Obesity Basics
The symptoms of obesity go beyond excess body fat. Skin problems, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, and more can affect someone with obesity.Some symptoms are even known to increase a person’s risk of developing certain diseases and disorders such as type II diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, degenerative joint disease and psychosocial disability. Certain cancers – colon, rectum and prostate in men; uterus, biliary tract, breast and ovary in women . In some cases, these may be life-threatening or even fatal.
Common symptoms of obesity in adults include:
Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. There are many reasons why some people have difficulty losing weight. Usually, obesity results from inherited, physiological and environmental factors, combined with diet, physical activity and exercise choices.
People with obesity might eat more calories before feeling full, feel hungry sooner, or eat more due to stress or anxiety.
Many people who live in Western countries now have jobs that are much less physically demanding, so they don’t tend to burn as many calories at work. Even daily activities use fewer calories, courtesy of conveniences such as remote controls, escalators, online shopping and drive-through banks.
The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity. A healthier diet, increased physical activity and behavior changes can help you lose weight. Weight loss medications and weight-loss procedures are additional options for treating obesity.It is important to constantly check your BMI as it gives you a guide on whether you are still in obese range or you have moved into normal range.
Body Mass Index Chart | |
---|---|
BMI | Weight Status |
Below 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5-24.9 | Normal |
25.0-29.9 | Overweight |
30 or greater | Obese |
40 or greater | Extremely (morbidly) obese |
The goal of obesity treatment is to reach and stay at a healthy weight. This improves overall health and lowers the risk of developing complications related to obesity.
The initial treatment goal is usually a modest weight loss — 5% to 10% of your total weight. That means that if you weigh 200 pounds (91 kilograms), you’d need to lose only about 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kilograms) for your health to begin to improve. However, the more weight you lose, the greater the benefits.
All weight-loss programs require changes in your eating habits and increased physical activity. The treatment methods that are right for you depend on your obesity severity, your overall health and your willingness to participate in your weight-loss plan.
Low-carb diets and practicing healthier eating habits are vital to overcoming obesity.
Dietary and activity changes to treat obesity include:
Weight-loss medications are meant to be used along with diet, exercise and behavior changes, not instead of them. Before selecting a medication for you, your doctor will consider your health history, as well as possible side effects.
The most commonly used medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of obesity include:
Weight-loss medications may not work for everyone, and the effects may wane over time. When you stop taking a weight-loss medication, you may regain much or all of the weight you lost.