OBESITY

What is obesity?
Obesity is a complex chronic medical condition where a person carries an excessive amount of body fat that can lead to health complications such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain cancers.

In some cases, obesity can be genetically influenced or related to medical issues such as Prader-Willi syndrome, a condition that results in an increased appetite, or Cushing syndrome, a condition where the body is unable to break down calories. Other contributing factors to weight gain may include hypothyroidism or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Hypothyroidism can leave you with a slow metabolism because crucial hormones aren't being produced. Polycystic ovarian syndrome involves irregular ovulation in women that can also lead to weight gain. Diabetes can also contribute to obesity because the condition often leaves you with an increased appetite.

What are the symptoms?

• Excessive body fat
• Excessive abdominal fat
• Extreme back pain
• Joint pain
• Shortness of breath
• High BMI
• Excessive sweating
• Fatigue

Adults and children of any age are at risk of becoming obese, depending on their food intake and physical exercise routine.

How can obesity be treated and managed?

Management of obesity is vital to prevent further health complications. Managing and treating obesity requires multimodal approach addressing diet, lifestyle, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery.