Ask us for Obesity / Weight Loss
Obesity/Overweight
When fat inside the body accumulates in an excess proportion such that it leads to negative health effects, the condition is called obesity.
This is calculated by a parameter called Body Mass Index {BMI}, a measurement that is obtained by dividing a person's weight by the square of a person's height.
When BMI is between 25- 30kg/sq.m, and over it, then the person is termed overweight or obese.
It is more common in women than in men and children who tend to be obese, grow as obese adults. Obese individuals, in contrast to their non-obese counterparts, have leptin resistance, a protein hormone expressed by adipocytes (fat cells) that have a great impact on weight maintenance.
Causes of Obesity
A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity play a significant role in Obesity.
Globally, there has been a major change in work patterns due to increased mechanized conveyance methods and technological advancements.
Today's schools giving less importance to physical education and restricting children only to books leads to childhood obesity.
Genes and environmental factors also play a major role in causing obesity. Mutations in genes like FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated gene) that control appetite and metabolism predispose to obesity.
Hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome, Growth hormone deficiency and certain drugs that are used to treat specific diseases also cause this disease.
Psychiatric disorders like binge eating syndrome, night eating syndrome increase the risk of obesity.
Symptoms of Obesity
Some of the symptoms of obesity are
- Breathlessness
- Inability to cope with sudden physical activity
- Feeling very tired every day
- back and joint pains
- Low confidence and self-esteem
- Feeling isolated
- Increased sweating
- Snoring and more
Should you notice that your body mass index is 30 kg/sq.m and above, then online chat with a doctor who can correctly advise you to get in shape.
Treatment for Obesity/Overweight
Obesity is considered the leading preventable disease worldwide. This can be achieved mainly by lifestyle modification that includes diet plans for weight loss and physical activity. Behavioral therapy, drug therapy, and surgery also aid in reducing the illness.
The treatment can include
- weight loss diet control and management
- Behavioral therapy (through stress management, counseling people for psychological eating disorders, anti-depression therapies)
- Drug management (consisting of medication for specific hormonal imbalances and other co-morbidities)
- Surgery (Bariatric surgery and procedures like gastric sleeve and Roux--En-Y gastric bypass surgery)
Types of Obesity
Obesity can be classified as below
| Factors | Types | |
|---|---|---|
| Age of onset | Childhood obesity | Adult Obesity |
| Distribution of fat | Abdominal or central obesity | Peripheral /Gluteal Obesity |
| BMI | Overweight | Obesity (Class 1,2,3) |
Abdominal or Central Obesity is the classical apple type appearance when excess fat is distributed in the abdomen. Peripheral Obesity is called as female obesity when excess fat is distributed around hips and thighs giving pear type obesity
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI (Quetelet's index) is used to evaluate the % of fat in a person and defines obesity
Calculation of BMI = weight in kg/square of height in meters
BMI Range for Adults
- Underweight = <18.5
- Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
- Overweight = 25–29.9
- Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
DocOnline App can be used to calculate BMI value.
Classification of Overweight and Obesity by BMI
Classification of Obesity and the associated risk for diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases by BMI
| Classification | BMI (Kg/m2) | Obesity Class | Disease Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overweight | 25.0–29.9 | Increased | |
| Obesity |
30.0–34.9 35.0–39.9 |
I II |
High Very High |
| Extreme Obesity | ≥ 40 | III | Extremely High |
Normal Calorie Requirement
The requirement of calories is different in every individual based on age and physical activity. The Dietary guidelines have estimated that an adult may need 2000 calories per day or weight maintenance.
| Adult | Calories per day |
|---|---|
| Male | 2,000-3000 |
| Female | 1,600-2,400 |
How to lose weight?
Physical exercise coupled with decrease intake of calories is a perfect blend to lose weight.
Exercise: Burn calories and maintain weight loss with daily workouts, cycling, swimming, etc.
Reduce Calorie Intake: A diet is recommended that reduces ≥500 kcal/d [usually 1200 to 1500 kcal/d for women and 1500 to 1800 kcal/d for men]
| Do's | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Consume more fruits and vegetables | Avoid sugary drinks |
| Add protein to the diet, eat legumes, whole grains, nuts, seafood, and lean meats | Avoid foods with more than 2 gm of saturated fat |
| Eat fat-free and low-fat dairy | Avoid junk food |
| Decrease salt intake (<6g/d) | Limit food rich in saturated fat and cholesterol |
Many popular diet plans for weight loss have their share of pros and cons as explained below.
| Diets | Inclusion | Exclusion |
|---|---|---|
| The Paleo Diet | Food that was eaten before agriculture era: Lean protein, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds | Dairy products, grains, and legumes |
| The Atkins Diet | Animal protein and fat consumption | Carbohydrate restriction |
| The Vegan Diet | Strict vegetarian diet | Meat, dairy, eggs, and animal-derived products |
| Low-Carb Diets | Meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, high-fat dairy, fats | Sugar, wheat, refined and processed foods, starchy vegetables |
Medicines are prescribed to obese people who are not able to lose weight with dietary changes and exercise. Bariatric surgery is advised to morbidly obese with associated health conditions
FAQ
Lack of physical activity, excessive calorie intake, genetic predisposition, medical disorders, and certain medications may cause obesity
Obese is a person with excess fat and BMI equal to or over 30 kg/m2
People with obesity usually have low self-esteem and are prone to get high BP, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.
Obesity is classified as 2 types
- Male or the android type [Apple type] with excess fat deposition in the abdomen
- Female or the gynoid type [Pear type] with excess fat around the hips and thighs
Yes, but an effective way to lose weight would be diet coupled with exercise.
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