The Facts About Obesity

Obesity is a complex disease that goes far beyond aesthetic ideals. It's a medical issue that risks major health diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

Obesity is a medical problem that increases the risk of other health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. More than 2 in 5 adults (about 42.4 percent) in the United States are obese, and 1 in 11 adults have severe obesity, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Obesity occurs when your body fat level is too high. Being extremely overweight is linked to a shorter life span and a lower quality of life, including physical restrictions, body pain and exhaustion.

If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or greater, you are considered obese. BMI is measured by taking your weight in pounds and dividing that number by the square of your height in feet.

Obesity is diagnosed with body mass index, a calculation of an individual's weight in relation to their height. Other diagnostic measures include:

• Screening tests, such as ultrasounds and computed tomography (CT) scans
• Skinfold thickness tests
• Waist-to-hip comparisons

Your doctor may order tests to help diagnose health risks associated with obesity. These may include:

• Bloodwork to examine cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• Diabetes screening
• Heart tests, such as an electrocardiogram
• Liver function tests
• Thyroid tests

Obesity has a variety of causes. Consuming more calories than necessary on a regular basis leads to obesity. Those extra calories are turned into body fat, over time turning into weight gain. Your weight decreases when you consume fewer calories than your body uses. This equation, however, does not take into consideration the wide range of variables that impact our eating habits, exercise routines and how our bodies use all this energy.

Medical causes of obesity can include:

• Cushing's syndrome. A condition where the adrenal glands (located on top of the kidneys) produce too much of a steroid called cortisol.
• Arthritis. Arthritis can impede a person's ability to exercise and burn calories, and can contribute to weight gain. On the flip side, obesity can lead to early arthritis due to the burden of extra weight and force on the joints.
• Hypothyroidism. A condition where the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone, affecting metabolism.

Research indicates a genetic contribution for some individuals. Some hereditary disorders and mental illnesses might also result in excessive weight gain. Steroids, antidepressants, antipsychotics, blood pressure medications and seizure medications might increase body weight as well.

Common signs and symptoms of obesity include:

• Excess body fat
• Back pain
• Excessive sweating
• Inability to perform basic physical tasks
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the joints
• Psychological issues, including depression, shame and low self-esteem
• Skin problems
• Snoring

Many of the complications of obesity can reduce your quality of life and shorten your life span. These complications include but are not limited to the following:

• Gallbladder disease
• Gout
• Heart disease
• Heartburn
• Liver disease and liver problems
• Metabolic syndrome
• Osteoarthritis
• Reproductive system disorders
• Skin disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes
• Urinary incontinence

In addition to the conditions mentioned above, obesity can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as cancers of the colon, kidney, esophagus, breasts and endometrium (the lining of the uterus). Obese people may have more risks with surgery due to decreased skin access, decreased hemostasis (the process of stopping bleeding), delay in wound healing and increased wound infection.

Obesity may also carry mental health risks due to public stigma, including low self-esteem, depression, increased irritability and embarrassment.

In regard to sexual health, obesity tends to take a greater toll on men than women. In men, obesity impacts both hormones and prostate health.

Obese men can experience some of the following sexual health effects:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Decreased fertility
• Higher incidence of prostate cancer
• Kidney stones
• Low testosterone

A large, cross-sectional study found obesity in woman was associated with lower rates of sexual activity. Obese women who engage in sexual activity demonstrated lower levels of sexual function across the majority of sexual function domains, including arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, orgasm and pain, as well as higher levels of sexually related mental distress.

Obesity can have a detrimental effect on your sex life by reducing your libido and making it more difficult to have an orgasm or enjoy sex.

Obesity leads to higher amounts of a group of proteins called globulin, which binds to testosterone and reduces its ability to arouse desire and results in higher levels of body fat. People who are obese typically have less energy or stamina, which can interfere with sexual performance.

Obese individuals are more likely to suffer from depression and high blood pressure, and medications used to treat these ailments can affect libido.

Obesity is one of the primary risk factors of having erectile dysfunction, or the consistent inability to have an erection rigid enough for sexual intercourse. This risk comes from hormonal imbalance, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, physical inactivity and various psychological factors that all come from excess weight.

Certain conditions related to obesity, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol and diabetes, can contribute to erectile dysfunction. High blood pressure, for example, can lead to abnormal penile blood flow.

Losing weight through healthy eating, increased physical activity and making other modifications to your regular routines, such as improving sleep and reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, are common therapies for obesity.

Some people may benefit from weight-management programs for weight loss or preventing weight gain. For others who are unable to maintain their weight loss or drop enough weight to enhance their health, a physician might think about incorporating other therapies, such as weight-loss drugs, weight-loss devices or bariatric surgery.

People living with obesity experience significant weight stigma, both in social and healthcare settings. The narrative in our society is that obesity is the result of an individual's laziness and gluttony, so the treatment is thought to simply be "eat less and move more." This attitude leads to patients receiving less effective management of their obesity or related health conditions.

Research confirms this stereotype is not accurate, as many of the factors contributing to obesity are beyond the control of some people. The stigma of obesity causes many people to suffer stress and depression, which can lead to a vicious cycle of continued weight gain.

Obesity has a significant impact on your lifestyle, including psychological and social concerns.

It is a challenging condition to live with because of the numerous physical issues and restrictions that come with obesity. In addition to finding it difficult to move around, people who are significantly obese frequently find it nearly impossible to engage in any activity. Walking even short distances can be very uncomfortable for many obese people due to breathing difficulties, foot pain and back pain.

Obese people may experience physical issues that require them to take numerous medications and see a doctor frequently. These drugs may interact dangerously and lead to further health issues, in addition to being quite expensive.

Obese people also go through complex moral discomfort. In the Western world, being thin is considered the standard, and therefore, obese people face difficulties in public. Obese people are extremely vulnerable and, unfortunately, the treatments that are offered rarely address their unique challenges.

What are the three types of obesity?

Healthcare providers classify obesity into class types using BMI. If your BMI is between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m², you are considered overweight, and 30 and above is considered obese. The three general classes of obesity that doctors use to evaluate what treatments may work best for each individual are as follows:

• Class I obesity:BMI 30 to less than 35
• Class II obesity:BMI 35 to less than 40
• Class III obesity:BMI 40 and higher

What is the main cause of obesity?

Obesity is a complex disorder that has both genetic and environmental factors. However, most researchers believe the main cause of obesity is an energy imbalance between consumed calories (food you eat) and expended calories (calories you burn).

What are the best activities to help with obesity?

For help with obesity, experts recommend regular exercise, meaning at least 30 minutes of activity five times each week. Most types of physical activity can help obese people lose weight. Some of the best activities for maintaining a healthy weight for people with a genetic link to obesity are jogging, power walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, yoga and Pilates. Weightlifting and strengthening activities build muscle mass, which can increase the energy that the body burns throughout the day, making it easier to lose weight.