Obesity (obesity, obesity) – causes, symptoms & therapy

Obesity (obesity, obesity)

Obesity , obesity or obesity is considered a disease of civilization. It is characterized by severe obesity with a pathologically increased body fat percentage and is associated with serious secondary diseases. Obesity is usually caused by chronic overeating and lack of exercise.

What is obesity?

According to the WHO definition, one speaks of adiposity, obesity or obesity as soon as the body mass index ( BMI ) exceeds the value 30. A distinction is made between 3 degrees of severity: obesity grade I with a BMI of up to 35, obesity grade II with a BMI of up to 40 and obesity grade III (also: morbid obesity) with even higher BMI values.

However, a high BMI alone does not prove obesity, since e.g. For example, bodybuilders can also achieve high BMI values. The waist-to-hip ratio and body fat percentage must also be considered when diagnosing obesity.

causes

Obesity is usually caused by excessive calorie intake coupled with a lack of exercise. Food is often misused by those affected as a substitute satisfaction, e.g. B. in loneliness, boredom or stress .Twin studies confirm that a tendency to obesity is also determined by genetic factors: the hereditary factors influence the basal metabolic rate, the efficiency of food utilization and the fat distribution pattern.

Hormonal metabolic disorders can also cause obesity, for example hypothyroidism , excess cortisol or overproduction of insulin . In addition to hormones , medication can also be responsible for excessive weight gain.

Drug-induced obesity can occur, among other things, when taking certain neuroleptics , antidepressants or corticosteroids. Finally, socioeconomic factors also influence the development of obesity. In general, the lower the social status, the higher the risk of developing obesity.

When to the doctor?

Adults with a BMI value over 30 should always consult a doctor, even if they perceive themselves to be symptom-free. A check-up is recommended at regular intervals, as obesity can lead to diseases and stress on the body that gradually develop.

If the supply of food can no longer be voluntarily controlled, excessive consumption of food occurs, which has a negative impact on the functionality of the organism. Heart palpitations , high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems set in and must be monitored by a doctor. There is a risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, which must be prevented in good time. Excessive sweating with a manageable range of motion is a symptom that needs to be controlled. With a low fluid intake there is a risk of dehydration, which should be counteracted independently.

Disorders of the skeletal system must be examined by a doctor, since permanent damage can occur. If knee pain, pelvic and hip problems as well as joint pain occur, a doctor must be consulted. A visit to the doctor is unavoidable if you have back pain, sleeping disorders or muscle problems. If excessive weight causes emotional and mental problems, a doctor should be consulted. Shortness of breath and shortness of breath should also be checked out by a doctor as both can lead to a life-threatening condition if left untreated.

symptoms and course

Typical signs of obesity:

Obesity can develop gradually over many years, but also over a short period of time. In industrialized countries, it often occurs in childhood and adolescence. The earlier obesity sets in, the earlier secondary diseases develop. Since excess weight puts a strain on the joints, damage to the supporting and musculoskeletal system is typical. These make z. B. noticeable by knee or back pain.

In addition, obesity promotes the development of high blood pressure (hypertension), arteriosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus . These diseases increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes . The psychological stress should also not be underestimated: Obese people experience social and often also economic discrimination. You are at an increased risk of developing depression . Overall, obesity reduces quality of life and life expectancy.

Diagnose

Obesity is diagnosed by determining the body mass index. This is calculated as the quotient of body weight and height in meters squared. Hip and waist circumference are also measured. A high fat deposit in the abdominal area is considered particularly dangerous. The percentage of body fat can be determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis. A detailed medical history and an analysis of eating behavior are also important. In addition, it should be recorded whether and to what extent secondary diseases are already present. In addition to questioning the patient, diagnostic aids include measuring blood pressure and a glucose tolerance test.

complications

Obesity is by no means just about the patient being overweight and dissatisfied with their figure. The high body fat content as well as the excessively high body weight of humans also affect their physical health. If this condition persists for a long time, the body weight puts a strain on the muscles, tendons and joints and increases their wear and tear. Typical age-related diseases such as arthrosis and arthritis can occur at a relatively young age. In extreme cases of obesity, bone fractures are even more likely because the bones are constantly under extreme stress and cannot take any more stress.

The risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary artery diseaseto get sick increases. There is also a certain risk of stroke. The excessive accumulation of fat cells can impair blood circulation in individual parts of the body and extremities, and the overall circulation can be weaker than in a person of normal weight. Sweat can accumulate in the increasingly occurring skin folds, which can lead to deposits and an increased likelihood of skin fungus in the body folds, even with thorough personal hygiene. Since the immune system of obese people is weakened, this also promotes fungal diseases and can result in a fundamentally increased susceptibility to infections. If the affected person loses weight after a long time, consequential damage such as hanging skin flaps, visible stretch marks and severely stretched skin remain.

treatment and therapy

The ultimate goal of obesity therapy is always significant and permanent weight reduction. Only a fundamental change in diet and exercise habits provides lasting success . The basic principle is simple and obvious: In order to burn fat reserves , the calorie consumption must temporarily fall below the calorie intake. In order to maintain the new weight, an eating behavior must then be established in which the energy balance is balanced.

Endurance sport that is easy on the joints helps to burn fat , while muscle building through strength training increases the basal metabolic rate. When it comes to weight reduction , patients can be supported by nutritional advice, guided training, self-help groups and psychotherapy. Initially, an inpatient stay of several weeks can be helpful, especially in the case of a manifest food addiction.If exercise and a healthy diet alone do not provide (sufficient) success, hunger control medication can also be carried out under medical supervision. In extreme cases, surgical measures are required. Common procedures in bariatric surgery are the insertion of a gastric band, the permanent reduction of the stomach into a tubular stomach and the so-called gastric bypass, in which the upper section of the stomach is connected directly to the jejunum, bypassing the duodenum .

The long-term success of obesity therapy depends on complex factors. Approximately 10-20% of patients achieve and maintain their goal weight. In general, obesity should be treated as early as possible, since harmful eating and exercise habits become more stable and resistant to change over the years.

prevention

Obesity can be prevented through a balanced diet and regular exercise. The diet should not be too high in fat and sugar. Proteins and fiber ensure a long-lasting feeling of satiety. Flavor enhancers, added sugars as well as colorings and scents encourage food intake beyond the natural appetite. Anyone who gains a lot of weight in a short period of time despite an unchanged lifestyle should consult a doctor and have any metabolic disorders treated before obesity manifests itself.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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