Obesity: Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors, Complications, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Obesity is a condition that is characterized by an excess of body fat deposition. It is more than a cosmetic issue. It is a medical condition that can increase a person’s risk of developing other diseases and health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some malignancies. The body mass index (BMI) is a measurement of a person’s body fat content that uses a person’s weight and height to calculate an index. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30.0 or more in adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Obesity is a common problem. It is estimated to be affecting 42.4 percent of the population aged 20 and above, according to the CDC. However, BMI alone is not the best measure of obesity. Age, sex, ethnicity, and muscle mass can all affect BMI, according to the CDC. However, BMI makes no distinction between men and women.

Symptoms

1. In the lower limbs, there is swelling and varicose veins.
2. Daytime drowsiness due to sleep apnea. 
3. Knee joint pains
4. Increase in sweating
5. Heat intolerance is a condition in which a person is unable to tolerate heat.
6. Infections in the folds of the skin.
7. Fatigue.
8. Depression
9. Shortness of breath

Causes

1. Obesity develops when one consumes more calories than they burn via typical everyday activity and exercise, despite genetic, behavioral, metabolic, and hormonal factors on body weight. These extra calories are stored as fat in the body. Most people consume a calorie-dense diet, owing to fast food and high-calorie beverages.
2. Certain diseases and medications: Medical problems, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can result in weight gain. People with arthritis cannot engage in physical activity resulting in weight gain. Some medications such as antidepressants can also lead to weight gain.

Risk Factors

1. Genetics: The genes that are inherited from parents may affect the amount of body fat stored. 
2. Unhealthy diet: A diet high in calories and lacking in fruits and vegetables increases risk of obesity. Fast food, drinks laden with sugar and oversized portions result in weight gain.
3. Liquid calories: People drink many calories without feeling satiated like calories from alcohol. 
4. Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle results in an imbalance in the calories consumed and calories burned resulting in weight gain.
5. Pregnancy. Weight gain is common during pregnancy. Some women find it difficult to lose weight after the baby is born. This weight gain may result in the development of obesity in women.
6. Smoking. Quitting smoking can contribute to weight gain.
7. Lack of sleep. Not getting enough sleep can cause changes in hormones that increase appetite, which can contribute to weight gain.
8. Stress. Many factors that affect mood and well-being contribute to obesity. People eat high-calorie food when experiencing stressful situations.

Complications

1. Stroke and heart disease are two of the most common causes of death. Obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
2. Type 2 diabetes: Obesity can impact how the body uses insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control.
3. Certain types of cancer: Cancers of the uterus, cervix, endometrial, ovary, breast, colon, rectum, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, and prostate are all linked to obesity.
4. Problems with digestion: Heartburn, gallbladder illness, and liver disorders are all more common in obese people.
5. Apnea (sleep deprivation): Obese people are more prone to suffer from sleep apnea, a potentially fatal condition in which breathing regularly stops and starts while sleeping.
6. Osteoarthritis: Obesity puts more strain on weight-bearing joints

Diagnosis

Some test are performed to diagnose the obesity:

1. Taking a record of medical history: A doctor may inquire about weight history, weight-loss efforts, physical activity and exercise routines, eating patterns and hunger control, previous medical conditions, medications, stress levels, and other health concerns.
2. A complete physical examination: Measuring height, monitoring vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, listening to your heart and lungs, and inspecting your abdomen are all part of this process.
3. BMI (Body Mass Index): BMI will be measured by a doctor. The higher the number, the greater the risk to one’s health.
4. Taking a measurement of waist circumference: Fat around the waist, also known as visceral fat or abdominal fat, has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Treatment

Obesity can be overcome by reducing calories and adopting healthier eating and lifestyle habits

1. Calorie restriction: The key to losing weight is to cut down on your calorie intake. Assess current eating and drinking habits to determine how many calories are consumed on a regular basis and where you may make changes.
2. Desserts, candies, fatty and processed food, for example, are calorie dense. Fruits and vegetables may provide a larger portion size with fewer calories and enable weight loss.
3. Moderate physical activity: Physical activity adds to the number of calories burned in a day and also helps with your general health.
4. When obesity is caused by other diseases, management of the disease may help maintain weight.

Prevention

1. Healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
2. Avoiding overeating or fast food and sugar laden drinks.
3. Exercises

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