Obesity is a rapidly increasing lifestyle disease worldwide. It is easily manageable, preventable and treatable disease. Obesity is a medical condition that occurs when a person carries excess weight. In Obesity disease, people have an excess amount of body fat. Obesity is not only a cosmetic problem because it increases risk of many severe health issues such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Body mass index (BMI) is a most effective method to determine obesity. Generally, obesity occurs when person consumes more calories and burns less calories by exercises as well as daily activities. A Body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater suggests that a person have Obesity. Today not only adults but also children are suffering from obesity problem.
Dr Sudhindra Kulkarni is a well experienced, skillful Diabetologist and Endocrinologist in Andheri, Mumbai. He is an expert in the treatment of Obesity diseases. Dr Sudhindra Kulkarni is also one of the most proficient Diabetes specialist doctor in Andheri, Mumbai.
Symptoms of Obesity
Obesity symptoms affect daily life. Most common symptoms of obesity include:
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Fatigue or tiredness everyday
- Pot belly
- Increased sweating
- Inability to cope with sudden physical activity
- Low confidence
- Feeling isolated
Causes of Obesity
Obesity is a genetic disease. A faulty gene called as fat-mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is responsible for some cases of obesity. Family history of obesity can also cause obesity in the upcoming generations.
Obesity tends to run in families. If one or both of parents are obese then the risk of obesity is increases. Family members also share similar eating and activity habits.
Inactivity is one of the major causes of Obesity. Many children are suffering from obesity disease due to the lack of physical activities such playing on playground. Physical activities help body to burn maximum calories. With a sedentary lifestyle, people can easily take in more calories every day than they burn through exercise and routine daily activities. Some medical problems like arthritis and other joint bone problems affect the physical activities which contribute to weight gain.
- Unhealthy Diet
Unhealthy diet majorly increases the risk of obesity. Today many children are eating fast foods frequently. The unhealthy diet contains high cholesterol as well as high calories which increases unwanted fat in the body.
- Medical Problems
In some people, obesity can also occur due to various medical problems such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome and other joint bone diseases.
- Certain Medications
Some medications can lead to weight gain. These medications include some antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, diabetes medications, antipsychotic medications, steroids and beta blockers.
Obesity can occur at any age, even in young children. As the age increases, hormonal changes affect metabolism and a less active lifestyle increase the risk of obesity. In addition, the amount of muscle in the body tends to decrease with the growing age. This lowered muscle mass leads to decrease in metabolism. These changes also reduce the need of calories for the body. Hence it is necessary to control eating habits as well as to perform more physical activities otherwise it would contribute in weight gain.
During pregnancy, a woman’s weight necessarily increases. Some women get difficulties to lose excess weight after the baby is born. This weight gain also contributes to the development of obesity in women.
- Lack of Sleep
Enough sleep is very necessary for the healthy life. Not getting enough sleep or getting too much sleep can cause hormonal changes that increase the appetite. People eat foods high in calories and carbohydrates which can contribute to weight gain.
Complications of Obesity
Obesity develops a number of potentially serious health problems including:
- High triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Metabolic syndrome (a combination of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol)
- Heart diseases
- Cancer such as cancer of the uterus, cervix, endometrium, ovaries, breast, colon, rectum, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney and prostate
- Breathing disorders like sleep apnea
- Gallbladder disease
- Gynecological problems such as infertility and irregular periods
- Erectile dysfunction and sexual health issues
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Quality of Life
Most of the time obese people experience social discrimination. It affects their social life. Many times obese people avoid public places or participating in social functions.
Other weight-related issues affecting quality of life include:
- Sexual problems
- Shame and guilt
- Social isolation
- Lower work achievement
Diagnosis of Obesity
If BMI is above the standard range then doctor performs some physical exams and recommends tests. Major
diagnosis methods include:
- Calculating Body Mass Index (BMI)
- General physical exam includes checking signs such as heart rate, blood pressure
- Checking health history
- Measuring waist circumference
- Blood test including cholesterol test, liver function tests, fasting glucose, thyroid test and others
Treatment of Obesity
The main goal of obesity treatment is to achieve a healthy weight. Important treatment types include:
- Dietary Changes
Obese people should strictly avoid eating unhealthy foods. Reducing calories and practicing healthier eating habits are vital to overcome obesity. Obese people should have realistic approach. People should eat green vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grain carbohydrates regularly. Overweight people should avoid salty foods and added sugar foods. Closely monitoring calories is essential to achieve the desired goal of weight loss programs. Artificial sugar-sweetened beverages contain huge calories hence obese people should drink theses beverages in moderate to avoid calories.
- Exercise and Activity
Physical activities and exercises are essential to reduce weight. Obese people should regularly perform physical activities and exercises such as jogging, walking, cycling, running and other daily activities. Daily physical activities and exercises prevent weight gain and help to maintain a healthy weight.
- Weight Loss Medications
Losing weight requires a healthy diet and regular exercise. But in certain situations, doctor prescribes medicines to reduce weight if other methods are failed. Obese people should keep in mind that, weight lossmedicines work best only with exercises and healthy diet.
- Behavior Changes
Positive behavior changes are very important to reduce excess weight. Counseling is very helpful in increasing the confidence of obese people to reduce weight. Obese people can also take help of support groups. Counseling therapy is helpful to understand reason of overeating. In counseling sessions, obese people not only learn healthy ways to cope with anxiety but also learn how to monitor diet as well as activities.
- Weight Loss Surgery
If exercises, physical activities and diet control methods failed to reduce weight then doctor performs weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery is also known as Bariatric surgery. Today, doctor performs weight loss surgery by Laparoscopic technique. The Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is the most advanced and risk free weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery is more suitable for obese person whose BMI is above 40. Other weight loss surgeries include Gastric bypass surgery, Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and Gastric sleeve.
Dr Sudhindra Kulkarni is a well known Diabetologist and Endocrinologist in Andheri, Mumbai. He is a specialist in the Hormonal imbalance diseases. Dr Sudhindra Kulkarni’s Glands Clinic in Andheri, Mumbai is a well equipped with advanced medical techniques to provide all types of treatments to diabetes and other Hormonal diseases. Dr Sudhindra Kulkarni has a comprehensive knowledge of hormonal imbalance diseases. He has a good experience about procedures involved in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes as well as other Hormonal diseases.