According to the 2017 Health at a Glance report, obesity is a major global problem. It is more likely for overweight and obese individuals to develop health problems as a result of the extra strain that their weight causes. The more excess weight a person has, their health is impacted. These health problems can include type two diabetes, liver disease, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease and even certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer.
There is increasing evidence that obesity is not solely a result of a modern lifestyle characterised by easy access to high-calorie food and a lack of physical activity. Instead, multiple factors contribute to the condition, making it more complex than simply eating less and exercising more.
If you're having difficulty managing your weight, our doctors can provide the assistance you need to achieve your weight loss goals.
It is essential to be aware of the potential effects of obesity, which can vary depending on the excess weight carried. Symptoms of obesity can range from psychological to physical and can include:
The Body Mass Index (BMI) has been used for many years to measure obesity. Based on your height and weight, it is considered 'healthy' if it is between 20-25, 'overweight' if it is between 25-30, and 'obese' if it is over 30. However, this method may only be reliable for people with little muscle mass. Alternative methods, such as the waist-to-hip ratio, are thought to be more accurate in diagnosing obesity.
Generally, Doctors use Body Mass Index (BMI) as the primary indicator of obesity but will consider your build and other factors. For example, whether you are tall and thin or short and muscular. The waist circumference and BMI are usually considered to assess if an individual is obese.
Both lifestyle choices and medical conditions can influence your weight. Obesity is a condition that can affect people of all ages and is often the result of these factors.
Without regular physical activity and a healthy diet, you are more likely to gain weight and become obese. Eating high-calorie or fast food items increases your chances of gaining weight, which can cause various health problems.
Certain medical conditions can increase a person's risk of becoming obese. An underactive thyroid, for example, can contribute to weight gain, but this can be managed through medication. Other medical conditions, such as Cushing's and polycystic ovarian syndrome, can cause obesity.
Consuming too many calories or food high in fat or sugar can result in weight gain. To prevent this, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet and reduce your calorie intake. Doing so can help you to lose weight safely and healthily effectively.
Our doctors are here to assist you in developing a healthier lifestyle. They can guide and advise on changing your diet or refer you to a specialist if necessary. With their help, you can make the required adjustments to your lifestyle and achieve your health goals.
When you don't exercise enough, you are more likely to gain weight and become obese.
According to the Department of Health, adults should do 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, like walking or cycling, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, including running, swimming, or playing soccer.
Quitting smoking can lead to weight gain, but this should not be considered a reason to start smoking again. Instead, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy food and exercising regularly. It may be easier for you to eat healthy and exercise now that you have stopped smoking, so make the most of this opportunity and focus on staying healthy.
Genetics may affect a person's tendency to overeat or develop unhealthy eating habits. However, with the right plan and effort, most people can lose weight and improve their overall health by changing their diet and lifestyle.
Corticosteroids and antidepressants are two medications that may lead to weight gain.
Several medical conditions can also cause you to gain weight, including:
An underactive thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, causing hypothyroidism. There can be symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and weight gain. Fortunately, this condition can be managed with hormone replacement tablets. These tablets help to regulate the hormones produced by the thyroid and help to restore it to a healthy state.
When your body is resistant to insulin, the cells in your body cannot absorb glucose from the bloodstream as they should. As a result, the glucose is converted to fat instead, leading to obesity.
An imbalance in hormones can cause an increase in body weight and can cause cravings for unhealthy foods that can make it harder to achieve weight loss goals.
Mutations in the genes cause this condition, resulting in an inability to control appetite. People suffering from this disorder can experience intense hunger and have difficulty controlling their eating habits, leading to obesity. Other symptoms include difficulty in learning, difficulty in regulating emotions, and difficulty in social interactions.
High cortisol levels in the body cause Cushing's syndrome. This can cause weight gain, muscle or bone weakness, thinning skin, bruising easily, decreased libido, and purple-reddish stretch marks on the stomach, thighs, arms, legs, buttocks, or breasts.
If you are struggling with obesity, consulting a doctor before beginning any weight loss program is beneficial. The doctor can help you create a comprehensive plan that considers your individual needs and lifestyle and provides guidance on how to plan healthily and effectively.
Mobi Doctor offers a convenient way for people to receive medical care at home. By connecting patients with experienced doctors online, Mobi Doctor makes it easier for patients to get the care they need without having to visit a public health care centre. Through online consultations, doctors can assess symptoms and suggest treatments to help tackle obesity and its associated problems.
Our doctors are available seven days a week, offering the convenience of accessing advice, diagnosis and treatment for obesity that fits into your daily schedule. They can also refer you to a specialist for further help or tests if necessary.
If you don't exercise enough, you are more prone to become overweight or obese. For example, if you take in 3,000 calories per day but only expend 2,500 calories, you are left with a surplus of 500 calories per day, adding up to 3,500 over the week. This results in a body weight gain of 1 pound per week. This calculation makes it easy to understand how people can become overweight or obese in the long run.
By exercising more frequently, you can burn calories, allowing your body to use the calories you consume for energy, resulting in your body weight staying the same or burning more calories than you consume, leading to a calorie deficit and weight loss. If you want to reduce body fat while keeping or gaining muscle mass, it is essential to perform resistance training and consume enough protein.
Becoming more physically active can be a great way to improve your health and well-being. You can start by taking 10-minute brisk walks thrice daily and gradually increasing your activity level. Try the Couch to 5k program or attend local Park Runs with your family and friends. Regular monitoring, setting achievable goals, and staying active with your loved ones can help you achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to get more active. It's free, can be done almost anywhere and is a great way to get fresh air. Stroll around the block or walk longer in a park or along a beach. You can also walk instead of taking the elevator and get off the bus earlier to walk the rest of the way. If you have a pet, take them on regular walks as well.
Changing your lifestyle can be challenging, but it's important to remember it's a process. To make it easier, it is essential to seek the advice of healthcare professionals who can support and guide you through the process. Additionally, it may be helpful to seek psychological guidance to help you change how you think about food and eating. With the right direction and support, you can improve your lifestyle, leading to a healthier and happier you.
You can connect with one of our doctors at Mobi Doctor with the click of a button and get the care you need.
Please enter your registered email address.