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Obesity

Obesity is a chronic health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Discussing obesity, including the causes of obesity, can feel confronting. Nevertheless, it’s essential to understand why being obese is such a problem.

Together, let’s take a moment to understand what you need to know about obesity, including management strategies.

What is obesity?

Obesity is a chronic medical condition characterised by an excessive accumulation of body fat. The result is a higher-than-normal body mass index (BMI*).

Adipose tissue, also known as body fat, is a specialised connective tissue. It’s primarily composed of fat cells that store energy in the form of triglycerides. It serves an important role in energy regulation, hormone production, insulation, and cushioning.

In obesity, adipose tissue increases in size and number. This leads to systemic inflammation, metabolic disturbances, and a higher risk of health problems. The complications of obesity include susceptibility to:

*BMI is a numerical value derived from your weight and height. It’s used to assess body composition and categorise weight status.

What causes obesity?

The causes of obesity relate to genetic, environmental, behavioural, and socioeconomic factors. The most common factors that contribute to obesity include:

Genetic causes

Having a family history of being overweight or obesity can increase your risk of developing this problem.

Dietary causes

  • Eating a diet high in calories, unhealthy fats, processed sugars and/or processed foods
  • Restricted access to healthy food options
  • Easy access to fast foods
  • Regular exposure to food marketing

Lifestyle causes

  • Lack of exercise
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Living in an area that lacks safe spaces for recreation
  • Low income
  • Minimal education

Medical causes

  • Low metabolic rate
  • Having health conditions that impair your metabolism, such as low thyroid function
  • Using medication that has weight gain (potentially obesity) as a side effect, such as with antipsychotics
  • Chronic stress
  • Depression.

What are the signs and symptoms of obesity?

The most obvious sign of obesity is excess body fat, which is measured using your BMI. People with obesity also commonly experience:

Physical signs of obesity

  • Breathlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Excessive sweating
  • Sleep problems
  • Reduce mobility
  • Low exercise tolerance
  • Skin rashes
  • Food cravings, especially for unhealthy foods
  • High blood pressure
  • Abnormal cholesterol levels
  • Insulin resistance
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Cardiovascular problems.

Psychological signs of obesity

  • Low self esteem
  • Body image issues
  • Depression
  • Social isolation.

Treatments for obesity

The goal of obesity treatments is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight in the long term. Here are some common approaches to treating obesity.

Dietary Modifications

When managing obesity, it is crucial to adopt a balanced diet that places emphasis on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Equally important is practicing portion control and closely monitoring calorie intake. To facilitate this process, enlisting the assistance of a nutritionist can be immensely helpful. They can provide guidance, support, and practical strategies tailored to your specific needs. By incorporating these dietary changes, you can enhance your overall health and facilitate weight management. With the aid of a nutritionist, navigating the path to a healthier lifestyle becomes more manageable and sustainable.

Physical Activity

In order to effectively manage obesity, it is essential to engage in regular exercise and increase physical activity levels. Furthermore, these lifestyle modifications not only help burn calories but also promote weight loss. To achieve these goals, it is recommended to incorporate various forms of exercise, including aerobic workouts and strength training, into your daily routine. Additionally, seeking the guidance of a personal trainer can be beneficial as they can create a personalised exercise program tailored to your specific needs. Plus, they provide ongoing support and motivation along the way. By embracing these changes, individuals with obesity can make significant strides towards improving their health and achieving their weight loss goals.

Behaviour Modification

Address psychological factors associated with eating patterns. This may involve working with a Counsellor or Psychologist. They specialise in helping people with obesity to identify triggers and promote sustainable behaviour changes.

Other Health Conditions

If other health conditions, such as a low thyroid function, are contributing to obesity, they must also be treated. Doing so can accelerate your short term results and boost your long term success. Support is available from Doctors, Naturopaths, Homeopaths and Acupuncturists.

Obesity Medication

In some cases, doctors prescribe obesity medication to assist with weight loss, e.g. Orlistat  These are typically used in conjunction with lifestyle changes and only offered to those with a very high BMI.

Obesity Herbs

There are numerous herbs available to assist those with obesity during their weight loss journey. In particular, these herbs are valuable when dealing with a slower metabolism or a burdened liver, as weight loss can be more challenging in such cases. Herbs known to promote weight loss include Cayenne Pepper, Fenugreek, Ginger, and Ginseng. To determine the most suitable herbs for your obesity treatment, consult with a Naturopath or Ayurveda practitioner. Their expertise will guide you in selecting the herbs that will best support your weight loss goals.

Bariatric Surgery

There are surgical procedures available for people with severe obesity or obesity-related health complications. In essence, these surgeries involve altering the anatomy of the digestive system to either restrict food intake or reduce nutrient absorption. In other words, they provide effective interventions for weight management. Transitioning to a more detailed perspective, these surgical options can include procedures such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric banding. By implementing these surgical interventions, individuals with severe obesity can achieve significant and sustainable weight loss. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate surgical approach based on unique needs and health conditions.

Find health experts who treat obesity in your area

How is obesity diagnosed?

An obesity diagnosis occurs after your BMI – body mass index – is measured. A BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres (i.e. your height X your height). The resulting number provides a general indication of body fatness.

BMI Results:

Under 18.5 = Underweight

18.5 – 24.9 = Healthy weight

25 – 29.9 = Overweight

30 and over = Obese

Note that these calculations are not suitable for those under 18 years, pregnant women and some ethnic backgrounds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obesity is a complex health condition that can have significant implications. As you know, obesity increases your risk of medical complications, e.g. cardiovascular disease. This is why managing your obesity using diet, lifestyle and other supportive strategies is important. Doing so is the best way to improve your wellbeing and promote a high quality of life in the long term.

FAQs

What is the best way to cure obesity?

For most people, diet and lifestyle changes are the best way to treat obesity. Eat a healthy, calorie-controlled diet that’s full of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Also incorporate regular movement and exercise into your daily routine.

What are the warning signs of obesity?

You may be at risk of obesity if you have excess weight and also:

  • feel short of breath with little exertion
  • sweat a lot
  • snore
  • struggle to do physical activities
  • often feeling very tired.

How long does it take to reduce obesity?

For most people, approximately 1 kilogram of weight loss per week is a healthy goal. But, this may be difficult depending on your health status. Alternatively, aim to reduce your weight by 1-2% each week if you fit into the obesity category.