Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition characterised by excess body fat that adversely impacts health. It is typically diagnosed using the Body Mass Index (BMI), with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m² indicating obesity. The condition is associated with numerous health complications, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, certain cancers, osteoarthritis, and depression.

Overview

Obesity is a medical condition characterised by excess body fat that adversely impacts health. It is typically diagnosed using the Body Mass Index (BMI), with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m² indicating obesity. The condition is associated with numerous health complications, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, certain cancers, osteoarthritis, and depression.

Signs & Symptoms

The primary symptom of obesity is an excessive accumulation of body fat. Obese individuals may experience shortness of breath, increased sweating, snoring, difficulty with physical activity, and fatigue. Psychological symptoms such as low self-esteem and depression are also prevalent.

Diagnosis

Obesity is primarily diagnosed using BMI:

• Normal weight: 18.5 – 24.9 kg/m²
• Overweight: 25.0 – 29.9 kg/m²
• Obese (Class I): 30.0 – 34.9 kg/m²
• Obese (Class II): 35.0 – 39.9 kg/m²
• Obese (Class III): ≥ 40.0 kg/m²

Causes

Obesity results from a complex interplay of various factors:

• Diet: Excessive intake of high-calorie foods.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity.
• Genetics: Genetic predisposition to weight gain.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome.
• Medications: Drugs such as antidepressants and antipsychotics.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Economic inequality and urbanisation.

Treatment

Lifestyle Changes

• Diet: Reducing consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods, increasing dietary fibre intake.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity is encouraged to help reduce weight.

Medications

Medications such as orlistat, liraglutide, and naltrexone–bupropion can aid in weight loss. However, they often come with side effects and should be used under medical supervision.

Surgery

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity. Procedures include gastric banding, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. These surgeries are associated with significant long-term weight loss and improvement in obesity-related conditions.

Health Complications

Obesity is linked to numerous health complications:

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.
• Metabolic Disorders: Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome.
• Respiratory Issues: Obstructive sleep apnoea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
• Orthopaedic Problems: Osteoarthritis and back pain.
• Psychiatric Disorders: Depression and social stigmatisation.
• Reproductive Issues: Infertility and complications during pregnancy.

Public Health and Policy

Addressing obesity requires societal-level interventions, including promoting healthier diets, increasing physical activity, and implementing policies to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods. Efforts such as taxing sugary drinks and improving urban design to encourage physical activity are recommended by health organisations.

Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is defined as a BMI greater than the 95th percentile for children. The rise in childhood obesity is attributed to poor diet, lack of physical activity, and possibly the influence of advertising unhealthy foods. Interventions focus on lifestyle changes and behavioural techniques, as medication is not typically recommended for children.

Conclusion

Obesity is a multifaceted condition with serious health implications. Effective management requires a combination of lifestyle modifications, medical interventions, and supportive public health policies.

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Self-assessment MCQs (single best answer)

What BMI range is classified as "Obese (Class I)"?

Which of the following is NOT a common health complication associated with obesity?

What is the primary diagnostic tool used to determine obesity?

Which of the following medications is used to aid in weight loss?

Which surgical procedure is NOT commonly used to treat severe obesity?

Which of the following is a psychological symptom of obesity?

Which lifestyle change is NOT recommended for managing obesity?

What is a common cause of obesity?

Which of these policies is recommended to combat obesity at the societal level?

What is the definition of childhood obesity?