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Obesity and Overweight

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.

Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2).

Obesity in Adults

For adults, WHO defines overweight and obesity as follows:

  • Overweight is a BMI greater than or equal to 25 and
  • Obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30.

BMI provides the most useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity as it is the same for both sexes and for all ages of adults. However, it should be considered a rough guide because it may not correspond to the same degree of fatness in different individuals.

For children, age needs to be considered when defining overweight and obesity.

MEASURING OBESITY

BMI is a commonly used method to measure obesity in adults.

The different BMI classifications :


Underweight <18.5
Normal range 18.5–24.9
Overweight 25–29.9
Obesity 30–39.9
Severe obesity ≥40
  • Regional fat distribution has a profound influence on health risks
  • In general, measures of fat distribution such as waist circumference and sagittal abdominal diameter are more highly correlated with cardiovascular disease risk factors and diabetes than BMI .
  • It appears that the typical male (android) or visceral obesity is closely associated with metabolic complications such as hypertension, insulin resistance, hyperuricemia, and dyslipoproteinemia.
  • The typical female or gynoid obesity, with fat deposited in hips, femoral and gluteal regions, has much less metabolic consequences.
  • According to the World Health Organization, a waist-to-hip ratio greater than 1.0 is indicative of a higher than normal risk of developing heart disease.
  • A healthy Waist Circumference is 85 cm for men and 80 cm for women, and for Waist Hip Ratio is 0.89 for men and 0.81 for women.
OBESITY CAUSES
  • Physical inactivity : Sedentary people burn fewer calories than people who are active.
  • Overeating : Overeating leads to weight gain, especially if the diet is high in fat. Foods high in fat or sugar ( for example - fast food, fried food, and sweets ) have high energy density.
  • Genetics : A person is more likely to develop obesity if one or both parents are obese. Genetics also affect hormones involved in fat regulation.
  • Carbohydrate high Diet : The role of carbohydrates in weight gain is not clear. Carbohydrates increase blood glucose levels, which in turn stimulate insulin release by the pancreas, and insulin promotes the growth of fat tissue and may cause weight gain.
  • Frequency of eating : The relationship between frequency of eating (how often you eat) and weight is somewhat controversial. There are many reports of overweight people eating less often than people with normal weight. Scientists have observed that people who eat small meals four or five times daily, have lower cholesterol levels and lower and/or more stable blood sugar levels than people who eat less frequently (two or three large meals daily). One possible explanation is that small frequent meals produce stable insulin levels, whereas large meals may cause large spikes of insulin after meals.
  • Medications : Medications also play role in obesity. Medications associated with weight gain include certain antidepressants (medications used in treating depression), anticonvulsants (medications used in controlling seizures) some diabetes medications certain hormones such as oral contraceptives, and most corticosteroids. Some high blood pressure medications and antihistamines may cause weight gain.
  • Psychological factors : For some people, emotions influence eating habits. Many people eat excessively in response to emotions such as boredom, sadness, stress, or anger. While most overweight people have no more psychological disturbances than normal weight people, about 30% of the people who seek treatment for serious weight problems have difficulties with binge eating.
  • Diseases : Diseases such as hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Cushing's syndrome are also contributors to obesity. Some diseases, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, can lead to obesity.
  • Social issues : There is a link between social issues and obesity. Lack of money to purchase healthy foods or lack of safe places to walk or exercise can increase the risk of obesity.
OBESITY RISK FACTORS
  • Insulin resistance : Insulin is necessary for the transport of blood glucose (sugar) into the cells of muscle and fat (which the body uses for energy). By transporting glucose into cells, insulin keeps the blood glucose levels in the normal range. Insulin resistance (IR) is the condition whereby there is diminished effectiveness of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) into cells. Fat cells are more insulin resistant than muscle cells therefore, one important may cause of insulin resistance is obesity.
  • Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes : The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with the degree and duration of obesity. Type 2 diabetes is associated with central obesity; a person with central obesity has excess fat around his/her waist (apple-shaped figure).
  • High blood pressure (hypertension) : Hypertension is common among obese adults. A Norwegian study showed that weight gain tended to increase blood pressure in women more significantly than in men
  • High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) : Obesity also leads to High cholesterol.
  • Heart attack : The risk of developing coronary artery disease increased three to four times in women who had a BMI greater than 29. for every 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) increase in body weight, the risk of death from coronary artery disease increased by 1%. In patients who have already had a heart attack, obesity is associated with an increased likelihood of a second heart attack.
  • Cancer : Obesity is a risk factor for cancer of the colon in men and women, cancer of the rectum and prostate in men, and cancer of the gallbladder and uterus in women. Obesity may also be associated with breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. Fat tissue is important in the production of estrogen, and prolonged exposure to high levels of estrogen increases the risk of breast cancer.

