Obesity is a progressive and relapsing condition characterised by an excessive accumulation of body fat, increasing in prevalence globally. It is associated with a higher risk of non-communicable diseases, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and certain cancers.
Various medical conditions, including hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome, can contribute to obesity. Additionally, conditions like arthritis can lead to decreased activity levels, resulting in weight gain. Obesity can occur at any age, and lower muscle mass often decreases metabolism, further increasing body fat.
In adults, obesity is often driven by lifestyle factors and poor dietary habits. While individuals with a BMI below 30 can typically manage weight through diet and exercise, those with a BMI of 30 or above often require more comprehensive treatment, as traditional methods may not be effective.
Obesity poses serious health risks, including:
- Coronary heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain cancers (endometrial, breast, colon)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Dyslipidemia
- Stroke
- Liver and gallbladder disease
- Sleep apnea and respiratory issues
- Gynaecological problems (irregular menstruation, infertility)
Obesity usually means an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure such that the excess energy is stored in fat cells. These fat cells increase in number leading to several health consequences.
Tips to manage weight in healthier manner :
- Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reduce intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat items.
- Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes. Using smaller plates and serving sizes can help prevent overeating.
- Regular Meals: Eat regular meals and snacks to avoid extreme hunger that can lead to overeating. Aim for balanced meals to keep your metabolism steady.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger.
- Start Slowly: If you're new to exercise, start with low-impact activities like walking or swimming and gradually increase intensity.
- Consistency: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage obesity, but this should be considered under professional guidance.
- Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through mindfulness, meditation, or hobbies.
- Healthy Habits: Incorporate healthy habits gradually, like reducing screen time and avoiding late-night snacking
- Eliminate liquid calories:It is possible to consume hundreds of calories a day by drinking sugar-sweetened soda, tea, juice, or alcohol. These are known as “empty calories” because they provide extra energy content without offering any nutritional benefits.
Making gradual sustainable changes rather than drastic shifts is often more effective in managing weight for long terms.Maintaining weight loss involves a commitment to a healthful lifestyle.
For individuals with a BMI below 30, these methods can be effective. However, those with a BMI above 30 may need more comprehensive approaches, including medically supervised programs or bariatric surgery, for sustainable weight loss.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement that assesses weight in relation to height. While it serves as an indicator of potential body fat, it does not directly measure total body fat.
BMI Categories-
18-24.9: Normal weight
25-29.9: Overweight
30-34.9: Obese I
35- 39.9: Obese II (Morbid obesity)
>40: Obese III (Super obesity)
Bariatric surgery has been shown to be the most effective and consistent means to obtain permanent weight loss for obese individuals.
Bariatric surgery can lead to substantial metabolic improvement. Bariatric surgery is not just about weight loss. It’s about improving your overall health and reducing the risks of life-threatening conditions caused by obesity.
There are several types of bariatric surgery, and the choice of procedure depends on the patient's medical history and any obesity-related comorbidities. A bariatric surgeon will determine which surgery will be most effective and provide the best long-term outcome for sustained weight loss.
Below mention is some types of bariatric surgery :
- Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
- Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
- Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band)
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
- Intragastric Balloon
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