obesity

Obesity is a complex disease characterized by having too much body fat, which can lead to various health problems. It is not just a cosmetic concern but a serious medical issue that can inflict substantial harm to a person's health.

Definition and Prevalence

Obesity is typically defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher in adults. According to the World Health Organization, approximately one-third of the global population is overweight or obese. In the UK, it's estimated that around 1 in every 4 adults and around 1 in every 5 children aged 10-11 are obese.

Causes and Effects

Obesity is influenced by various factors, including genetics, diet, physical activity level, and overall lifestyle. It can lead to a range of health problems, such as:

• Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders
• Certain types of cancer, like breast, colon, and kidney cancer
• Osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal issues

Key Statistics

According to recent data, 23 states in the US had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%. The prevalence varies by several factors, including age, sex, and socioeconomic status.

Medications and Treatment

While there are no specific medications for obesity, certain drugs may be prescribed to treat related health conditions. For example, proton pump inhibitors, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, and SSRI antidepressants were among the top prescribed medications during a healthcare provider visit in 2023.

Sources:

• [1] Obesity is commonly defined as having too much body fat. A BMI of 30 or higher is the usual benchmark for obesity in adults.
• [2] Jul 22, 2023 — Obesity is a complex disease involving having too much body fat. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It's a medical problem that ...
• [4] Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that can inflict substantial harm to a person's health. Learn about obesity causes and obesity health effects.
• [5] Mar 1, 2024 — Overview. Overweight is a condition of excessive fat deposits. Obesity is a chronic complex disease defined by excessive fat deposits that can ...
• [7] The term obese describes a person who has excess body fat. In the UK it's estimated that around 1 in every 4 adults and around 1 in every 5 children aged 10 ...
• [8] Obesity is a long-term (chronic) health condition that progresses over time. Obesity is defined by excess body fat (adipose tissue) that may impair health.
• [9] 23 states had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%. Prevalence varied by several factors. ... Obesity is influenced by many factors, including health ...
• [10] Drugs prescribed at visit: | male | female | all anorexiants | 16% | 31% | 27% CNS stimulants | 16% | 30% | 26% proton pump inhibitors | 12% | 5.8% | 7.6% HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors | 13% | 5% | 7.3% SSRI antidepressants | 4.9% | 7.1% | 6.5% (up to 8 drugs prescribed or renewed during a health care provider visit; data may not include preexisting drug regimens)

Obesity is a complex condition characterized by an excess amount of body fat, which can lead to various health problems. The signs and symptoms of obesity can vary from person to person, but here are some common indicators:

• Visible excessive weight: This is the most obvious sign of obesity, where individuals have a significant amount of body fat, particularly around the waist, hips, and thighs [8].
• Excess body fat around the waist: Obesity often leads to an increase in fat cells around the abdominal area, which can be a clear indicator of the condition [1], [5].
• Shortness of breath: As obesity puts additional stress on the body, individuals may experience shortness of breath, especially during physical activities or exertion [2], [6].
• Sweating more than usual: Obesity can lead to excessive sweating due to the increased metabolic rate and heat retention in the body [3].
• Snoring: Snoring is a common symptom of obesity, particularly in children and adults, as excess weight can cause the airways to narrow, leading to snoring sounds during sleep [2], [6].
• Trouble sleeping: Obesity can disrupt sleep patterns due to discomfort, pain, or breathing difficulties, making it challenging for individuals to get quality rest [3].
• Back and/or joint pains: The excess weight can put additional stress on the joints and spine, leading to back and joint pains [4], [5].
• Fatigue: Obesity can cause fatigue due to the body's increased energy expenditure to maintain its weight, making it difficult for individuals to perform physical tasks or activities [5].

It is essential to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and may not be present in all cases of obesity. If you suspect someone has obesity, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and guidance on managing the condition.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8

Obesity can be diagnosed using various tests, which help determine the severity of excess body fat and its impact on overall health.

Common Diagnostic Tests for Obesity

• Body Mass Index (BMI): BMI is a widely used measurement to assess weight status. It calculates an individual's weight in kilograms divided by their height in meters squared ([4][5]). A BMI of 30 or higher is generally considered obese.
• Waist-to-Hip Ratio: This test measures the ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference, which can indicate increased risk for health problems associated with obesity ([7]).
• Body Fat Measurements: Direct measurements of body fat using techniques such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or hydrostatic weighing can provide accurate assessments of body composition ([8]).

Other Diagnostic Tests

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): An ECG is used to detect signs of heart disease, which may be associated with obesity ([3]).
• Abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning: This imaging test measures visceral fat volume, providing a more accurate assessment of body fat distribution ([6]).

Important Considerations

While these tests can help diagnose obesity and related health issues, it's essential to note that BMI has limitations in accurately measuring body composition. Other factors such as muscle mass and bone density can influence BMI results, making it less reliable for certain individuals ([9]).

References:

[1] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9

Treatment Options for Obesity

Obesity can be treated through a combination of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and medication. The FDA has approved several medications to help with weight loss.

• Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): This medication works by reducing the absorption of fat from food in the intestine [1].
• Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): This combination medication suppresses appetite and increases feelings of fullness [6].
• Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave): This medication reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness, making it easier to stick to a weight loss diet [6].
• Liraglutide (Saxenda): This medication is an injectable form of liraglutide that helps reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness [2].
• Tirzepatide (Zepbound): This medication works by reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness, making it easier to stick to a weight loss diet [3].
• Semaglutide (Wegovy): This medication is an injectable form of semaglutide that helps reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness [5].

Other Medications

In addition to these FDA-approved medications, other medications have been studied for their potential in treating obesity. These include:

• Setmelanotide: This medication has been approved for weight management in patients with rare genetic conditions [7].
• Phentermine: This medication is an appetite suppressant that can be used as a short-term solution for weight loss [9].

Important Notes

It's essential to note that these medications should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They may not work for everyone, and their effects may vary from person to person [8]. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are still an essential part of any weight loss plan.

References: [1] - Context 1 [2] - Context 2 [3] - Context 3 [5] - Context 5 [6] - Context 6 [7] - Context 7 [8] - Context 8

Differential Diagnosis of Obesity

Obesity is a complex condition that can have various underlying causes, making differential diagnosis essential for effective management and treatment. Here are some potential secondary causes of obesity:

• Endocrine disorders: Certain hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism [9], growth hormone deficiency in adults [3], or Cushing's syndrome, can contribute to weight gain.
• Metabolic risks: Conditions like diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and venous thromboembolism are more common in obese individuals [8].
• Growth-related disorders: In children and adolescents, obesity may be a symptom of growth hormone deficiency or other endocrinopathies [4, 7].
• Nutritional origin: Exogenous obesity due to nutritional factors is a diagnosis of exclusion, requiring consideration of underlying endocrinopathies [4].

Common comorbidities

Obese patients are at higher risk for various health issues, including:

• Stroke
• Osteoarthritis
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Chronic liver disease
• Infertility

Initial assessment

When evaluating obese patients, clinicians should first assess for underlying diseases, such as monogenetic or syndromic disorders [2]. This may involve a clinical evaluation and laboratory tests to rule out these conditions.

References:

[1] Oct 4, 2024 — Diagnostic Considerations · Depression · Type 2 diabetes mellitus · Fatty liver · Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) · Hirsutism · Polygenic ...

[2] by ES van der Valk · 2019 · Cited by 143 — Adult patients consulting a doctor for weight gain or obesity should first be clinically assessed for underlying diseases, such as monogenetic or syndromic ...

[3] Jan 23, 2023 — Differential Diagnoses · Diabetes · Fatty Liver · Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults · Hypothyroidism · Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome.

[4] by SE Cuda · 2022 · Cited by 16 — The diagnosis of exogenous obesity in children and adolescents due to nutritional origin is a diagnosis of exclusion. Clinicians must consider endocrinopathies ...

[5] Obese patients have higher rates of stroke, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnoea, gastro-oesophageal reflux, chronic liver disease, and infertility. In ...

[6] by SE Cuda · 2018 · Cited by 120 — The differential diagnosis of children with obesity starts with an assessment of linear growth. Linear growth proceeds in children until fusion of growth plates ...

[7] by SE Cuda · 2019 · Cited by 120 — The differential diagnosis of children with obesity starts with an assessment of linear growth. Linear growth proceeds in children until fusion of growth ...

[8] by L Perreault · Cited by 18 — Metabolic risks · - Diabetes mellitus · - Dyslipidemia ; Cardiovascular · - Hypertension · - Heart disease · - Stroke · - Venous thromboembolism.

[9] Physical examination findings that might point to a secondary cause of obesity include goiter (hypothyroidism), proximal muscle weakness, purple striae, ...