Obesity has become one of the most prominent chronic conditions among the global population. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1 in every 8 people was found to be obese in 2024, making it a major health concern. It is considered to be a very complex chronic disease which causes a severe increase in fat content in a person's body, according to the report.
Obesity is not only prevalent in adults but also widely found in children. It not only affects the health of the individual but also hinders them from easily completing everyday activities like walking or sleeping. Thus, to get effective solutions, it is essential to get input from specialists at well-known medical centres like KINS Diabetes.
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By common definitions, obesity can be considered as the excessive accumulation of fat in a person's body. However, it is actually considered to be a complex chronic disease rather than a condition. It increases cardiovascular risks and plays a role in making a person vulnerable to type 2 diabetes.
Like any other chronic disease, it can start at any age, but in most cases starts right in childhood. Doctors often suggest getting obesity screening for children even if they are under the age of 5. In these cases, they are affected by genetics and intrauterine environments, which increase their risk of developing obesity.
There are various factors which lead to obesity, ranging from an unhealthy lifestyle to even genetic factors. Let us look into some of the most common causes and get a detailed understanding:
Diets consisting of a high amount of calories and unhealthy food options with sugar and processed foods, and drinks are the main reason for obesity.
Individuals who consume medications such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, steroids, etc., are more prone to obesity as they cause weight gain.
People working in desk jobs, facing disability or chronic conditions, and older people are prone to obesity due to the lack of, or their inability to stay active throughout the day.
Not sleeping for at least 7 - 8 hours a day can cause serious hormonal imbalances, which can also impact a person's appetite and cause weight gain.
In stressful situations, there is an increased production of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. However, if the stress is chronic, it can cause hormonal imbalance and lead to weight gain.
Health issues such as PCOS, metabolic-related conditions, as well as mental health issues, can cause weight gain in people, increasing the risk of obesity.
The correct diagnosis of obesity can only be made by a specialist. However, there are two popular methods which are used to analyse whether you have obesity. The two scientifically proclaimed methods are:
This scientific method analyses the height of a person and correlates it with their weight to determine if a person has obesity. Under this method, one person is categorised into Class I (BMI 30), Class II (BMI 35) or Class III (BMI 40+).
According to the most recent findings regarding obesity, waist circumference has become a more reliable way to identify obesity in individuals. The waist circumference needs to be 35 inches for females and 40 inches for males for a healthy weight.
Obesity doesn't just change the appearance of a person, but also makes them vulnerable to a wide range of conditions and illnesses. This can have a direct impact on their well-being. Let us look into some prominent complications:
The excessive weight causes high pressure on the heart and arteries, leading to hypertension, which can also increase the risk of stroke.
Excessive abdominal fat causes insulin resistance, which can increase blood sugar levels, resulting in type 2 diabetes.
The additional weight can cause pressure on the joints of the knees, hips, and lower back, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Obesity increases the risk of congestive heart failure, heart attack, coronary artery disease, and even strokes.
Hypertension caused by obesity, accompanied by diabetes and liver disease, can contribute to kidney disease.
The extra weight caused by obesity tends to hinder the airway and neck, interfering with sleep and causing breathing difficulties.
Obesity has been linked to increased risk of cancers such as:
It is extremely essential to visit an obesity specialist for the treatment of this chronic condition. Due to its complex nature, treatment methods need to be combined and curated to become more effective.
Here are some of the methods applied by specialists providing diabetic care in Siliguri to cater to obesity:
Specialists often suggest changes in diet, an increase in physical activity, and also provide behavioural therapy to help with eating habits as well as sedentary living patterns.
In severe cases, specialists provide patients with medications which can help them with weight loss. These medications either suppress appetite or block fat absorption, which lowers the chances of facing complications.
If an individual is facing serious obesity issues and has a BMI over 40, a specialist may suggest undergoing surgeries such as a gastric band and gastric bypass surgery.
Regardless of its prevalence, obesity is considered to be highly preventable with the right steps. Let us look into some well-known effective tips.
