Obesity is a complex disease that occurs when body fat mass rises above normal levels. Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem, it is a medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers.
The degree of body fat is defined by the Body Mass Index (BMI) criterion.
BMI is calculated by dividing body weight (kg) by height (m) squared:
Weight status—– BMI
Slim—— <18.5
Normal—– 18.5-24.9
Overweight—– 25.0-29.9
Obese—— ≥30.0
1st degree——————- 30-34.9
2nd degree——————- 35-39.9
3rd degree (Morbid obese)—– ≥40
BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat, but directly It does not measure body fat, so it may cause an erroneous assessment in some people, such as muscular athletes. In addition, since it may not correspond to the same degree of obesity in different individuals, it is useful to measure the waist circumference of the person for a more accurate assessment. Weight-related health problems are more common in men with a waist circumference of more than 102 cm and in women with a waist circumference of more than 89 cm. seen in the region. Overweight and obesity cause more deaths worldwide than underweight.
PROBLEMS CAUSED BY OBESITY
A number of potentially serious health problems can develop in association with obesity:
Heart disease and stroke. Obesity makes you more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
Type 2 diabetes. Obesity increases the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes by affecting the way the body uses insulin to control blood sugar levels.
Some cancers. Obesity of the uterus, cervix, endometrium, ovaries , breast, colon, rectum, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, and prostate cancer may increase the risk.
Digestive problems. Obesity, reflux, gallbladder disease and liver increases the likelihood of developing problems.
Sleep apnea. Obesity is more likely to have sleep apnea.
Severe symptoms of COVID-19. Obesity increases the risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease.
Obesity can reduce overall quality of life. You may not be able to do physical activities that you used to enjoy. You can avoid public places. People with obesity may even face discrimination.
Other weight-related issues that can affect your quality of life include:
Depression
Shame and guilt
Social isolation
Lower job success
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