as a prominent risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have established connections between obesity and numerous health complications, some of which can pose life-threatening risks if left untreated:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Certain Cancers (such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancers)
- Stroke
- Gallbladder Disease
- Fatty Liver Disease
- High Cholesterol
- Sleep Apnea and other Respiratory Problems
- Arthritis
- Infertility
Treatment for Obesity.
- If you’re struggling with obesity and seeking to shed excess weight without success, seeking medical assistance is an option. Your first step may involve consulting a primary care physician, who can potentially direct you to a weight specialist in your vicinity.
- In your weight loss journey, you may find yourself collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals led by your doctor. This team may include a dietitian, therapist, or other specialists dedicated to supporting you in achieving your weight loss goals.
- Your doctor will guide you through essential lifestyle adjustments aimed at promoting weight loss. In certain cases, they may also prescribe medications or suggest weight loss surgery. To learn more about available treatments for obesity, consult with your healthcare provider.
- For children grappling with obesity, doctors typically advocate for lifestyle modifications and behavioral changes to facilitate weight loss. In certain situations, medications may also be recommended.
How can lifestyle and behavioral changes contribute to weight loss?
“Lifestyle and behavioral changes” refer to modifications in daily habits and actions that can contribute to weight loss. These changes typically involve adjustments in diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors aimed at achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Examples include adopting a balanced and nutritious eating plan, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress effectively, getting enough sleep, and seeking support from healthcare professionals or support groups. These changes are often recommended as part of a comprehensive approach to weight management and can be tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Engaging in a structured exercise regimen and increasing daily physical activity, aiming for 150 to 300 minutes per week, can enhance your strength, endurance, and metabolism.
Additionally, counseling or participation in support groups can help identify triggers and provide strategies to address issues related to anxiety, depression, and emotional eating.
What are the types of weight loss surgery?
Types of weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, aim to either reduce the amount of food a person can consume comfortably or limit the body’s absorption of food and calories. These surgeries are major procedures with serious risks and require significant lifestyle changes afterward to ensure success and minimize complications.
- Gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or RYGB): In this procedure, a small pouch is created at the top of the stomach, which is then connected directly to the small intestine. Food bypasses most of the stomach and enters the intestine directly, limiting the amount of food that can be eaten and reducing calorie absorption.
- Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB): LAGB involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band can be adjusted to control the size of the pouch, restricting food intake.
- Gastric sleeve surgery: Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, this procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach. This restricts the amount of food that can be eaten and reduces hunger-inducing hormones.
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: This surgery involves removing a large portion of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to reduce the amount of food absorbed and decrease calorie intake.
Candidates for weight loss surgery typically have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 35 (class 1 obesity) with related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes or have not seen success with nonsurgical treatments. For individuals with class 1 obesity, surgery is most effective between the ages of 18 and 65. Some individuals may need to lose weight before surgery, and counseling is often recommended to ensure emotional readiness for the procedure and necessary lifestyle changes.
Weight loss surgery on children under 18 years old is rare and only performed at select surgical centers.
How can you prevent obesity?
With the rise in obesity rates and related health conditions, communities, states, and the federal government are prioritizing healthier food options and promoting physical activities to prevent and address obesity and overweight issues.
- Regular moderate exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity is essential for mainta
ining a healthy weight and preventing obesity. Aim for at least 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Activities such as walking, swimming, biking, or even dancing can be effective. Regular exercise not only helps burn calories but also improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts mood. - Balanced, heart-healthy diet: Adopting a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for preventing obesity. Focus on consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources like poultry, fish, beans, and tofu. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants while keeping calorie intake in check. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages, as well as foods high in saturated and trans fats, which can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity-related diseases.
- Moderation with high-calorie and unhealthy foods: While it’s important to enjoy a varied diet that includes occasional treats, it’s essential to consume high-calorie and unhealthy foods in moderation. Indulging in these foods occasionally is acceptable, but they should not be a regular part of your diet. Be mindful of portion sizes and try to balance indulgent treats with healthier options. Incorporating moderation into your eating habits can help prevent excessive calorie intake and subsequent weight gain.
By incorporating these lifestyle habits into your daily routine, you can effectively prevent weight gain and reducethe risk of obesity and related health issues. Making small, sustainable changes over time can lead to significant improvements in overall health and well-being.
Takeaway
Obesity is a chronic health condition characterized by an excess of visceral fat, which can lead to various health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
Treatment for obesity typically involves lifestyle modifications, medication, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.
FAQs
What is obesity?
- Obesity is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess visceral fat in the body, which can lead to various health problems.
What health risks are associated with obesity?
- Obesity increases the risk of developing conditions like heart disease and diabetes, among others.
How is obesity treated?
- Treatment for obesity typically involves lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medication, and in severe cases, surgery.
Can obesity be managed effectively?
- Yes, with the right approach and guidance from healthcare professionals, obesity can be managed effectively through a combination of lifestyle modifications and medical interventions.
What steps can I take to prevent obesity?
- To prevent obesity, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and make healthy lifestyle choices.
Are there any specific lifestyle changes recommended for managing obesity?
- Yes, lifestyle changes such as adopting a balanced, heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, along with regular moderate exercise, can be effective in managing obesity.