Focus On
  • Weight-loss : The first goal of dieting is to stop further weight gain. The next goal is to establish realistic weight-loss goals.
  • The ideal weight corresponds to a BMI of 20-25, this is difficult to achieve for many people. Thus, success is higher when a goal is set to lose 10%-15% of baseline weight as opposed to 20%-30% or greater.
  • It is also important to remember that any weight reduction in an obese person would result in health benefits.
  • Control/ Restrict excess carbohydrates : When carbohydrates are restricted, people often experience rapid initial weight loss within the first two weeks. This weight loss is due mainly to fluid loss. When carbohydrates are added back to the diet, weight gain often occurs, simply due to a regain of the fluid. So maintaining a well balanced diet is important than just reducing carbohydrates in your diet.
  • Other diets such as low-fat diets all show a similar pattern of weight loss that is difficult to maintain if there are not additional general lifestyle changes, may not suit one or prove to be harmful in people who are suffering from metabolic disease so always consult your physician/dietitian for the same.
  • AVOID VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES : A safe and effective long-term weight reduction and maintenance diet has to contain balanced, nutritious foods to avoid vitamin deficiencies and other diseases of malnutrition.
  • Calories Burn : A proper Diet Plan helps body burn calories. Eat right , Low energy dense food.
  • Use small portion size since it has psychological effect on intake.
  • Plan and follow regular meal timings.
  • Regular cardio/weight training exercise or any form atleast 45 min.
CONSUME RESTRICT
Complex Carbohydrates- 60% Like Dietary Fibers From Veg ,fruits Simple Carbohydrates Like Sugar, Refined Flour, Jam Etc
Protein 20-22%- Plant And White Meat Red Meat
Fats 20% - mufa/pufa Deep Fried
Brown bread /multigrain bread sandwich with green chutney White bread with butter / snacks such as samosa
Artificial Sugar / Simple Sugar
Cooking Methods - Boiling, Steaming, Microwave Barbequing, Shallow Fry,frying
Fresh Whole Grains, Pulses, Fruits, Fresh Juices, Vegetables, Green Leafy Veg. Packed Food, Beverages, Fatty Meat, Sweets, Bakery, Ice Creams, Desserts, Butter, Cheese, Syrups.
Plenty Water,lemon Juice, Coconut Water, Thin Buttermilk. Excess Tea,coffee, Carbonated Beverages, Alcohol, Smoking.

Note :- It is advisable to consult your physician/ dietitian before following any regimen or adapting any major lifestyle changes as in some cases it might not suit one ,leading to adverse effect on health or even interfere with your medications.

Homeopathic medicines can help you lose weight by improving digestion, elimination, and metabolism. Thus Homeopathy can play a vital role in overcoming of obesity and overweight.

  • Homeopathic medicines also correct the underlying problems responsible for weight gain such as overeating, stress, and endocrinal problems.
  • Homeopathic medicines are natural and effective for weight loss and obesity.
  • These are without any side effects.
  • It also plays great role in overcoming the obesity issue among children.
  • Choosing the right homeopathic medicine for weight loss is utmost important.

But the medicines need to be individually prescribed, based on your own unique pattern of symptoms. Potential risks of self-medication practices include: incorrect self-diagnosis, delays in seeking medical advice when needed, incorrect manner of administration, incorrect dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of a severe disease for this reason, consulting a physician is necessary.

Some of the homeopathic medicine which helps in obesity are :-

  • Antimonium Crudum : It is usually indicated if you become very irritable when someone warns you not to overeat.
  • Argentum Nitricum : This remedy reduces cravings for sweets.
  • Calcarea Carbonica : This remedy is useful if you have difficulty controlling your appetite and eat to calm your nerves. You suffer from indigestion, and crave hot food and eggs.
  • Coffea Cruda : is indicated if you are excitable and nervous
  • Capsicum : is indicated if you are lazy, have a red face, and suffer from burning sensations in the digestive tract.
  • Ferr. Phos : is often prescribed if you are oversensitive
  • Graphites : This is the remedy of choice for the perimenopausal women
  • Ignatia : Nervous eating.
  • Kali Carb
  • Lycopodium : Lycopodium can help tame cravings for sweets.
  • Staphysagria are some of commonly indicated remedies .

Note :-The physician has to take a decision as to which approach is appropriate for a particular patients as each case & patient has its own scope & limitations. So avoid self-medication & always consult your physician .

