Are you Obese ?? Check !!
What Are The Health Risks Of Being Overweight?
While most people are inclined to lose weight to look and feel better, many people are instructed
by their doctors to lose weight because they are at risk for developing a disease. Or may already
have developed a disease and their doctor wants to stop the progression of the overweight related
disease and perhaps even cure it. Extra weight can put you at higher risk for:
1. type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar)
2. high blood pressure
3. heart disease and stroke
4. some types of cancer
5. sleep apnea (when breathing stops for short periods during sleep)
6. osteoarthritis (wearing away of the joints)
7. gallbladder disease
8. irregular periods
9. problems with pregnancy such as high blood pressure or increased risk for cesarean section (c-section)
So, Are You Overweight (Over-Fat)?
Overweight refers to an excess of body weight, but not necessarily body fat. Obesity means an
excessively high proportion of body fat. Health professionals use a measurement called body
mass index (BMI) to classify an adult's weight as healthy, overweight, or obese. BMI describes
body weight relative to height and is correlated with total body fat content in most adults. But an
easy way to determine if you are over-fat is to see how much body fat you have by pinching your
skin fold. If you can pinch more than an inch of abdominal body fat, chances are you have too
much body fat, and need to lose some. Also note that for people who are athletic with more
muscle, especially people who lift weights (resistance training), the BMI will probably
overestimate your level of fatness. It is best to get your body fat determined by a training
individual for best results.
To get your approximate BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide the result by
your height in inches, and divide that result by your height in inches a second time. A BMI from
18.5 up to 25 is considered in the healthy range, from 25 up to 30 is overweight, and 30 or higher
is obese. Generally, the higher a person's BMI, the greater the risk for health problems, according
to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). However, there are some exceptions.
For example, very muscular people, like body builders, may have a BMI greater than 25 or even
30, but this reflects increased muscle rather than fat. It is excess body fat that leads to the health
problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
In addition to a high BMI, having excess abdominal body fat is a health risk. Men with a waist of
more than 40 inches around and women with a waist of 35 inches or more are at risk for health
problems.
Healthy Weight: BMI from 18.5 up to 25 refers to healthy weight.
Overweight: BMI from 25 up to 30 refers to overweight.
Obese: BMI 30 or higher refers to obesity. Obese persons are also overweight.
While most people are inclined to lose weight to look and feel better, many people are instructed
by their doctors to lose weight because they are at risk for developing a disease. Or may already
have developed a disease and their doctor wants to stop the progression of the overweight related
disease and perhaps even cure it. Extra weight can put you at higher risk for:
1. type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar)
2. high blood pressure
3. heart disease and stroke
4. some types of cancer
5. sleep apnea (when breathing stops for short periods during sleep)
6. osteoarthritis (wearing away of the joints)
7. gallbladder disease
8. irregular periods
9. problems with pregnancy such as high blood pressure or increased risk for cesarean section (c-section)
So, Are You Overweight (Over-Fat)?
Overweight refers to an excess of body weight, but not necessarily body fat. Obesity means an
excessively high proportion of body fat. Health professionals use a measurement called body
mass index (BMI) to classify an adult's weight as healthy, overweight, or obese. BMI describes
body weight relative to height and is correlated with total body fat content in most adults. But an
easy way to determine if you are over-fat is to see how much body fat you have by pinching your
skin fold. If you can pinch more than an inch of abdominal body fat, chances are you have too
much body fat, and need to lose some. Also note that for people who are athletic with more
muscle, especially people who lift weights (resistance training), the BMI will probably
overestimate your level of fatness. It is best to get your body fat determined by a training
individual for best results.
To get your approximate BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide the result by
your height in inches, and divide that result by your height in inches a second time. A BMI from
18.5 up to 25 is considered in the healthy range, from 25 up to 30 is overweight, and 30 or higher
is obese. Generally, the higher a person's BMI, the greater the risk for health problems, according
to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). However, there are some exceptions.
For example, very muscular people, like body builders, may have a BMI greater than 25 or even
30, but this reflects increased muscle rather than fat. It is excess body fat that leads to the health
problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
In addition to a high BMI, having excess abdominal body fat is a health risk. Men with a waist of
more than 40 inches around and women with a waist of 35 inches or more are at risk for health
problems.
Healthy Weight: BMI from 18.5 up to 25 refers to healthy weight.
Overweight: BMI from 25 up to 30 refers to overweight.
Obese: BMI 30 or higher refers to obesity. Obese persons are also overweight.
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Treatment Options for Obesity
Treatment Options for Obesity
(1) MEDICAL /NON-OPERATIVE:
Most of these approaches are based on a low-calorie, low- carbohydrate diet with a combination of behavior modification therapy and exercise. The results of these interventions are not well established in individuals with clinically severe obesity. It is estimated that less than 5% of individuals who participate in such weight loss programs will lose a significant amount of weight and maintain that loss for a long period of time. As a matter of fact, more than 90% of individuals treated this way relapse and regain the weight within two years.
The dismal results of dieting have prompted interest in pharmacological treatment. The most notable and promising weight loss drugs were Fen-Phen; however, its side effects on heart valves led to its withdrawal from the market. Other medications are being used for less severe obesity with some success.
(2) SURGICAL
Surgery has provided durable and sustainable long-term weight loss. Surgical treatment is designed to induce weight loss but can not reverse the underlying causes of obesity. The history of weight loss surgery is very interesting and reflects our evolving understanding of intestinal physiology and long-term side effects. Basically, operations for weight loss can be regarded as 1. restrictive (making the size of the stomach smaller, thus limiting the amount of food intake); 2. malabsorptive (limiting the length of the intestine that comes in contact with food, thus limiting the amount of food absorbed by the body), or 3. a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive.
The most common operation for weight loss in North America is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). We perform the RYGB, which is a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive procedures, because it has
provided superior results. Recently, the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band, which is a purely restrictive procedure, has been used with modest short-term success. We also perform this procedure.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends weight-loss surgery for those individuals with a BMI ? 40 or a BMI ? 35 with co-morbidities and who can not lose weight by other means.
ADVANTAGES OF SURGERY
Weight loss is not the only reason that weight loss surgery should be undertaken. The more important benefits of surgical treatment are the improvements of general health and quality of life. The following medical conditions are improved or eliminated after weight loss: hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, hyperlipidemia, heartburn, arthritis, leg ulcers, etc. A reduction in medications is also noted.
(1) MEDICAL /NON-OPERATIVE:
Most of these approaches are based on a low-calorie, low- carbohydrate diet with a combination of behavior modification therapy and exercise. The results of these interventions are not well established in individuals with clinically severe obesity. It is estimated that less than 5% of individuals who participate in such weight loss programs will lose a significant amount of weight and maintain that loss for a long period of time. As a matter of fact, more than 90% of individuals treated this way relapse and regain the weight within two years.
The dismal results of dieting have prompted interest in pharmacological treatment. The most notable and promising weight loss drugs were Fen-Phen; however, its side effects on heart valves led to its withdrawal from the market. Other medications are being used for less severe obesity with some success.
(2) SURGICAL
Surgery has provided durable and sustainable long-term weight loss. Surgical treatment is designed to induce weight loss but can not reverse the underlying causes of obesity. The history of weight loss surgery is very interesting and reflects our evolving understanding of intestinal physiology and long-term side effects. Basically, operations for weight loss can be regarded as 1. restrictive (making the size of the stomach smaller, thus limiting the amount of food intake); 2. malabsorptive (limiting the length of the intestine that comes in contact with food, thus limiting the amount of food absorbed by the body), or 3. a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive.
The most common operation for weight loss in North America is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). We perform the RYGB, which is a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive procedures, because it has
provided superior results. Recently, the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band, which is a purely restrictive procedure, has been used with modest short-term success. We also perform this procedure.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends weight-loss surgery for those individuals with a BMI ? 40 or a BMI ? 35 with co-morbidities and who can not lose weight by other means.
ADVANTAGES OF SURGERY
Weight loss is not the only reason that weight loss surgery should be undertaken. The more important benefits of surgical treatment are the improvements of general health and quality of life. The following medical conditions are improved or eliminated after weight loss: hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, hyperlipidemia, heartburn, arthritis, leg ulcers, etc. A reduction in medications is also noted.
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Consequences of Obesity
Consequences of Obesity
HEART DISEASE: Excess weight strains the function and performance of multiple body systems. Obesity is a risk factor for developing heart disease. The heart and other systems are faced with demands that may exceed their abilities. These excessive demands may ultimately lead to system failure. Hypertension
(high blood pressure) can result from obesity. Longstanding and untreated hypertension results in heart and kidney damage and may cause a stroke. The combination of heart disease and high blood pressure can be life
threatening to obese individuals.
SLEEP APNEA: Sleep apnea develops as a result of fat deposits in the tongue and neck that can cause intermittent obstruction of the airway. This obstruction is worse when laying flat (during sleep) and causes cessation of breathing (apnea). Individuals with sleep apnea have to wake up and reposition themselves in bed many times resulting in sleep deprivation and the need for frequent naps during the day. More importantly, carbon dioxide can build up to dangerous levels in the blood affecting how well the lungs and heart function. Asthma and shortness of breath can be direct consequences of obesity.
DIABETES: Obesity can cause diabetes (high blood sugar) or make existing diabetes worse. This occurs because obese individuals develop resistance to insulin that regulates the level of blood sugar in the blood. Over time, high blood sugar can cause serious damage to the body.
ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS: Another consequence of being overweight is the rapid wear of the joints of the knees and hips resulting in pain and limitation of mobility. Similarly, the bones and muscles of the
back are constantly strained resulting in back pain and disc problems.
SKIN BREAKDOWN: Skin hygiene can be a significant problem in obese individuals as the layers of the skin can rub against each other causing skin breakdown and infection.
LEG SWELLING/BLOOD CLOTS: Leg swelling is common and may be caused by blood clots
in the leg veins. If untreated, skin breakdown can occur and the resulting wounds can be extremely difficult to heal.
HEARTBURN: Heartburn and acid reflux are common complaints. Frequently, obese individuals require medications to control their symptoms.
PSYCHOLOGICAL: Obese individuals may develop low self-esteem and depression because of their weight and the social pressures from a society that erroneously regards their disease as a result of self-indulgence.
OTHER CONDITIONS AS A CONSEQUENCE OF OBESITY ARE:
Dyslipidemia: high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
NASH: non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or fatty deposits in the liver causing inflammation and liver damage
Stress Incontinence: leakage of urine, mostly in women
Pseudotumor Cerebri: swelling in the brain that affects the vision
DVT/Pulmonary Embolus: blood clots in the leg veins that can travel to the lungs and block its blood circulation
Gallstones/Cholecystitis: stones and infection in the gallbladder
Infertility: difficulty getting pregnant
Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas
HEART DISEASE: Excess weight strains the function and performance of multiple body systems. Obesity is a risk factor for developing heart disease. The heart and other systems are faced with demands that may exceed their abilities. These excessive demands may ultimately lead to system failure. Hypertension
(high blood pressure) can result from obesity. Longstanding and untreated hypertension results in heart and kidney damage and may cause a stroke. The combination of heart disease and high blood pressure can be life
threatening to obese individuals.
SLEEP APNEA: Sleep apnea develops as a result of fat deposits in the tongue and neck that can cause intermittent obstruction of the airway. This obstruction is worse when laying flat (during sleep) and causes cessation of breathing (apnea). Individuals with sleep apnea have to wake up and reposition themselves in bed many times resulting in sleep deprivation and the need for frequent naps during the day. More importantly, carbon dioxide can build up to dangerous levels in the blood affecting how well the lungs and heart function. Asthma and shortness of breath can be direct consequences of obesity.
DIABETES: Obesity can cause diabetes (high blood sugar) or make existing diabetes worse. This occurs because obese individuals develop resistance to insulin that regulates the level of blood sugar in the blood. Over time, high blood sugar can cause serious damage to the body.
ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS: Another consequence of being overweight is the rapid wear of the joints of the knees and hips resulting in pain and limitation of mobility. Similarly, the bones and muscles of the
back are constantly strained resulting in back pain and disc problems.
SKIN BREAKDOWN: Skin hygiene can be a significant problem in obese individuals as the layers of the skin can rub against each other causing skin breakdown and infection.
LEG SWELLING/BLOOD CLOTS: Leg swelling is common and may be caused by blood clots
in the leg veins. If untreated, skin breakdown can occur and the resulting wounds can be extremely difficult to heal.
HEARTBURN: Heartburn and acid reflux are common complaints. Frequently, obese individuals require medications to control their symptoms.
PSYCHOLOGICAL: Obese individuals may develop low self-esteem and depression because of their weight and the social pressures from a society that erroneously regards their disease as a result of self-indulgence.
OTHER CONDITIONS AS A CONSEQUENCE OF OBESITY ARE:
Dyslipidemia: high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
NASH: non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or fatty deposits in the liver causing inflammation and liver damage
Stress Incontinence: leakage of urine, mostly in women
Pseudotumor Cerebri: swelling in the brain that affects the vision
DVT/Pulmonary Embolus: blood clots in the leg veins that can travel to the lungs and block its blood circulation
Gallstones/Cholecystitis: stones and infection in the gallbladder
Infertility: difficulty getting pregnant
Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas
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What is Obesity?
What is Obesity?
Ideal body weight is calculated based on height. In general, individuals who weigh twice their ideal body
weight or at least 100 lbs. (45.5 kg) above ideal body weight are considered to have clinically severe obesity.
Another way to determine the degree of obesity is to calculate the Body Mass Index, BMI=weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters squared). Individuals with BMI > 40 kg/m2are considered to have
clinically severe obesity.
Causes of Obesity
The underlying causes of severe obesity are not known. There are many factors that contribute to the development of obesity including hereditary, metabolic and eating disorders as well as environmental
factors. There are certain medical conditions that may result in obesity such as intake of steroids and hypothyroidism.
Since we do not fully understand the basis of obesity, a specific treatment (like antibiotics for infection) has not been possible. Hence, we have been treating the problems that arise from obesity but not its cause.
Ideal body weight is calculated based on height. In general, individuals who weigh twice their ideal body
weight or at least 100 lbs. (45.5 kg) above ideal body weight are considered to have clinically severe obesity.
Another way to determine the degree of obesity is to calculate the Body Mass Index, BMI=weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters squared). Individuals with BMI > 40 kg/m2are considered to have
clinically severe obesity.
Causes of Obesity
The underlying causes of severe obesity are not known. There are many factors that contribute to the development of obesity including hereditary, metabolic and eating disorders as well as environmental
factors. There are certain medical conditions that may result in obesity such as intake of steroids and hypothyroidism.
Since we do not fully understand the basis of obesity, a specific treatment (like antibiotics for infection) has not been possible. Hence, we have been treating the problems that arise from obesity but not its cause.
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