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What is obesity?
What is the difference between being overweight and being obese? We examine the raw medical facts
Definition
Obesity is defined for weight to height ratio greater than 30 kilograms per metre squared (BMI greater than 30). This is usually due to greater energy intake than output.
Causes
The majority of causes are due to overeating. This may be related to the wide availability of cheaper and more varied foods of a less nutritious value (increased fat). Overeating due to anxiety may also be a factor. People are also expending less energy due to the increased popularity of sedentary pastimes such as watching television, or using personal computers. More people use cars as opposed to walking and fewer people take regular exercise. There is an association of obesity within families and this may be partly genetic and partly due to lifestyle. There are secondary causes of obesity due to hypothalamic conditions that increase the appetite, and also endocrine disorders. However these are uncommon. The most common causes of secondary obesity are hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome.
Symptoms and signs
The majority of patients will complain of shortness of breath during mild exercise, or pain in the back, hips or knees caused by the increased weight. The patient may also suffer symptoms of the complications of obesity, such as gallstones, varicose veins or heart disease. A great many patients find the greatest symptom to be social embarrassment.
Complications of the disorder
Most of the medical complications of obesity are well known. The risks of associated diseases increase the mortality rate when combined with obesity. Associated problems are sleep apnoea, cancer, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, coronary heart disease, hypertensive incidents, respiratory disease, gallstones, hernia, arthritis and varicose veins.
Tests
For diagnosis, the body mass index is normally made by comparing the patient's height to weight ratio. Blood tests may be taken to exclude secondary complications such as raised cholesterol, and tests for diabetes may be undertaken. Doctors may also assess the heart by performing an ECG.
Definition
Obesity is defined for weight to height ratio greater than 30 kilograms per metre squared (BMI greater than 30). This is usually due to greater energy intake than output.
Causes
The majority of causes are due to overeating. This may be related to the wide availability of cheaper and more varied foods of a less nutritious value (increased fat). Overeating due to anxiety may also be a factor. People are also expending less energy due to the increased popularity of sedentary pastimes such as watching television, or using personal computers. More people use cars as opposed to walking and fewer people take regular exercise. There is an association of obesity within families and this may be partly genetic and partly due to lifestyle. There are secondary causes of obesity due to hypothalamic conditions that increase the appetite, and also endocrine disorders. However these are uncommon. The most common causes of secondary obesity are hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome.
Symptoms and signs
The majority of patients will complain of shortness of breath during mild exercise, or pain in the back, hips or knees caused by the increased weight. The patient may also suffer symptoms of the complications of obesity, such as gallstones, varicose veins or heart disease. A great many patients find the greatest symptom to be social embarrassment.
Complications of the disorder
Most of the medical complications of obesity are well known. The risks of associated diseases increase the mortality rate when combined with obesity. Associated problems are sleep apnoea, cancer, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, coronary heart disease, hypertensive incidents, respiratory disease, gallstones, hernia, arthritis and varicose veins.
Tests
For diagnosis, the body mass index is normally made by comparing the patient's height to weight ratio. Blood tests may be taken to exclude secondary complications such as raised cholesterol, and tests for diabetes may be undertaken. Doctors may also assess the heart by performing an ECG.
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iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB