What is over weight/obesity/morbid obesity? and how to know?

Obesity is an excessive accumulation of body fat. Depending upon BMI score, weight can be classified into underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. If the BMI is 35 or over than it indicates obesity and if it is 40 or more than morbid obesity occurs. Depending upon BMI score, weight can be classified into underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. If the BMI is 35 or over than it indicates obesity and if it is 40 or more than morbid obesity occurs. Depending upon BMI score, weight can be classified into underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. If the BMI is more than 25 (Indians) it indicates obesity and if it is more than 40 morbid obesity occurs.

Obesity is not only cosmetic concern but also increases risk of,

1. Type 2 diabetes.

2. Heart disease.

3. High blood pressure.

4. Stroke.

5. Certain types of cancers.

6. GERD (acidity and burning sensation of chest) – Excess fat around the stomach (visceral fat) can compress or push your stomach. This leads to symptoms such as acid reflux, indigestion, heartburn, and even ulcers.

7. Osteoarthritis – Due to excess weight, people experience problems with their joints, especially in the knees and spine.

8. Sleep apnea – Breathing repeatedly stops for few seconds and starts in sleep.

9. Severe form of Covid 19 infection.

To diagnose over weight/obesity and we often use BMI method and waist circumference.

How to calculate BMI?

The BMI score is a tool for predicting obesity. It measures the relationship between height and weight to determine whether an individual has an appropriate body mass index.

Body Mass Index (BMI):

BMI Calculation

24.69 is that person’s BMI.

Waist Circumference:

People can be at risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes even if they are of normal weight and their waist circumference is more than 35 inches in women and 40 inches in men.

Types of Fat:

Depending on type and distribution there are White fat, Brown fat, Beige fat, Essential fat, Subcutaneous fat, and Visceral fat.

Visceral fat and subcutaneous fat. W.eight Loss

Subcutaneous Fat:

This fat is present below the skin all over the body. In males, subcutaneous fat distribution is more over the belly and waist. In females, subcutaneous fat distribution is more over the belly, waist, hips, and thighs.

Visceral Fat:

Visceral fat, which accumulates around the organs located inside the abdominal cavity can cause several health issues. Excess visceral fat can cause metabolic dysfunction, which leads to health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and some cancers.

Visceral fat is a strong predictor of heart disease and diabetes. It’s not just a matter of how much you weigh, but where your weight accumulates.

As per some studies even though BMI is normal and if the waist circumference is,

Waist = >35 inches in females

= >40 inches in males

there is an increased risk of heart disease and premature loss of life.

CAUSES:

There are many factors that contribute to obesity. Genetic, hormonal, metabolic, medications and diseases can all be causes of obesity. Lifestyle is the biggest contributor to obesity in today’s society.

Lifestyle: High calorie food and drinks, inconsistent eating times, and inactivity contribute to weight gain.
Genetic: Obesity runs in families not only due to genes sharing to children but also due to sharing of food habits and physical activity habits.
Medications: Usage of medications like Diabetic drugs, anti seizure drugs, steroids, anti depressants, Psychiatry medicines can cause obesity.
Other factors like age, pregnancy, stress, anxiety and depression can contribute to obesity.

There are many factors that contribute to obesity. Genetic, hormonal, metabolic, medications and diseases can all be causes of obesity. Lifestyle is the biggest contributor to obesity in today’s society.

PREVENTION & TREATMENT

Making lifestyle changes, such as incorporating regular exercise into your routine and eating a healthy diet (low calorie & high nutrient), is one of the most important things you can do to prevent or reduce obesity.

WEIGHT LOSS MEDICINES: Weight-loss medications are designed to be used as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes diet, exercise, and behaviour changes. Taking these medications without making any other changes is not effective and can be dangerous.

ENDOSCOPIC & SURGICAL PROCEDURES: There are many procedures like Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, Intragastric balloon for weight loss, Gastric bypass surgery, Adjustable gastric banding and Gastric sleeve.