What is Obesity?
“Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.” World Health Organization
In 2017–2018, the prevalence of obesity was estimated to be:
~ 42% in U.S. adults (≥ 20 years of age)
~ 18.5% of youths (2-19 years of age)
Methods to diagnose Obesity
The methods used to diagnose obesity aim to the health risks associated with excess body weight; metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and risk of mortality, amongst others.
The most reliable clinical measurements are the following:
1. Body Mass Index (BMI)
2. Waist Circumference: normal <40in men, <35in non-pregnant woman
3. Percent body fat (measured best by DXA, skinfold caliper, body fat analyzer, hydrostatic weighing)
Classification of obesity as measured by BMI:
Depending on severity, obesity can be classified into 3 classes based on measuring the body mass index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) in kilograms per meters squared (kg/m)
Normal Weight | BMI 18.5-24.9 |
---|---|
Overweight | BMI 25-29.9 |
Class I Obesity | BMI 30-34.9 |
Class II Obesity | BMI 35-39.9 |
Class III Obesity | BMI > 40 |
Some of the causes of obesity include:
- Genetics: genetic factors like a strong family history of metabolic diseases or genetic hormone loss or excess can cause obesity.
- Food intake: Highly processed fast foods, high sugar diet, larger portions and many more factors are directly related to increase the prevalence of obesity.
- Activity levels: Having a sedentary lifestyle or certain disabilities that limit physical activity can increase obesity risk.
- Hormone imbalances: like excess cortisol or untreated hypothyroidism can contribute to excess body weight.
- Certain Medications: Some antidepressants, steroids, antiseizure medications, certain diabetes medications, and beta-blockers can contribute to weight gain. (DO NOT STOP ANY MEDICATIONS WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.)
- Sleep disruptions
- Stress: Stress hormones, boredom, stress eating and fatigue can all complicate the weight gain process.
- Where you live
Some of the Complications of Obesity Include:
Metabolic changes: caused in part by the chronic inflammation and hormone disturbances that can result from excess body weight and adipose tissue
- Diabetes Mellitus type 2
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Stroke
- Fatty liver disease
- Gallostones
- Kidney disease
Other systems
- Respiratory disease like asthma
- Sleep apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- Back pain
- Gout
- Memory and cognitive decline
- Infertility (especially in females)
- Depression and mood changes
- Cancer risk increases including esophageal, pancreatic, colorectal, breast, uterine and ovarian.