Figure 1. Obesity is a common problem.
Table of Contents
Overview
Obesity is a very complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. It is a common problem affecting 1 in 4 people in UK. Obesity leads to physical changes that are not just of cosmetic concern.
It is a medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems, eg diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and certain cancers. Obesity lowers life expectancy by 3-10 years depending on severity. Obesity and being overweight contributes to at least 1 in 13 deaths in Europe.
Obesity can lower one’s self esteem and quality of life due to discrimination, depression, disability, shame and guilt, social isolation, lower work achievement.
There are many reasons why some people have difficulty losing weight. Usually, obesity results from inherited, physiological, and environmental factors, combined with diet, physical inactivity, and exercise choices.
Luckily even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity. A healthy diet, increased physical activity and behavioural changes can help you lose weight. Prescription medications and weight-loss procedures are additional options for treating obesity.
Symptoms
Obesity can cause breathlessness, increased sweating, snoring, difficulties in doing physical activities, feeling tired, joint/back pain, low confidence, low self-esteem, feeling isolated, and depressed.
Figure 2. Obesity is on the increase
Causes
Several factors can influence body weight, eg genetics (family link), behavioural, metabolic and hormonal. Obesity occurs when you take in more calories than you burn through normal daily activities and exercise. Your body stores these excess calories as fat.
Risk factors include genetics, unhealthy diet, inactivity, alcohol/sugary drink intake, age, quitting smoking, lack of sleep, binge eating in stress.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Consult your General Practioner (GP), if you have concerns about your body weight and health problems. You and your doctor can evaluate your health risks and discuss your weight-loss options for obesity management.
Figure 3. Waist size together with BMI are used to predict obesity.
Body mass index (BMI) is often used to diagnose obesity (see Table 1 below). To calculate BMI, multiply weight in pounds by 703, divide by height in inches and then divide again by height in inches. Or divide weight in kilograms by height in metres squared.
BMI | Weight Status |
Up to 18.4 | Underweight |
18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy weight |
25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
30.0 -39,9 | Obese |
Above 40.0 | Severely obese |
Table 1. Table shows the weight status for BMI ranges
BMI measurements have limitations in accuracy, particularly in athletes and Asians. Asians with BMI above 23.0 may have an increased risk of health problems. Waist circumference measurement can better help guide treatment decisions. Weight-related health problems are more common in men with a waist over 37 inches and in women with a waist over 31.5 inches.
A healthy low-calorie diet, increased physical activity, exercise regularly and behavioural changes can help you lose weight. Prescription medications, psychological support and weight-loss procedures are additional options for treating obesity.
Complications
People with obesity are more likely to develop potentially serious health problems, some of which can be life-threatening. There is a long list that includes heart disease, strokes, diabetes type 2, certain cancers (breast cancer, bowel cancer, womb cancer), sleep apnoea.
Patients with Obesity and diabetes may be vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. For further details see section on COVID-19 and vaccination.
Further Reading
Obesity
Written by BK Date created/updated 02.07.22
Reviewed by PJ Date Reviewed 09.07.22
