30/07/2025
Definition and Causes:
π΄ Obesity is a chronic, progressive disease involving excess body fat.
π΄ It raises the risk of serious health problems across multiple systems.
π΄ Causes include:
π΄ Genetics, environment, medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle
π΄ Key contributors: poor diet, low activity, stress, and hormonal factors
Limitations of BMI:
π BMI alone doesnβt measure fat distribution or metabolic risk.
π Use BMI+ for better risk assessment, including:
π Waist circumference
π Waist-to-hip ratio (β₯0.85 women, β₯0.90 men)
π Waist-to-height ratio (>0.5)
π These help detect central obesity and predict cardiometabolic risk
Complications of Obesity:
π‘ Increases risk of:
π‘ Type 2 diabetes β due to insulin resistance
π‘ Obstructive sleep apnea β fat narrows airway
π‘ Cardiovascular disease β heart attack, stroke, hypertension
π‘ MASLD β liver fat accumulation, inflammation, fibrosis
π‘ Osteoarthritis β joint stress from excess weight
π‘ Also linked to infertility, GERD, cancer, and depression
Approach to Obesity Care:
π’ Use respectful, person-centered care free from weight stigma
π’ Follow the 5 Aβs framework:
π’ Ask β get permission to discuss weight
π’ Assess β BMI+, complications, and behaviors
π’ Advise β explain risks and benefits clearly
π’ Agree β set shared, realistic goals
π’ Assist β provide tools, referrals, and follow-up
Treatment Options by BMI Category:
π΅ 25β26.9 kg/mΒ²: Lifestyle therapy
π΅ 27β29.9 kg/mΒ²: Add meds if complications exist
π΅ 30β34.9 kg/mΒ²: Lifestyle + pharmacotherapy
π΅ 35β39.9 kg/mΒ²: Add surgery if complications
π΅ β₯40 kg/mΒ²: Lifestyle, pharmacotherapy, and surgery recommended.
