In its simplest definition, obesity is excessive fat accumulation in the body. As in almost all over the world, its frequency has gradually increased in our country and has become an important health problem. There are approximately 20 million obese people in our country. Bursa is one of the cities where obesity is most common in our country. The development of obesity may be caused by some genetic and hormonal diseases. However, in general, the main causes of obesity are inactivity and unhealthy diet. If the calories taken in are more than the calories spent through daily activity, the body stores these excess calories as fat. Body mass index, used in the diagnosis of obesity, is calculated by dividing the body weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters. If the body mass index is 25 kg/m2 and above, the person is defined as overweight, and if it is 30kg/m2 and above, the person is defined as obese. Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist Dr. Pınar Şişman gave information about the subject.
Obese people have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer. Gallbladder disorders, fatty liver disease, infertility, respiratory disorders, varicose veins and bone joint problems may occur. In addition to all these problems, obesity can reduce the quality of life by causing depression, sexual problems, shame and guilt. As a result, the person may develop low work success and detachment from social life.
The treatment of obesity includes diet, exercise, behavioral changes, medications and surgical treatments. The indispensable part of treatment is the appropriate adjustment in eating habits and physical activity. Diet programs should be appropriate to the person's age, physical activity and lifestyle, and should be planned to change eating habits in the long term. Diet programs that require a lot of expense and preparation and are not suitable for the person's taste should be avoided. Physical activity should be increased gradually, planned according to the individual. Fast-paced walking, cycling and swimming are the most recommended exercises.
In addition to diet and exercise recommendations, drug treatments should be used effectively when necessary, taking into account the person's weight, age, additional diseases and the risks of obesity. It is being done. These drugs have effects that suppress appetite or reduce fat absorption from the intestines by acting on the appetite center in the brain. However, it must be started and followed by trained specialist physicians. It should be known that medicines, herbal products and slimming teas that are not approved by the Ministry of Health and whose contents are not fully known may cause serious health problems.
Body mass index is 40 kg/m2 and above or 35 kg/m2 and above and type 2. Surgical treatment may be considered in people with obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and severe hypertension. In patients planned for surgery, it should be investigated before surgery whether obesity is due to genetic or hormonal diseases. Rapid weight loss after the operation may lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. In the presence of additional diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, drug doses may need to be reduced or discontinued. Endocrinology follow-up must be done to avoid post-operative health problems and to prevent weight gain.
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