Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

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Obesity

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Morbid obesity; Fat - obese

Definition    Return to top

Obesity is a term used to describe body weight that is much greater than what is considered healthy. If you are obese, you have a much higher amount of body fat than lean muscle mass.

Adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 but less than 30 are considered overweight.

Adults with a BMI greater than 30 are considered obese.

Anyone more than 100 pounds overweight or with a BMI greater than 40 is considered morbidly obese.

Causes    Return to top

Rates of obesity are climbing. The percentage of children who are overweight has doubled in the last 20 years. The percentage of adolescents who are obese has tripled in the last 20 years.

Consuming more calories than you burn leads to being overweight and, eventually, obesity. The body stores unused calories as fat. Obesity can be the result of:

Certain thyroid problems may also lead to signficant weight gain. Genetic factors play some part in the development of obesity -- children of obese parents are 10 times more likely to be obese than children with parents of normal weight.

Obesity is a significant health threat. The extra weight puts unusual stress on all parts of the body. It raises your risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, and gallbladder disease. Conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which were once thought to mainly affect adults, are often seen in children who are obese. Obesity may also increase the risk for some types of cancer. Persons who are obese are more likely to develop osteoarthritis and sleep apnea.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, eating habits, and exercise routine.

Skin fold measurements may be taken to check your body composition.

Blood tests may be done to look for thyroid or endocrine problems, which could lead to weight gain.

Treatment    Return to top

DIET AND EXERCISE

A combination of dieting and exercise (when you stick to it) appears to work better than either one alone. Sticking to a weight reduction program is difficult and requires a lot of support from family and friends.

When dieting, your main goal should be to learn new, healthy ways of eating and make them a part of your everyday routine. Work with your doctor and nutritionist to set realistic, safe daily calorie counts that assure both weight loss and good nutrition. Remember that if you drop pounds slowly and steadily, you are more likely to keep them off. Your nutritionist can teach you about healthy food choices, appropriate portion sizes, and new ways to prepare food.

Even modest weight loss can improve your health. For most people, weight can be lost by eating a healthier diet, exercising more, and adopting new behaviors such as keeping a food diary, avoiding food triggers, and thinking positively.

The decision to keep fit requires a lifelong commitment of time and effort. Patience is essential. You should always check with your health care provider before you begin any new form of exercise.

Several simple behavioral changes can have an impact on your weight loss success:

Exercise can also help control some of the diseases associated with obesity, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Exercise is also a major mood lifter, a great way to increase energy, and will help strengthen your bones.

MEDICATIONS AND HERBAL REMEDIES

There are many over-the-counter diet products. Most do not work and some can be dangerous. Before using one, talk to your health care provider.

Several prescription weight loss drugs are available. Such medicines include subutramine (Meridia) and orlistat (Xenical). Ask your health care provider if these are right for you.

While weight loss drugs in general have shown some benefit, the overall weight loss achieved is generally limited. In addition, people will usually regain the weight when they discontinue the medication, unless they have made lasting lifestyle changes.

SURGERY

Surgery may be an option for persons who are morbidly obese and who cannot lose weight using other methods. Weight loss surgery, such as placing adjustable bands around the stomach and gastric bypass surgery, can significantly improve weight and health in the right candidate. Talk to your doctor to learn if this is a good option for you.

Support Groups    Return to top

Many people find it easier to follow a diet and exercise program if they join a group of people with similar problems.

See: Eating disorders - support group

Possible Complications    Return to top

Medical problems commonly resulting from untreated obesity and morbid obesity include:

Obesity can lead to a gradual decrease in the level of oxygen in your blood, a condition called hypoxemia. Persons who are obese may temporarily stop breathing while asleep (sleep apnea). Decreased blood oxygen levels and sleep apnea may cause a person to feel sleepy during the day. The conditions may also lead to high blood pressure and pulmonary hypertension. In extreme cases, especially when left untreated, this can lead to right-sided heart failure and ultimately death.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Schedule an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child are obese or gaining weight at an extremely rapid rate. Remember that catching the problem early is much simpler than trying to fix it after the person has gained an excessive amount of weight.

Prevention    Return to top

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent weight gain. Increase your daily activity. Take the stairs rather than the elevator, or walk instead of driving (when possible).

See also:

References    Return to top

DeMaria EJ. Bariatric surgery for morbid obesity. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(21): 2176-2183.

Gardner CD, Kiazand A, Alhassan S, et al. Comparison of the Atkins, Zone, Ornish, and LEARN diets for change in weight and related risk factors among overweight premenopausal women: the A TO Z Weight Loss Study: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2007;297(9): 969-977.

Hughes AR, Stewart L, Chapple J, et al. Randomized, controlled trial of a best-practice individualized behavioral program for treatment of childhood overweight: Scottish Childhood Overweight Treatment Trial (SCOTT). Pediatrics. 2008;121(3):e539-546.

Thompson WG, Cook DA, Clark MM, et al. Treatment of obesity. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82(1):93-101

Svetke, LP, Stevens VJ, Brantley PJ, et al. Comparison of strategies for sustaining weight loss: the weight loss maintenance randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2008;299(10):1139-48.

Lichtenstein AH, Appel LJ, Brands M, et al. Diet and lifestyle recommendations revision 2006: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee. Circulation. 2006;114:82-96.

Kaplan LM, Klein S, Boden G, Brenner DA, Gostout CJ, Lavine JE, Popkin BM, Schirmer BD, Seeley RJ, Yanovski SZ, Cominelli F. Report of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Obesity Task Force. Gastroenterology. 2007;132(6):2272-5.

Tsai WS, Inge TH, Burd RS. Bariatric surgery in adolescents: recent national trends in use and in-hospital outcome. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161(3):217-21.

Update Date: 9/7/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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