What is Obesity?

Obesity is a condition caused by excessive fat accumulation in the body, which can cause serious health problems. Beyond being merely an aesthetic concern, this disease can lead to many serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and cancer.

What Causes Obesity?

Obesity generally occurs as a result of an energy imbalance. This is caused by an imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. In other words, when calories consumed are high and not burned in sufficient amounts, the excess energy is stored as fat in the body. The main factors that can cause obesity are: Unbalanced Diet: Excessive consumption of high-calorie, sugary, fatty, and processed foods increases the risk of obesity. Lack of Physical Activity: Lack of regular exercise reduces calorie burn and can lead to obesity. Genetic Factors: Individuals with a family history of obesity have a higher risk of developing obesity due to genetic predisposition.

Hormonal Imbalances:

Certain hormone disorders, such as thyroid problems and insulin resistance, can trigger weight gain. Psychological Factors: Psychological conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety can trigger overeating or unhealthy eating habits.

Environmental Factors:

Easily accessible fast food and unhealthy food choices indicate that environmental factors also contribute to obesity. Symptoms of Obesity: Obesity generally manifests as excess fat accumulation. However, the following symptoms may also be observed: Excessive weight gain and significant changes in body contour. Fatigue and general weakness. Respiratory problems such as shortness of breath and sleep apnea. Joint pain and limited mobility. Skin friction problems and rashes.

Methods Used to Assess Obesity:

Body Mass Index (BMI): This is the most commonly used metric for diagnosing obesity. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight by the square of their height. A person can be classified into the following categories: Normal: 18.5 – 24.9 Overweight: 25 – 29.9 Obese: 30 and above. However, BMI is only a general assessment and does not solely indicate a person’s body fat percentage. Waist/hip ratio: Waist circumference is measured and divided by hip circumference to assess the effects of abdominal fat accumulation on overall health.

Obesity Treatment:

Obesity treatment can vary depending on a person’s health status, obesity level, and overall lifestyle. Treatment options include:

Dietary Changes: A healthy and balanced diet is a key step in obesity treatment. Excessive calorie intake should be reduced and more nutritious foods should be preferred.

Exercise: Regular physical activity helps reduce body fat by burning calories and increasing muscle mass.

Behavioral Therapy: Working on eating habits and developing strategies to cope with emotional eating and stress are important components of obesity treatment.

Medication: Certain medications can be used to suppress appetite and boost metabolism.

Surgical Intervention: Bariatric surgery (such as gastric sleeve gastrectomy) may be an option for patients with severe obesity who have not responded adequately to traditional treatments.

Conclusion: Obesity is a disease that carries serious health risks, but it can be managed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and psychological support are key to successfully combating obesity. With early diagnosis and intervention, obesity can be managed and treated before it leads to serious health problems.