On this page, you will find what you need to know about obesity.
What is obesity?
Obesity is a common condition characterized by an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat, which poses a significant health risk. It can increase the risk of many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, among others.
What are the causes of obesity?
Obesity may result from certain individual behaviors or other causes:
- Individual behaviors:
This includes healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices.
- Consuming large amounts of energy (calories), especially fats and sugars, while the body does not burn this energy due to low physical activity. Calories are units that measure the energy in food. An average man needs approximately 2,500 calories per day, while a woman needs around 2,000 calories per day. When a person consumes more calories than their body needs, those calories get stored in the body as fat.
- Overconsumption of sugary drinks.
- Emotional eating (eating in response to negative emotions such as sadness).
- Other causes:
- Certain diseases can lead to obesity or weight gain. These may include Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and hypothyroidism.
- Some medications, like steroids and certain antidepressants.
What are the diagnostic methods?
The doctor takes the medical history and conducts a physical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
The doctor may ask about your lifestyle, eating habits, diet, physical activity, smoking, and the medications you use.
Calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat that helps determine if a person is overweight or obese.
| BMI (Body Mass Index) | Status |
|---|---|
| Less than 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5-24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25-29.9 | Overweight |
| 30-34.9 | Class 1 obesity |
| 35-39.9 | Class 2 obesity |
| 40 and above | Severe obesity (Class 3) |
You can calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Laboratory tests and examinations such as:
- Blood pressure.
- Blood glucose level test (blood sugar test)
What are the treatment methods for obesity?
- Diet.
- Regular exercise and physical activity.
- Weight loss medications.
- Surgical procedures.
What are the prevention methods for obesity?
Treatment is conducted through several measures or as needed and may include the following:
- Ensure that your eating habits are healthy and balanced.
- Maintain physical activity.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Make sure to monitor your weight regularly.
What are the complications of obesity?
People with obesity are more likely to develop:
- High blood pressure.
- High low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or elevated levels of triglycerides.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Asthma.
- Gastroesophageal reflux.
- Heart and vascular diseases.
- Kidney and liver diseases.
- Back and joint pain.
- Osteoporosis.
- Metabolic syndrome
- Breathing problems (shortness of breath).
- Difficulty engaging in physical activity.
- Feeling fatigued and lethargic, leading to a lower quality of life.
- Low self-esteem.
- Certain mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety, among others.
- Some types of cancer
When should you consult a doctor?
If you suffer from obesity or are overweight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does obesity affect fertility for women and men?
Yes, obesity can affect fertility in women due to hormonal changes and imbalances, ovulation problems, and menstrual irregularities. It can reduce fertility in men due to obesity-induced hormonal disorders and erectile dysfunction.
