What is obesity?
Obesity and overweight are the terms used to describe the increase in body mass (the excessive accumulation of spare fat in the form of adipose tissue) above levels considered healthy for a person according to height, age and sex.
These terms also define the weight ranges at which the likelihood of certain diseases and health problems, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and malignant diseases, has been shown to increase.
Obesity is defined as a chronic condition where we have an accumulation of an excessive amount of body fat - subcutaneously, in the abdominal cavity and around the internal organs.
Several different groups of factors play a role in the development of overweight and obesity:
- genetic (hereditary);
- environmental factors - amount and composition of food, level of physical activity;
- physiological - disturbances in the metabolism of adipose tissue, hormonal changes, disturbances in the centers in the brain, in particular in the hypothalamus, which control satiety;
- psychological - eating disorders, food intake when stressed or depressed;
According to many specialists, obesity is graded according to the value of the body weight index:
- < 18,5 - Suboptimal body weight
- 18,5 - 24,99 - Normal body weight
- 25 - 29,99 - Overweight
- 30 - 34,99 - Obesity grade I
- 35 - 39,99 - Obesity II degree
- > 40 - Grade III obesity (morbid obesity)
Causes of overweight and obesity?
Obesity is a multifactorial disease due to the interaction of a number of genetic factors with lifestyle.
The main reason for the increase of fat stores in the body is the imbalance between the energy imported and the energy expended in the body. The difference between what is brought in and what is used up is stored as fat stores, which accumulate in small amounts in the muscles and liver, and especially in the white adipose tissue located around the buttocks, abdomen and internal organs.
Obesity is a global problem due to increased intake of high-calorie foods rich in fat and carbohydrates and an increase in sedentary lifestyles. This is due to the significant socio-cultural changes of the last few decades affecting a huge number of people around the world.
What are the health consequences?
Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem. It directly threatens health and reduces life expectancy.
High body mass index is a major risk factor for a number of diseases such as:
- Cardiovascular disease - obesity contributes to increased risk of heart attack and stroke by increasing plasma cholesterol. Increased fat intake and low physical activity increase so-called 'bad cholesterol', which is deposited on the walls of cell vessels. Cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels reduce their elasticity and restrict blood flow. When such a plaque ruptures and clogs a coronary or cerebral vessel, a myocardial infarction or stroke occurs.
- Diabetes - creates insulin resistance in peripheral tissues - muscle and fat.
- Musculoskeletal damage - mostly osteoarthritis, due to the increased load on the joints.
- Certain cancers - among men, obesity is associated with higher mortality from malignant tumours of the oesophagus, colon, pancreas and prostate, while among women with higher mortality from bile duct, breast, uterine and ovarian cancers.
- Reproductive and pelvic disorders - lack of ovulation, infertility, Hyperandrogenemia (higher level of male sex hormones) and polycystic ovarian syndrome in women, Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in men (impaired spermatogenesis, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and impotence)
- Psychological problems - Depression, Eating disorders, Autism
Obesity occurring before puberty is particularly risky. Obese children may have breathing difficulties, high blood pressure, early onset of markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, increased risk of fractures, disability in adulthood and premature death.
How can we fight obesity?
It is extremely important to note that obesity, like most of its complications, is preventable. Moreover, obesity, in addition to being preventable, is also a treatable disease. Above all, it is necessary to limit calorie intake and increase physical activity. Developing a balanced diet that meets both energy needs and vitamin, mineral and micronutrient requirements is a complex task. It is best to seek professional help from a nutritionist who will design a diet tailored to the individual needs and characteristics of the particular organism. Physical exercise should be increased gradually and according to individual capabilities. Maintaining a high level of physical activity is crucial for successful weight loss and maintaining an optimal weight.
In addition to burning calories, exercising speeds up metabolism, thus contributing to weight loss even after cessation of physical effort.
Surgical treatment of obesity
Bariatric surgery is a treatment of last resort for people suffering from severe obesity who have failed to lose weight after following a diet and increasing physical activity, as well as after proper medication therapy.
Not everyone with severe obesity is suitable for bariatric surgery. Before proceeding with the procedure, the surgeon makes a thorough assessment of the patient's health. The psychological disposition to undergo this major surgical intervention is also assessed. The willingness to follow a very responsible healthy diet after it. It must be remembered that no operation can fully compensate for systematic overeating. Even after undergoing bariatric surgery, patients must start a new lifestyle, namely, healthy eating.
Read more about surgical procedures for bariatric and metabolic diseases
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