What is obesity?

Obesity is an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue in the body. It involves the excessive storage of fat in the body. Nowadays, more people are suffering from obesity. One could even speak of an obesity epidemic.

Many factors can contribute to obesity. Genetics may play a role, but the main reason for obesity is our lifestyle (high energy diet, poor diet composition, sedentary lifestyle, stress, lack of sleep, use of tobacco products, alcohol, etc.). In short, it is a disparity between energy intake (diet) and energy expenditure (exercise).

To assess weight, we use BMI (Body Mass Index), which is the ratio of your weight to your height.

Formula:

Underweight = below 18.5

Healthy weight = 18.5 - 25

Overweight = 25 - 30

1st degree of obesity = 30 - 35

2nd degree of obesity = 35 - 40

3rd degree of obesity (morbid obesity) = over 40

Obesity is a serious chronic disease that brings with it a number of complications and risks:

• cardiovascular diseases - hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, etc.

• metabolic disorders - type 2 diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, gout, metabolic syndrome...

• respiratory problems - difficulty breathing when moving, sleep apnea

• gastro-intestinal problems - hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), cholelithiasis (gallstones), gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn (pyrosis)...

• musculoskeletal problems - back pain, joint pain, osteoarthritis, difficulty moving

• increased incidence of cancer - e.g. colorectal cancer

• hormonal disorders - infertility, problems with conception

• psychosocial disorders - dissatisfaction with one’s own body, depression, anxiety

• shortened lifespan, reduced quality of life

Lifestyle modification (diet and exercise) is the first choice in treating obesity. If these methods are unsuccessful, the surgical treatment of obesity (called bariatric surgery) may be considered.

The treatment of obesity is a long-term process, and it is important to work with each patient individually according to their health. It is important to set incremental and sustainable goals. After all, people can often lose weight, but keeping it off can be a challenge.