What is Obesity? Obesity Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Obesity?

Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than the body can use, leading to a body mass index (BMI) above 30. It’s a condition where BMI does not align with one’s height and body structure, often resulting in fat accumulation around the abdomen and internal organs. The imbalance in body fat can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including arterial blockage, stroke, and high cholesterol. Obesity or excess weight can also contribute to breathing difficulties.

Obesity is a rapidly growing health issue worldwide, including in our country. Rates of obesity are rising every day, reducing quality of life and limiting people’s productivity as average life expectancy increases. It’s a condition that requires medical intervention.

What Are the Symptoms of Obesity?

The first and most prominent symptom of obesity is an increase in body fat. As obesity progresses, symptoms may include:

• Accumulation of fat around the waist
• Sleep apnea, snoring, and difficulty sleeping
• Excessive and continuous sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty with physical activities
• Persistent fatigue and exhaustion
• Skin problems like rashes, acne, and infections
• Joint and back pain
• Leg pain due to excess weight
• Psychological issues like depression and social isolation
• Reduced tolerance to heat

What Causes Obesity?

Obesity can arise from psychological problems or hormonal factors, though the most significant causes are sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. Here are the main causes of obesity:

• Excessive and incorrect eating habits
• Lack of physical activity
• Age, gender, education level, socio-cultural factors, and income status
• Hormonal and metabolic factors
• Genetic and psychological factors
• Frequent, low-calorie dieting
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Certain medications (e.g., antidepressants)
• Number and frequency of pregnancies
• Insufficient intake of breast milk

Excessive and Incorrect Eating Habits

Consuming fatty foods, fast food, and maintaining these dietary habits can increase body fat, creating a foundation for obesity.

Lack of Physical Activity

A sedentary lifestyle or irregular exercise habits, coupled with poor diet, prevents the body from burning fat effectively, leading to obesity.

Socio-Cultural and Demographic Factors

A person’s education level, living environment, cultural influences, income, and gender can all contribute to obesity.

Hormonal and Metabolic Factors

Hormonal imbalances and a slow metabolism can hinder fat burning, causing weight gain. Additionally, medications used for hormonal issues may increase appetite and lead to obesity.

Genetic and Psychological Factors

Psychological conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders play a significant role in obesity. Social environment and family relations can also be contributing factors. A family history of obesity may increase the risk.

Frequent, Low-Calorie Dieting

Constantly following low-calorie diets may reduce metabolism, especially with age, leading to weight gain and eventually obesity.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

People who smoke are statistically 1.2 times more likely to experience obesity. Smoking increases appetite, which can lead to weight gain and potentially obesity.

Certain Medications (e.g., Antidepressants)

Some medications, particularly for chronic illnesses, may increase appetite, leading to weight gain. This is especially true for antidepressants, which, if not monitored, may contribute to obesity.

Pregnancy Frequency and Intervals

An increased number of pregnancies with short intervals between them can lead to weight gain and subsequently increase the risk of obesity in women.

Insufficient Breastfeeding

Insufficient intake of breast milk in infancy may weaken the immune system and hinder the development of metabolic and hormonal processes, potentially leading to obesity.

How is Obesity Diagnosed?

The most practical way to diagnose obesity is through calculating Body Mass Index (BMI). The patient’s history and problems are reviewed by a physician. Besides BMI, waist circumference is also important in obesity diagnosis, as it helps evaluate the risk of diseases associated with obesity.

How is Obesity Calculated?

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to calculate obesity in patients. The BMI calculation, also known as the obesity calculation method, is done by dividing body weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.

For example, the calculation for a person weighing 75 kg and standing 1.70 meters tall would be as follows:

$75\text{kg}/(1.70\times 1.70)$
$\approx 25.95$ (Overweight)

For someone weighing 90 kg and standing 1.70 meters, the calculation is:

$90\text{kg}/(1.70\times 1.70)$
$\approx 31.14$ (Obese – Higher risk for diabetes and other health issues)

Based on BMI, obesity is classified into six categories. You can assess your BMI according to these criteria:

• Underweight: <18.5
• Normal: 18.5-24.9
• Overweight: 25-29.9 (slightly increased risk for diabetes and heart disease)
• Obesity Class 1: 30-34.9 (increased risk for diabetes and other diseases)
• Obesity Class 2 (Morbid Obesity): 35-39.9
• Obesity Class 3 (Severe Morbid Obesity): >40 (high risk of fatal diseases)

A BMI above 30 is considered obesity, above 40 is morbid obesity, and above 50 is severe morbid obesity. Obese patients may also experience snoring, excessive sweating, sleep apnea, joint and back pain, skin infections, and shortness of breath, even with minimal exertion.

How is Obesity Treated?

Obesity can be treated without surgical intervention through exercise, a regular diet, lifestyle changes, medication, or, in some cases, bariatric surgery. Available treatment methods include:

• Healthy Medical Nutrition: Excess energy intake is stored if the body consumes more calories than it needs. If no underlying genetic or metabolic disease exists, excessive food intake or low energy expenditure should be managed. The first line of treatment is medical nutrition. Dietitians can personalize calorie sources and meal frequency to the individual’s needs.
• Exercise: Besides following a diet, integrating flexible, sustainable exercise routines that one can adjust and adopt as a lifestyle is crucial for obesity treatment.
• Hormone Therapy: Hormone balance is essential in managing obesity. Hunger, eating, and satiety signals, as well as responses to exercise and stress, are all hormone-regulated. When hormonal imbalances contribute to obesity, addressing underlying endocrine issues through medication or surgery may aid in weight control. Additionally, GLP-1 hormone in the intestines helps regulate insulin secretion and signals fullness, supporting early satiety and delayed hunger.
• Bariatric Surgery: For those who struggle to achieve significant results through diet and exercise, bariatric surgery offers a highly effective obesity treatment option. In addition to improving physical appearance, it enhances life quality, mitigating risks like cardiovascular disease, psychological disorders, and sleep apnea. Treatment plans are personalized, allowing patients to return to their ideal weight and normal lives post-surgery.

Types of Obesity Surgery

Patients interested in obesity surgery will receive guidance from an obesity specialist about the various options, including:

• Sleeve Gastrectomy: A portion of the stomach is removed, turning it into a tube, and enabling patients to feel full more quickly.

Health Issues Caused by Obesity

Obesity can lead to several health issues, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Liver fatty disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Joint disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Ovarian cysts and menstrual irregularities in women
• Excessive hair growth
• Hormonal issues in young males
• Depression
• Certain cancers

How to Prevent Obesity?

Preventing obesity and maintaining weight control requires professional guidance and an appropriate treatment plan. Increasing physical activity, incorporating daily walks and exercises, and making healthy lifestyle choices are critical. Other prevention strategies include:

• Avoiding high-calorie, processed foods with long shelf lives
• Limiting refined sugar and monitoring daily salt intake
• Choosing healthy cooking methods
• Drinking adequate water throughout the day
• Developing mindful eating habits and eating slowly
• Reducing saturated fat intake
• Ensuring a balanced diet with various food groups
• Consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables
• Avoiding alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions About Obesity

What is a person with obesity called?

People who suffer from obesity are referred to as obese.

What are the health effects of obesity?

Obesity, which arises from the combination of unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle, is the starting point for numerous health problems. Conditions such as sleep apnea, asthma, polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, gallbladder disease, gout, liver disease, osteoarthritis, irregular menstrual cycles, respiratory difficulties, migraines, and various types of cancer are among these health issues. Additionally, due to the aesthetic challenges caused by excessive weight gain, obesity can lead to psychological issues as well.

What are the important aspects of obesity treatment?

Obesity, a treatable chronic condition that significantly reduces quality of life, requires a personalized treatment approach. The methods in obesity treatment include medical nutrition (diet) therapy, exercise therapy, behavioral therapy, medication, and surgery. A team approach involving doctors, dietitians, psychologists, and physiotherapists is essential in treating obesity. Additionally, obesity can also be treated surgically, and specialized centers provide support for patients in this regard.

Does obesity cause cancer?

Obesity can increase the risk of cancer, posing a threat to health by triggering this serious disease. Obesity, in particular, is a known risk factor for cancers of the breast, pancreas, colon, uterus, and esophagus.

Is obesity life-threatening?

Obesity is a strong risk factor for numerous diseases and premature death. For instance, the life expectancy of a 25-year-old man with obesity decreases by 22%, shortening his life by 12 years.

At what age does obesity occur?

Obesity, although more common in women, can occur at any age. Factors such as excess eating during pregnancy or lactation, retaining weight from each pregnancy, and the fat-storing effects of estrogen combined with a less active lifestyle make weight gain easier for women. Nowadays, there is a significant increase in obesity among young children and adolescents, often due to poor dietary habits.

What causes weight gain?

Genetic predisposition is one of the most important factors in weight gain. Other contributing factors include education level, lifestyle, occupation, working conditions, age, gender, eating speed, food preferences, fast food consumption, alcohol intake, marital status, divorce, job changes, socio-cultural background, smoking cessation, psychological state, menstrual cycle, and menopause in women.

What is obesity surgery?

Obesity surgery refers to surgical interventions in the digestive system to treat obesity. The specific surgical method used can vary depending on the patient.

Who qualifies for obesity surgery?

Eligibility criteria for obesity surgery include:

• Being at least 80% above the ideal weight or having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² or more.
• A BMI between 35-40 kg/m² with related health issues like hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea.
• Being between 18-65 years old.
• Having a history of obesity for at least three years.
• Not having hormonal disorders.
• Failure to lose weight through medication and diet therapy for at least one year.
• Not being dependent on alcohol or drugs.
• Having a psychosocial level to understand the importance, risks, and potential post-operative issues of the surgery.
• Having an acceptable surgery risk level.
• Ability to collaborate with the surgical team and commit to physical, psychological, social, or economic requirements.

Does obesity lead to psychological problems?

Obesity not only affects physical health but also has adverse effects on mental health. Obesity is frequently associated with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Studies show a linear relationship between obesity and decreased self-worth. The desire to cope with feelings of inadequacy can lead to rigid eating behaviors, making “dieting and weight loss” a way to regain control and redefine oneself, at least in appearance.

Is psychological treatment possible for obesity?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one effective approach to obesity treatment. In this therapy, it is thought that patients may misinterpret environmental cues and hunger sensations, leading to uncomfortable emotions and subsequent eating behaviors. Cognitive restructuring methods can identify dysfunctional thoughts, negative emotions, and unhelpful attitudes related to food and diet.

Is childhood obesity possible?

The genetic legacy from the family, along with eating habits, plays a significant role in childhood obesity. As the fat tissue ratio changes with age, the unhealthy increase in this ratio leads to obesity—a disorder in energy metabolism that causes excessive fat storage, resulting in physical and psychological issues.

What causes obesity in children?

Scientific studies confirm that genetic factors inherited from the family influence childhood obesity. However, excessive calorie intake, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity are also significant causes of obesity in children. Other underlying causes include hormonal imbalances and genetic diseases.

Can excessive internet use cause obesity in children?

While the internet can be beneficial in various areas such as communication and education, uncontrolled use during childhood negatively affects physical and mental health, leading to anxiety disorders and obesity. Long hours spent online contribute to physical inactivity, eating disorders, and orthopedic issues in children. The lack of social interaction also leads to lifestyle changes, causing rapid weight gain and increasing the risk of obesity.

How can obesity be prevented in children?

Regular baby check-ups help identify obesity risks early. Babies should not be fed every time they cry. The family should control the child’s diet and food choices to prevent obesity in babies. Avoid feeding children while they watch TV, and instill a family-oriented dining habit. Avoid introducing fast food, chips, chocolate, and sugary foods, if possible. Encourage physical activities from a young age. It’s crucial to seek expert help promptly for obesity concerns.

Why should we fear obesity?

Obesity reduces lung capacity by 20-30%. If combined with smoking or chronic bronchitis, breathing can become extremely difficult. Obesity also significantly increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and gallbladder disease. Additionally, obesity is associated with high cholesterol, liver fat accumulation, and a sense of dissatisfaction with oneself, often leading to depression.

Does obesity increase the risk of kidney stones?

Obesity is one of the main factors that increase the risk of kidney stones. Individuals struggling with weight should aim to reach an ideal weight through personalized nutrition programs. Daily exercise is also effective in preventing weight gain and can help reduce kidney stone formation. It’s essential to avoid unhealthy diets, particularly high-protein diets, which are believed to aid in weight loss. High blood pressure also raises the risk of stones, so patients should follow their medications and limit salt intake.

How does losing weight impact health?

Studies show that losing 5 kg reduces the risk of developing diabetes by 50%, which decreases diabetes-related deaths by 40% and extends life expectancy by 3-4 years. Losing 10 kg reduces the overall risk of death by 20%, cancer-related death risk by 37%, and the likelihood of developing cancer by 40%. The risk of heart disease-related deaths drops by 15%, while general hospital admissions decrease by 25%. A 10 kg weight loss can extend life expectancy by 5-6 years.

Are there medications for obesity?

While there are various medical treatments for obesity, these should only be prescribed by an endocrinologist. Medications advertised online as “obesity drugs” should never be used without consulting a doctor. A physician will provide necessary guidance in obesity treatment.