Obesity is a growing health concern in different countries including India. It affects people of all age groups and backgrounds. It is defined as an excess of body fat and is typically measured by body mass index (BMI). Obesity is not just a cosmetic concern, but a chronic disease that can have serious health consequences if left untreated. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the causes of obesity, explore whether it stems from lifestyle choices or qualifies as a medical condition, and highlight key obesity risk factors and related health concerns.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a condition characterized by having too much body fat, exceeding what’s considered healthy for a given height. It’s a chronic disease that can lead to various health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines overweight as a BMI greater than or equal to 25, and obesity as a BMI greater than or equal to 30.
Causes of Obesity
Obesity can be caused by a variety of factors, including hereditary, lifestyle changes, hormonal problems, and certain medications.
- Hereditary: Obesity can run in families, and research suggests that genetic factors may play a role in the development of the disease. Studies have shown that people with a family history of obesity are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves.
- Lifestyle changes: A sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits can contribute to weight gain and the development of obesity. Many people consume more calories than they need, and do not engage in enough physical activity to burn them off.
- Hormonal problems: Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to the development of obesity. For example, people with hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) may have difficulty losing weight despite making lifestyle changes. Additionally, people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have difficulty losing weight and may be at a higher risk of obesity.
- Medications: One of the common but often overlooked causes of weight gain is the use of certain medications, including some antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs. It’s important to consult your doctor about the potential side effects of any medication you’re taking, especially if you notice unexplained changes in your weight.
Understanding Obesity as a Chronic Condition
Obesity is defined by excessive fat accumulation that poses a risk to health. A person is generally considered obese when their Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or higher. However, obesity is not merely about body weight—it’s a metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory condition that affects multiple organs and systems in the body.
Key Characteristics of Obesity as a Chronic Disease:
- Progressive and relapsing in nature
- Involves hormonal imbalances (like insulin resistance, leptin resistance)
- Associated with chronic inflammation
- Requires long-term medical management
Just like hypertension or diabetes, obesity often requires more than lifestyle modifications. It demands a comprehensive medical approach to manage the root causes effectively.
Why Obesity Is Not Just About Willpower
The idea that obesity results solely from overeating or lack of exercise is outdated and overly simplistic. Here are some other contributing factors that underline its complexity:
1. Genetics
Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in how the body stores fat, how quickly it burns calories, and even hunger cues. Some people are genetically more likely to gain weight than others.
2. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones such as insulin, leptin, and ghrelin regulate hunger and metabolism. In people with obesity, these hormones may not function normally, making weight loss much harder.
3. Mental Health and Stress
Emotional eating, stress, anxiety, and depression can all contribute to unhealthy eating patterns. Moreover, obesity can also worsen mental health, creating a vicious cycle.
4. Environmental and Socioeconomic Factors
Limited access to healthy food, lack of safe spaces for exercise, irregular sleep patterns, and work-related stress can all contribute to weight gain.
How to Manage Obesity?
Managing obesity is a complex process that requires a multifaceted approach. There are several options for managing obesity, including lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are the foundation of obesity management. This includes adopting a healthy diet and regular physical activity. A healthy diet should include a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and should be low in sugar, saturated fats, and processed foods. Indian diets often emphasize on carbs, which can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of developing a metabolic disorder. To lose weight, it is important to reduce carbohydrate intake and include more protein in the diet. This can include foods such as fish, poultry, and lean meats. Additionally, reducing the intake of high-calorie foods such as mithai, namkeen, and chawal, roti can help to reduce calorie intake.
Regular physical activity helps to burn calories and improves overall health. Every person should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week. A regular 30 mins brisk walk also does good. This works for childhood obesity too.
Medication
Medications can be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes to manage obesity. There are several medications that are FDA-approved for the obesity treatment , including orlistat, lorcaserin, and phentermine-topiramate. These medications work by suppressing appetite or increasing feelings of fullness. It is important to note that medications should not be used as a replacement for lifestyle changes, but rather as a supplement to them.
Surgery
While obesity prevention focuses on lifestyle changes and medical management, surgery may be considered for individuals with severe obesity who have not achieved significant weight loss through lifestyle changes and medication.
Bariatric Surgery: A Life-Changing Option
Bariatric surgery includes a variety of surgical procedures that alter the digestive system to help people lose weight. These surgeries are typically recommended for individuals with:
· A BMI ≥ 40
· A BMI ≥ 35 with obesity-related health issues (like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea)
Common Types of Bariatric Surgery:
1. Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): Creates a small pouch in the stomach and reroutes the digestive tract, leading to reduced calorie absorption.
2. Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removes a large portion of the stomach, reducing food intake and hunger hormone levels.
3. Adjustable Gastric Band: Places a band around the upper part of the stomach to restrict food intake.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
- Long-term weight loss
- Improvement or resolution of type 2 diabetes
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Better sleep and reduced sleep apnea
- Improved mobility and joint health
- Enhanced quality of life and mental well-being
Bariatric surgery is often combined with ongoing nutritional counseling, physical activity plans, and mental health support for the best results.
Conclusion
Obesity is not simply the result of overeating or lack of exercise—it is a chronic medical condition influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including genetics, hormones, environment, and mental health. Treating it solely as a lifestyle issue minimizes its seriousness and delays the comprehensive care many individuals need. Recognizing obesity as a chronic disease is crucial to ensuring proper, compassionate, and lasting treatment.
For those who have struggled with long-term weight loss despite sincere efforts with diet and exercise, bariatric surgery can be a transformative, medically supervised solution. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Shrikant Kurhade at KK Care Clinic, patients receive advanced, personalized care focused on sustainable results and improved quality of life. If you’re ready to take control of your health, don’t wait—early medical intervention at KK Care Clinic can be the turning point toward a healthier, more confident future.
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