Obesity

What Is Obesity?

The most common method for measuring obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight (kg) by the square of their height (m):

• BMI 25–29.9: Considered overweight.
• BMI 30 and above: Classified as obese.
• BMI 40 and above: Considered morbid obesity.

However, BMI alone is not a sufficient indicator. Additional assessments such as muscle-bone density, fat distribution, and metabolic factors should also be considered.

Causes of Obesity

✅ Unbalanced Diet: Consuming high-calorie, fatty, and sugary foods can lead to weight gain.

✅ Sedentary Lifestyle: Today, reduced physical activity—especially due to desk jobs and increased screen time—is a major contributing factor to obesity.

✅ Genetic Factors: Individuals with a family history of obesity are known to be more prone to weight gain.

✅ Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders:

• Hypothyroidism: May slow down metabolism and make weight control difficult.
• Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes: Excess weight can disrupt blood sugar regulation.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal imbalances in women can make weight management more difficult.

✅ Psychological and Environmental Factors:

• Stress, depression, and emotional eating habits.
• Irregular sleep, frequent consumption of processed foods, and the influence of one’s social environment.

Health Risks Caused by Obesity

❌ Cardiovascular Diseases: Increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease.

❌ Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity can cause insulin resistance and lead to blood sugar irregularities.

❌ Joint Problems: Especially in the knees and hips, due to excess pressure, leading to osteoarthritis.

❌ Sleep Apnea: Breathing problems may occur due to excess weight.

❌ Certain Types of Cancer: Obesity may increase the risk of breast, colon, and uterine cancer.

❌ Psychological Issues: Depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem may be associated with obesity.

Treatment Methods for Obesity

1. Lifestyle Changes

✔ Healthy Diet: Prefer fiber-rich foods, healthy proteins, and unprocessed meals.

✔ Physical Activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week is recommended.

✔ Managing Emotional Eating: Stress-related eating habits should be brought under control.

2. Behavioral Therapy

✔ Psychological counseling or group therapy can help in changing eating behaviors.

3. Medical Treatment

✔ Appetite-suppressing medications may be prescribed, but should only be used under medical supervision.

✔ Drugs that regulate metabolism may be recommended for certain patients.

4. Surgical Options (Bariatric Surgery)

In cases of severe obesity, the following procedures may be applied:

✅ Gastric Balloon: Temporarily reduces stomach volume and decreases the feeling of hunger.

✅ Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removes 75–80% of the stomach to provide permanent weight loss.

✅ Gastric Bypass: Reduces both stomach size and alters intestinal connection to decrease calorie intake.

✅ Botox Injections: Temporarily slow down stomach muscles to help control appetite.

Ways to Prevent Obesity

✔ Healthy eating habits should begin at an early age.

✔ Regular exercise and an active lifestyle should be adopted.

✔ Sleep patterns should be maintained, and stress should be managed.

✔ Avoid highly processed and sugary foods.

Conclusion

Obesity can be managed with early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach. Personalized methods should be applied during the treatment process to ensure healthy weight loss. If you are struggling with obesity, it is recommended that you seek professional support to plan your weight management journey.