Obesity and Health Risks

Obesity refers to an increased number and size of fat cells, which are referred to as adipocytes. It is often classified using body mass index, or BMI, and is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. A person is considered obese if their BMI is 30 kg/m2 or higher, and a BMI above 40 kg/m2 signifies extreme obesity, also known as morbid obesity. Obesity can seriously impact a person’s health, leading to chronic medical conditions, increased mortality, and reduced quality of life.

Now, most people have primary obesity, meaning it’s the result of consuming more calories than the body requires for their metabolic needs. Causes of primary obesity include lifestyle factors such as dietary choices, like eating foods high in calories, drinking sweetened beverages, and consuming large portion sizes; eating outside the home or in front of the television or computer; and being sedentary.

Environmental factors also contribute to obesity, for example, patients with low income are at increased risk of obesity since inexpensive foods often have high calories and low nutritional value. Additionally, psychosocial factors can play a role in obesity, such as using food for comfort, reward, or eating more during times of stress, sadness, and anxiety. Lastly, certain genes can increase the risk of obesity by influencing appetite; satiety, or the feeling of fullness after eating; and how fat is stored or distributed in the body.

On the other hand, secondary obesity is caused by medical conditions, such as certain congenital, endocrine, or central nervous system disorders. For instance, hypothyroidism slows metabolism, which can lead to excess weight gain. There are also certain medications that can contribute to obesity, including corticosteroids, estrogens, antipsychotics, antiepileptics, and oral antidiabetics.

Okay, now let’s look at the health risks associated with obesity from head to toe. First, obesity can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, like coronary artery disease and stroke, by causing inflammation that can damage blood vessels and increasing blood volume, which can cause hypertension. Also, increased fat in the neck and chest can lead to sleep apnea and interrupted sleep, both of which are associated with obesity; while excess fat around the diaphragm can decrease lung capacity, leading to exercise intolerance. In the gastrointestinal system, obesity can cause gastroesophageal reflux, gallstones, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, also known as fatty liver. Musculoskeletal complications like osteoarthritis can also occur, due to inflammation and stress placed on joints from excessive weight.

Next, reproductive issues, including infertility and sexual dysfunction, are associated with obesity. In the endocrine system, obesity can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, several types of cancers, such as esophageal, colorectal, and breast, are linked to obesity. And lastly, patients with obesity can experience social stigma, leading to psychosocial complications, such as low self-esteem, loneliness, depression.