How is Obesity Treated?

Obesity is not merely an aesthetic problem; it is a chronic disease that carries serious health risks. Rapidly increasing obesity rates worldwide lead to significant consequences at individual and societal levels. Obesity, which reduces quality of life, is a condition that must be treated.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a health problem that arises when a person consumes more calories than their body expends, and it is defined by a body mass index (BMI) of over 30. A body mass index that is not appropriate for a person's height and body structure is considered obesity. This condition does not only mean weight gain; it is characterized by fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area and internal organs.

What are the Symptoms of Obesity?

• Significant fat accumulation around the waist
• Sleep apnea, snoring, and difficulty breathing during sleep
• Excessive and continuous sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty performing physical activities
• Constant feeling of fatigue and weakness
• Skin rashes, acne, and infections
• Joint and back pains
• Leg pains due to excessive weight
• Psychological problems such as depression and social isolation
• Intolerance to hot weather

What Causes Obesity?

• Excessive and unhealthy eating habits
• Insufficient physical activity
• Age, gender, education level, socio-cultural structure, and income level
• Hormonal and metabolic factors
• Genetic predisposition and psychological factors
• Very low-calorie diets applied at frequent intervals
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Use of certain medications such as antidepressants
• High number of births and short birth intervals
• Insufficient breast milk intake

How is Obesity Diagnosed?

Obesity is generally diagnosed by calculating a person's Body Mass Index (BMI) and through physical examination. During the diagnostic process, the individual's height and weight measurements are used to determine their BMI, and obesity classification is made based on this result.

In the evaluation of obesity, weight alone is not sufficient. Waist circumference measurement is also considered an important criterion. Especially, fat accumulation in the abdominal area is taken into account during diagnosis as it is associated with serious health risks.

In some patients, additional tests may be requested to identify metabolic problems accompanying obesity. Blood tests performed in this context examine blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. The data obtained helps evaluate the overall health effects of obesity.

How is Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculated?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a practical method used to assess weight status in adults. This calculation is done by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

The formula is as follows:

BMI = Weight (kg) / Height² (m²)

18.5 – 24.9: Normal weight

25 – 29.9: Overweight

30 and above: Obese

How is Obesity Treated?

-Healthy and Medical Nutrition: The first option in obesity treatment is medical nutrition. How many calories are taken from which food sources and how often should be planned individually. The program should be prepared by a dietitian to suit the individual's lifestyle.

-Exercising: Applying only a diet plan is not sufficient in obesity treatment. It is important for the person to be aware of nutrition, to be able to be flexible, and to make this routine a part of their life. In addition to the diet, correct and regular exercise is one of the fundamental elements of the treatment process. Physical activity not only increases calorie burning but also contributes to a healthier metabolism.

-Hormone Therapy: The balanced functioning of hormones plays a critical role in the development of obesity. The transmission of hunger and satiety signals to the brain, the metabolism of sugars, proteins, and fats in consumed foods, and responses to exercise or stress are under hormonal control. Disruption of hormonal balance can lead to weight gain. In such cases, treating the underlying endocrine problem with medication or surgical methods can help with weight control.

-Utilizing Obesity Surgery: Obesity surgery is an option considered when other treatment methods have not yielded results. While the success rate with diet and exercise may be limited in some patients, the success rate with surgical methods is higher. Surgical intervention aims not only to improve aesthetic appearance but also to enhance quality of life. Achieving permanent weight loss is crucial to reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, psychological problems, and sleep apnea.

What Diseases Does Obesity Cause?

• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension
• High blood lipids and cholesterol
• Fatty liver
• Arteriosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases
• Joint disorders and restricted movement
• Sleep apnea
• Ovarian cysts in women and associated menstrual irregularities
• Excessive hair growth
• Buried penis and hormonal problems in male children
• Depression
• Certain types of cancer

How to Prevent Obesity?

• Expert support should be sought to lose excess weight and achieve healthy weight management.
• Physical activity should be increased.
• Long-shelf-life, high-calorie, and ready-to-eat foods should be avoided.
• Processed sugar consumption should be limited, and daily salt intake should be monitored.
• Healthy cooking methods should be preferred.
• Plenty of water should be consumed.
• Meals should be eaten slowly and with control.
• Attention should be paid to fat consumption, especially saturated fats should be reduced as much as possible.
• Food diversity should be ensured, and all food groups should be utilized in a balanced way.
• Vegetables and fruits should be consumed in season.
• Alcohol consumption should be avoided.