Role of Diet & Lifestyle in Obesity

Weight-loss :
  • The first goal of dieting is to stop further weight gain. The next goal is to establish realistic weight-loss goals.
  • One effective way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories, a proper diet helps for the same.
  • The ideal weight corresponds to a BMI of 20-25, this is difficult to achieve for many people. Thus, success is higher when a goal is set to lose 10%-15% of baseline weight as opposed to 20%-30% or greater.
  • It is also important to remember that any weight reduction in an obese person would result in health benefits.
Control/ Restrict excess carbohydrates :
  • When carbohydrates are restricted, people often experience rapid initial weight loss within the first two weeks. This weight loss is due mainly to fluid loss. When carbohydrates are added back to the diet, weight gain often occurs, simply due to a regain of the fluid. So maintaining a well balanced diet is important than just reducing carbohydrates in your diet.
  • Other diets such as low-fat diets all show a similar pattern of weight loss that is difficult to maintain if there are not additional general lifestyle changes, may not suit one or prove to be harmful in people who are suffering from metabolic disease so always consult your physician/dietitian for the same.
AVOID VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES :
  • A safe and effective long-term weight reduction and maintenance diet has to contain balanced, nutritious foods to avoid vitamin deficiencies and other diseases of malnutrition.
Calories Burn :
  • A proper Diet Plan helps body burn calories. Eat right , Low energy dense food.
  • Use small portion size since it has psychological effect on intake.
  • Plan and follow regular meal timings.
  • Regular cardio/weight training exercise or any form atleast 45 min.
CONSUME RESTRICT
Complex Carbohydrates- 60% Like Dietary Fibers From Veg ,fruits Simple Carbohydrates Like Sugar, Refined Flour, Jam Etc
Protein 20-22%- Plant And White Meat Red Meat
Fats 20% - mufa/pufa Deep Fried
Brown bread /multigrain bread sandwich with green chutney White bread with butter / snacks such as samosa
Artificial Sugar Simple Sugar
Cooking Methods - Boiling, Steaming, Microwave Barbequing, Shallow Fry,frying
Fresh Whole Grains, Pulses, Fruits, Fresh Juices, Vegetables, Green Leafy Veg. Packed Food, Beverages, Fatty Meat, Sweets, Bakery, Ice Creams, Desserts, Butter, Cheese, Syrups.
Plenty Water,lemon Juice, Coconut Water, Thin Buttermilk. Excess Tea,coffee, Carbonated Beverages, Alcohol, Smoking.

Note :- It is advisable to consult your physician/ dietitian before following any regimen or adapting any major lifestyle changes as in some cases it might not suit one ,leading to adverse effect on health or even interfere with your medications.

Homeopathic Approach to Obesity

Homeopathic medicines can help you lose weight by improving digestion, elimination, and metabolism. Thus Homeopathy can play a vital role in overcoming of obesity and overweight.

  • Homeopathic medicines also correct the underlying problems responsible for weight gain such as overeating, stress, and endocrinal problems.
  • Homeopathic medicines are natural and effective for weight loss and obesity.
  • These are without any side effects.
  • It also plays great role in overcoming the obesity issue among children.
  • Choosing the right homeopathic medicine for weight loss is utmost important.

But the medicines need to be individually prescribed, based on your own unique pattern of symptoms. Potential risks of self-medication practices include: incorrect self-diagnosis, delays in seeking medical advice when needed, incorrect manner of administration, incorrect dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of a severe disease for this reason, consulting a physician is necessary.

Some of the homeopathic medicine which helps in obesity are :-

  • Antimonium Crudum : It is usually indicated if you become very irritable when someone warns you not to overeat.
  • Argentum Nitricum : This remedy reduces cravings for sweets.
  • Calcarea Carbonica : This remedy is useful if you have difficulty controlling your appetite and eat to calm your nerves. You suffer from indigestion, and crave hot food and eggs.
  • Coffea Cruda : is indicated if you are excitable and nervous
  • Capsicum : is indicated if you are lazy, have a red face, and suffer from burning sensations in the digestive tract.
  • Ferr. Phos : is often prescribed if you are oversensitive
  • Graphites : This is the remedy of choice for the perimenopausal women
  • Ignatia : Nervous eating.
  • Kali Carb : is often indicated if you are clogged with catarrh, have backache, and your feel is cold.
  • Lycopodium : Lycopodium can help tame cravings for sweets.
  • Staphysagria are some of commonly indicated remedies .

Note :-The physician has to take a decision as to which approach is appropriate for a particular patients as each case & patient has its own scope & limitations. So avoid self-medication & always consult your physician .