Obesity is one of the most common health problems of the modern age, playing a significant role in the development of many life-threatening diseases, beyond merely causing aesthetic concerns. The problems caused by excess weight reduce the quality of life and can also lead to psychological disorders. As a major risk factor for numerous acute and chronic diseases, obesity is considered one of the biggest threats to people's health.
Obesity occurs when the amount of energy consumed exceeds the amount of energy expended, resulting in excess energy being stored as fat. This leads to a significant increase in the fat-to-lean mass ratio in the body. The accumulated fat typically gathers in certain areas, but in advanced stages, it can cause fat to accumulate around internal organs. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as one of the top 10 most dangerous health conditions.
The main causes of obesity include unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, and genetic predisposition. The combination of these factors leads to excessive weight gain and unhealthy levels of body fat. If obesity is not controlled, the quality of life decreases, and severe health issues may arise.
One of the most common chronic diseases associated with obesity is diabetes. Excess fat tissue decreases the sensitivity of the body's cells to the hormone insulin, leading to insulin resistance. As a result, sugar in the blood cannot be used by cells, causing high blood sugar levels. This condition can lead to the development of Type-2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes. In individuals at the prediabetic stage, obesity treatment can prevent the progression of diabetes.
Obesity increases the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) by three times. Excess fat tissue and insulin resistance cause damage to the blood vessels, contributing to the development of hypertension. Treating obesity is crucial for preventing and managing hypertension.
Obesity significantly increases the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases. Coronary artery disease occurs when excess fat in the body puts pressure on the heart and insulin resistance negatively affects the structure of blood vessels. Treating obesity can help prevent these cardiovascular diseases.
Obese individuals often have high cholesterol levels, which can lead to the formation of stones in the gallbladder. Gallbladder diseases are closely related to obesity, and weight loss can help prevent these conditions.
Obesity increases the risk of stroke due to damage to blood vessels and high blood pressure. Complications such as heart attacks and brain hemorrhages are more common in obese individuals. Controlling weight significantly reduces the risk of stroke.
In obese individuals, fat accumulation can narrow the airways, leading to serious breathing problems such as sleep apnea. This condition is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep and can be improved through obesity treatment.
Obesity can worsen asthma symptoms, leading to more frequent asthma attacks. Weight control is essential for managing asthma effectively.
Obesity not only causes physical health issues but also contributes to psychological disorders. Depression, low self-esteem, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are more common in obese individuals. Weight control can help alleviate these psychological problems.
The presence of obesity can be identified through several simple methods aimed at evaluating a person’s weight and fat percentage.
One of the most commonly used methods is Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. If the resulting value is 30 or higher, the person is considered obese.
Another method is waist circumference measurement. In women, a waist circumference over 88 cm and in men over 102 cm is associated with obesity.
The waist-to-hip ratio is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference. A ratio of 0.9 or higher in women and 1 or higher in men indicates the presence of obesity.
The goal of obesity treatment is to help individuals achieve an ideal weight that allows them to live a healthy life. The treatment process typically involves diet and exercise programs, while in advanced stages, surgical interventions may be necessary. Obesity surgery is an effective method for cases where diet and exercise have not yielded results.
Throughout the treatment process, it is important for individuals to work with a specialist doctor and dietitian to achieve sustainable results in their weight loss efforts.
