Obesity
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Dr Chakshu (Consultant General Physician, Shija Hospitals)
Obesity is the mother of many lifestyle disorders. In most cases, it is treatable or manageable. Obesity refers to excessive fat accumulation in the body. It can be central or peripheral, meaning that fat may accumulate around internal organs or in subcutaneous tissues.
Earlier, obesity was classified based on a person's BMI (Body Mass Index), which is calculated by dividing body weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters (kg/m²).
* BMI = 30 kg/m²: Obesity Grade I
* BMI 35-39.9 kg/m²: Obesity Grade II
* BMI = 40 kg/m²: Obesity Grade III (Severe Obesity)
However, recent studies have shown that other factors are equally important, including waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. In many cases, a person may not appear visibly obese but may have visceral obesity. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is not easily visible. It can be assessed using measurements such as waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio.
Sometimes, obesity may also result from underlying medical conditions, such as hormonal disorders, or from physical inactivity following an accident or fracture involving the lower limbs.
The first step in managing obesity is identifying its underlying cause. Only then can it be treated effectively.
Why is Obesity Harmful?
Obesity is associated with several adverse health conditions, including:
* Cardiovascular diseases
* Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
* Stroke
* Joint problems
* Diabetes
In addition, obesity reduces overall quality of life and creates a chronic inflammatory state in the body, which can further contribute to cardiac and neurological disorders.
Management of Obesity
Three key aspects of obesity management are:
1. Diet Control
2. Physical Activity or Exercise
3. Medications
Diet Control
Obesity is often related to excessive consumption of carbohydrates and fats. Many packaged foods contain hidden sources of sugar and salt. Therefore, a balanced diet, along with proper nutritional guidance, is essential for effective weight management.
Exercise
The type and intensity of exercise vary from person to person. For younger individuals, exercise may include higher-intensity activities such as:
* Running
* Swimming
* Gym workouts
For individuals who are less fit or have existing health conditions, a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day combined with yoga may be sufficient.
The primary goal is to increase physical activity. Exercise should be tailored and gradually adjusted according to an individual’s health status and overall fitness level.
Medications
Medications are mainly prescribed for individuals who are unable to perform strenuous physical activity because of underlying health conditions.
Several weight-loss medications are now available. Newer drugs can help reduce body weight by:
* Reducing appetite
* Slowing digestion
These medications should only be taken under proper medical supervision and should always be combined with lifestyle modifications.
Let us move more, eat healthy, and stay active for a healthier life.
Obesity is the mother of many lifestyle disorders. In most cases, it is treatable or manageable. Obesity refers to excessive fat accumulation in the body. It can be central or peripheral, meaning that fat may accumulate around internal organs or in subcutaneous tissues.
Earlier, obesity was classified based on a person's BMI (Body Mass Index), which is calculated by dividing body weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters (kg/m²).
* BMI = 30 kg/m²: Obesity Grade I
* BMI 35-39.9 kg/m²: Obesity Grade II
* BMI = 40 kg/m²: Obesity Grade III (Severe Obesity)
However, recent studies have shown that other factors are equally important, including waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. In many cases, a person may not appear visibly obese but may have visceral obesity. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is not easily visible. It can be assessed using measurements such as waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio.
Sometimes, obesity may also result from underlying medical conditions, such as hormonal disorders, or from physical inactivity following an accident or fracture involving the lower limbs.
The first step in managing obesity is identifying its underlying cause. Only then can it be treated effectively.
Why is Obesity Harmful?
Obesity is associated with several adverse health conditions, including:
* Cardiovascular diseases
* Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
* Stroke
* Joint problems
* Diabetes
In addition, obesity reduces overall quality of life and creates a chronic inflammatory state in the body, which can further contribute to cardiac and neurological disorders.
Management of Obesity
Three key aspects of obesity management are:
1. Diet Control
2. Physical Activity or Exercise
3. Medications
Diet Control
Obesity is often related to excessive consumption of carbohydrates and fats. Many packaged foods contain hidden sources of sugar and salt. Therefore, a balanced diet, along with proper nutritional guidance, is essential for effective weight management.
Exercise
The type and intensity of exercise vary from person to person. For younger individuals, exercise may include higher-intensity activities such as:
* Running
* Swimming
* Gym workouts
For individuals who are less fit or have existing health conditions, a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day combined with yoga may be sufficient.
The primary goal is to increase physical activity. Exercise should be tailored and gradually adjusted according to an individual’s health status and overall fitness level.
Medications
Medications are mainly prescribed for individuals who are unable to perform strenuous physical activity because of underlying health conditions.
Several weight-loss medications are now available. Newer drugs can help reduce body weight by:
* Reducing appetite
* Slowing digestion
These medications should only be taken under proper medical supervision and should always be combined with lifestyle modifications.
Let us move more, eat healthy, and stay active for a healthier life.