Obesity

Causes

• Genetic factors - Inherited genes influencing metabolism, appetite regulation, and fat storage tendency.
• Dietary patterns - High consumption of energy-dense foods, large portion sizes, and frequent snacking.
• Physical inactivity - Sedentary lifestyle with inadequate calorie expenditure through movement.
• Environmental factors - Limited access to healthy foods, abundance of fast food, and neighborhood designs discouraging physical activity.
• Psychological factors - Emotional eating, using food to cope with stress, depression, or anxiety.
• Socioeconomic status - Limited resources for healthy food options or safe exercise environments.
• Medications - Some drugs, including certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, steroids, and diabetes medications, can promote weight gain.
• Medical conditions - Hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and others can contribute to weight gain.
• Gut microbiome - Imbalances in intestinal bacteria may influence how food is digested and energy is extracted.
• Sleep deprivation - Inadequate sleep disrupts hunger hormones, leading to increased appetite.
• Endocrine disruptors - Environmental chemicals that may interfere with hormone function and fat cell development.
• Age-related factors - Decreasing metabolism and muscle mass with aging make weight management more challenging.
• Cultural influences - Food-centric social activities and cultural norms around eating and body size.
• Pregnancy - Weight gained during pregnancy that isn't lost afterward can accumulate over multiple pregnancies.
• Epigenetic factors - How environmental exposures affect gene expression, potentially across generations.

Signs and Symptoms

• Physical signs:
• Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen (central obesity).
• Increased body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher for adults.
• Difficulty with physical mobility and reduced exercise tolerance.
• Breathlessness with mild exertion.
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
• Skin fold irritation or infections in areas where skin rubs together.
• Joint pain, especially in weight-bearing joints like knees and hips.
• Edema (swelling) in lower extremities.
• Sleep disturbances, including sleep apnea with loud snoring and breathing pauses.
• Health complications:
• Elevated blood pressure (hypertension).
• High blood glucose levels or type 2 diabetes.
• Abnormal blood lipid profile (high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol).
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Female reproductive issues including irregular periods and fertility problems.
• Male reproductive issues including erectile dysfunction and reduced testosterone.
• Psychological and social impacts:
• Low self-esteem and poor body image.
• Depression or anxiety related to weight status.
• Social stigmatization and discrimination.
• Reduced quality of life.
• Difficulty with certain daily activities.
• Warning signs requiring medical attention:
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• Severe joint pain limiting mobility.
• Signs of diabetes like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss.
• Significant psychological distress affecting daily functioning.

Diagnosis

Treatment Options

Home Remedies

Preventive Care

• Schedule regular health check-ups to monitor weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
• Follow through with recommended health screenings, as obesity increases risk for many conditions requiring early detection.
• Work with healthcare providers to develop a personalized weight management plan based on your specific health status and needs.
• If taking medications that may affect weight, discuss alternatives or management strategies with your doctor.
• For those with obesity-related conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea, adhere to treatment plans for these conditions alongside obesity management.
• Monitor for signs of weight-related complications, such as new joint pain, breathing difficulties, or changes in mobility.
• If considering pregnancy, discuss weight optimization with healthcare providers beforehand, as pre-pregnancy obesity increases risks.
• After weight loss, develop a maintenance plan with regular self-monitoring and professional follow-up to prevent regain.
• For those with severe obesity, discuss whether medical or surgical interventions might be appropriate to reduce health risks.
• Consider genetic counseling if there's a strong family history of obesity, especially with early onset or severe manifestations.
• Address psychological aspects of obesity, seeking professional help for depression, anxiety, or disordered eating patterns.
• For parents, focus on creating healthy home environments rather than restrictive approaches to children's weight.
• Approach weight management as a long-term health goal rather than a short-term cosmetic concern.
• When traveling or during major life transitions, develop specific strategies to maintain healthy behaviors during these challenging times.
• Consider joining prevention programs or wellness initiatives through employers, insurance, or community organizations.

Surgical Options