Overview
Obesity is a term that is frequently encountered when we talk about healthy weight. It refers to a complex disease in which there is deposition of excess fats in body tissues. This medical condition increases risks of developing other diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases(hypertension). Apart from this, it can lead to diabetes and cancers.
Usually, the body converts excess sugars to glycogen for storage. Then, the excess that remains is converted into fats. These fats, when in abundance, can result in obesity if uncontrolled.
We should strive to maintain a healthy body weight in relation to our heights, which are inter-related in a critical component of health called Body Mass Index(BMI).
Classes of obesity.
Obesity is grouped into 3 different types;
Class I, Class II, and Class III obesity
Class I obesity; 30-34.9 kg/ square meter
Class II obesity; 35-39.9 kg/ square meter
Class III obesity; 40+ kg/ square meter
Class III obesity was frequently called Morbid obesity since it was associated with medical problems.
Epidemiology & Prevalence
In the United States, prevalence was 30.5 % in 1999-2000 as surveyed among adults.
A survey re-conducted again in 2017-2018 showed that the figure had risen by 12% to 42.5%.
Childhood obesity was recorded at 19.3%
Globally, obesity has trippled in the previous 5 decades
Risk Factors
- Family history of obesity
- Indulgence in unhealthy eating
Causes
Unhealthy diet;
- Drinking too much alcohol- thus taking in a lot of calories
- Consuming fast foods
- Drinking too much sugary drinks
Physical inactivity
- Genetics- some rare genetic conditions can cause obesity. For example, Prader-Willi syndrome.
- Physiology-underlying medical problems such as Cushing’s syndrome( where there is over-production of steroid hormones) that can lead to gaining weight.
- Psychological factors such as loneliness and depression that can lead to over-eating
- Certain medical prescriptions such as steroids, anti-depressants, anti-seizure drugs, diabetic medications and beta-blockers
Signs & Symptoms
- BMI of 30 kg/ square meter or above. For adults, 18.5-24.9 kg/ square meter is the normal BMI range.
- Appearing unhealthy- being excessively fat
Diagnosis & Tests
- Measurement of weight and height and calculation of BMI
- Measure waist circumference
- Blood tests for cholesterol levels and blood glucose
Treatment & Management
- Weight loss procedures such as vigorous exercise. Hit the gym regularly.
- Avoid junk food and unhealthy diet. Incorporate good nutrition-HYPLNK to your diet.
- Administer appetite suppressants
- Prescription medicines- Epinephrine, liraglutide and semaglutide, orlistat. Note that your physician must decide the specific right regimen and dosage. Do not acquire these medicines over-the-counter
- Weight-loss surgery- bariatric surgery for class III obesity. Procedures include gastrectomy/ gastric sleeve, gastric band, gastric bypass and duodenal switch
The following list presents approved drugs for treatment of obesity(FDA-approved);
- Orlistat- lowers absorption of fat from the gut
- Combination of SGLT2 inhibitors and glucagon-like-1 receptor agonists
- Phentermine-topiramate which makes an individual les hungry
- Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate- manages symptoms of binge eating disorder
- Cellulose and citic acid that give a feeling of fullness
- Liraglutide- lowers appetite, apart from slowing down digestion
- Benzphetamine- lowers appetite
Control & Prevention
- Weight loss through frequent vigorous physical activity
- Prescription medicines- Epinephrine, liraglutide and semaglutide, orlistat. Note that your physician must decide the specific right regimen and dosage. Do not acquire these medicines over-the-counter
- Inclusion of dietary fibres in diet to help achieve a feeling of fullness
- Healthy diet composed of fruits and vegetables, milk and other dairy foods, proteinaceous foods like eggs-HYP, meats and beans
Recording and monitoring BMI
Conclusion
Obesity is a manageable condition. It is good to set achievable BMI targets and ensure you maintain the range by;
- Frequently exercising
- Eating healthy by incorporating good nutrition into your diet
- Managing stress, anxiety and depression