Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the body, which requires following specific obesity treatment methods to ensure a return to a healthy weight.
What is Obesity and What Causes It?
Obesity is defined as a chronic disease resulting from an increase in body fat mass beyond normal limits. Its causes are not limited to genetics—although the likelihood of occurrence reaches 80% if both parents are affected—but also include other factors such as:
- Poor dietary habits, such as skipping breakfast and consuming fast foods and fatty meals.
- Lack of physical activity and movement.
- Hormonal imbalances or chemical disruptions in the body.
- Environmental and social factors, in addition to the number and size of fat cells.
Available Options for Obesity Treatment
The options available for managing weight gain vary based on the health condition and the degree of obesity:
Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes
Adopting a healthy life is one of the most successful sustainable means, including:
- Committing to eating breakfast and avoiding hydrogenated fats.
- Practicing regular physical activity and making it a daily habit.
- Organizing daily food portions.
Dietary Plans
Dietary systems can be used, but it is advised to avoid commercial diets spread online because they may not suit everyone and can cause health risks if continued for long periods without nutritional balance. The best approach is to follow a customized diet based on the health history and body measurements of each individual.
Medicinal Herbs
Some use herbs such as ginger, green tea, ginseng, and flaxseeds. These herbs work either by accelerating metabolism and fat burning or by increasing the feeling of fullness thanks to fiber. A doctor should be consulted before using them, especially for those with a medical history.
Obesity Medications and Surgeries
Obesity medications (weight loss pills) are typically used in cases of morbid obesity that pose a health risk; they work either by suppressing appetite centers in the brain or by preventing the absorption of nutrients. Surgeries are the last resort when the Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeds 40 kg/m² with accompanying diseases, including options such as:
- Gastric sleeve or gastric banding.
- Gastric balloon or liposuction.
- Intestinal resection or jaw wiring.
How to Measure and Diagnose Obesity
Doctors use the “Body Mass Index” (BMI) as a common tool, which is the result of dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.
- For adults: Overweight is considered 25 to 29.9, obesity if the index exceeds 30, and morbid obesity if it exceeds 40.
- For children: Growth charts are used to compare the child with peers of the same sex and age; obesity is classified if the percentile is 95 or higher.
Diagnosis may also include blood tests to measure sugar, cholesterol, and liver function, in addition to measuring waist circumference.
Health Risks Associated with Weight Gain
Certain obesity facts highlight how this condition increases the likelihood of several diseases, including:
- Type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance.
- Heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
- Sleep apnea due to the pressure of soft tissues in the neck.
- Other issues such as fatty liver, gallbladder disease, gout, and osteoporosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is obesity?
It is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of body fat beyond normal limits, and it is a cause of many chronic diseases.
How can we avoid weight gain in winter?
This can be achieved by exercising daily for at least one hour, replacing rich dishes with fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed foods and fast food, and maintaining physical activity inside the home.
What should a patient expect from a doctor during diagnosis?
The doctor calculates the BMI, reviews family history, evaluates dietary habits and physical activity levels, and may request blood tests or measure blood pressure.
When to Visit a Doctor?
Medical consultation should be sought immediately when the following signs appear:
- The BMI reaches levels of morbid obesity (more than 40 for adults).
- Symptoms associated with weight gain appear, such as severe snoring and daytime sleepiness (an indicator of sleep apnea).
- Diagnosis of accompanying diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
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Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team