Obesity is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that presents a risk to health. It is one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century, affecting individuals of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and geographical regions. As per the World Obesity Atlas report (2024), it is expected that by the year 2035, 1/4th of the world population will be living with obesity. There will be estimated global economic impact of 4.32 trillion for the same. The report is alarming worldwide, including in India. Data shows that India is the 19th lowest country for obesity in women and the 21st lowest for men. However, obesity among children in India is increasing rapidly. Statistics from 2022 indicate that around 1.25 crore children aged 5 to 19 years are overweight compared to normal. This number was 40 lakhs in 1990. As we suffer from the Global Obesity Crisis, World Obesity Day (March 04, 2024) serves as a reminder of the pressing need to address the escalating rates of obesity worldwide. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Let’s Talk About Obesity.
How do we Know about obesity?
The diagnosis of overweight and obesity is made by measuring people’s weight and height and by calculating the body mass index (BMI): weight (kg)/height² (m²).
Source: Calculator.net
Source: WHO
Causes of Obesity
In most cases, obesity is a multifactorial disease, but primarily overweight and obesity results from an imbalance of energy intake (diet) and energy expenditure (physical activity) leading to common health consequences.
Alongside certain health condition may also lead to weight gain and subsequent Obesity” Medical condition include’
Metabolic Disease: a group of risk factors that include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high levels of triglycerides, low levels of HDL cholesterol, and excess fat around your waist.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that causes an imbalance of hormones called androgens.
Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare condition present at birth that causes excessive hunger
Cushing syndrome, a condition caused by having high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the system.
Hypothyroidism a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain important hormones.
Osteoarthritis (OA) and other conditions that cause pain that may lead to reduced activity.
Symptoms of Obesity
There are no specific symptoms associated with obesity. A doctor may diagnose obesity based on the following factors:
- Excess amounts of abdominal (visceral) fat that are higher than the amounts of body fat in other areas
- a waist circumference of greater than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women
- BMI above 30
Symptoms of Obesity in Adults may include
Medical Complication of Obesity
“Obesity affects every organ system in the body”, If Obesity is not controlled, the same may lead to serious medical complications in adults and children. The most common complications in adults are Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Sleep Apnea, Breathlessness, and cancer
Management of Obesity
There is a famous saying “Prevention is better than cure”- It’s not just a quote but it is about “health” and “Disease prevention.
There are some medications used for managing obesity. Six weight-loss drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use: Most prescription weight-loss drugs work by making an Individual feel less hungry or fuller. Medication has been taken, only advised by qualified registered medical practitioner as weight loss medication has mild to moderate side effects.
- Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
Non-Medicinal treatment includes Lifestyle modification which has been detailed below.
Obesity and Insurance Claim (India)
Routine treatment for Obesity treatment is not covered under any health insurance policy. Only Bariatric Surgery for the management of Morbid Obesity is covered that fulfils the following condition
- Surgery to be conducted is upon the advice of the Doctor
- The surgery/Procedure conducted should be supported by clinical protocols
- The member has to be 18 years of age or older and
- Body Mass Index (BMI);
- greater than or equal to 40 or
- greater than or equal to 35 in conjunction with any of the following severe comorbidities following failure of less invasive methods of weight loss:
- Obesity-related cardiomyopathy
- Coronary heart disease
- Severe Sleep Apnea
- Uncontrolled Type2 Diabetes
By understanding the causes of obesity, adopting a multi-faceted approach, and implementing healthy dietary changes, We can achieve and maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity-related complications Not to forget, obesity management is a lifelong journey, not a destination, so we need to focus on progress, not perfection, towards enhancing the quality of life.
#WorldObesityDay, #WalkforWOD, #Obesity, #MorbidObesity, #Obesityinindia, #Obesitydietplan, #Obesitytreatment, #Obesitycomplications, #obesitymanagement
Source
https://www.worldobesityday.org/
https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/gc8fPr6ZVWw27
https://www.who.int/india/Campaigns/and/events/world-obesity-day