Obesity: A complex and progressive disease
Obesity is a multifaceted, complex and progressive disease that affects various aspects of an individual's life. More than a mere aesthetic problem, it is a medical condition that is characterized by the abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat, according to the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO). Bliss fat accumulation can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease diabetes, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer and a host of other health problems. In addition to having a negative impact on the quality of life and contributing to the increase in mortality.
disease on the rise
This sickness it is usually the result of a combination of causes and contributing factors. It is not simply limited to excess caloric intake, but is affected by a number of factors including genetics, lifestyle, certain diseases, and medications. Also social and economic problems, age and other individual factors.
The prevalence of obesity has been growing by leaps and bounds. WHO estimates indicate that in 2016, more than 1,900 billion adults over the age of 18 were overweight, of whom more than 650 million were obese. From 1975 to 2016, the global prevalence of obesity nearly tripled, and in 2016, close to 13% of the world's adult population was obese, an alarming figure that highlights the magnitude of the problem.
The WHO proposes a classification of obesity based on the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing the weight (kg) by the square of the height in meters. Individuals with a BMI equal to or greater than 30 kg/m2 are considered obese. In addition, obesity can also be classified according to the distribution of adipose tissue.
- On the one hand, we have abdominal or visceral obesity (also known as android type), characterized by a higher concentration of fat in the upper half of the body, and associated with a higher risk of metabolic diseases.
- On the other hand, there is femoro-gluteal or gynoid obesity, with a predominance of adiposity in the lower half of the body.
Diagnosis of obesity
To diagnose obesity, doctors often use the body mass index (BMI), which is a rough estimate of body fat. It is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the height in meters squared. As we have previously commented, the WHO considers that a person with a BMI of 30 or higher is obese. However, BMI does not directly measure fat in the body, so some people, such as muscular athletes, may have a BMI in the obese category even though they are not overfat.
Another useful metric is waist circumference, which can provide additional information about the risk of weight-related health problems. Men with a waist circumference greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters) and women with a waist measurement greater than 35 inches (89 centimeters) may be at increased risk of health problems associated with obesity.
The diagnosis of obesity involves a series of measurements and tests. These include the elaboration of a personalized clinical and dietary history, measurements of weight and height, and complementary measurements such as waist circumference and skin fold.
In addition, it is possible to measure body fat with the Bod-Pod and indirect calorimetry, which allows knowing the energy expenditure of each patient. It may also be necessary to perform additional tests to assess the presence of associated pathologies, such as polysomnography, cardiology tests, abdominal ultrasound, and bone densitometry.
Despite the presence of one or more risk factors, it is important to remember that you are not necessarily destined to develop obesity. Risk factors can be counteracted with changes in diet, physical activity, and behavior, promoting a healthier life and avoiding the complications associated with this disease.
obesity treatment
Despite the severity of obesity, there are ways to combat it. The implementation of a healthier diet, the performance of more physical activity and behavior changes can be of great help in losing weight. Additionally, there are also prescription drugs and medical procedures to treat obesity. Even modest weight loss can improve or prevent obesity-related health problems.
Undoubtedly, obesity is a public health challenge that requires an integrated approach for its prevention and treatment. Awareness and commitment are essential in the fight. In addition, in this article we are going to talk about the silymarin as an alternative treatment for the improvement of this disease.
Silymarin to combat obesity
Silymarin is an active compound found in the milk thistle, a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat liver problems. It contains a group of compounds collectively known as silymarin, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties.
Although silymarin is most often used to treat liver disease, some studies have suggested that it may also be beneficial in the treatment of obesity. This is due to its ability to reduce inflammation, improve insulin resistance, and modify lipid metabolism.
A study in mice published in the «Journal of Medicinal Food» found that silymarin supplementation reduced weight gain, improved lipid profiles, and reduced inflammation. However, more research is needed, especially in humans, to confirm these effects and to determine the appropriate and safe dose for the treatment of obesity.
It is important to remember that although silymarin is a useful adjunct in the treatment of obesity, it is not a substitute for lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Finally, note that it is advisable, before starting to take silymarin or any other supplement for obesity, to talk to a doctor.
Symptom
Obesity manifests its presence in various ways, many of which have a significant impact on quality of life. Although increased body weight is the most obvious sign, obesity can manifest itself through tiredness, difficulty performing daily tasks, decreased tolerance to exertion, and even sleep problems, such as sleep apnea syndrome.
In addition, metabolic complications are common, including diabetes mellitus, increased triglycerides, cholesterol, and uric acid. Joint complications, especially in the hips and knees, limit physical activity. It is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, and can lead to serious health problems such as coronary insufficiency and stroke. Obesity can also lead to diseases such as gallstones, hepatic steatosis, and hiatal hernia.
Causes
The causes of obesity are multiple and interrelated, including genetic, physiological, psychological, social and environmental factors. Obesity is usually the result of an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity interacting with these factors, making it difficult for some people to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Obesity occurs when you eat more calories than you burn through daily activities and exercise. The body stores these excess calories as fat. This disease is the result of the interaction of genetic, behavioral, metabolic and environmental factors.
High-calorie-dense diets, often from fast food and high-calorie beverages, along with a sedentary lifestyle, contribute significantly to the development of obesity. Calorie intake can be influenced by factors such as stress, anxiety, and certain medications, including psychotropic and hormonal treatments.
In addition, diseases such as hypothyroidism, Prader-Willi syndrome or Cushing's syndrome, neurological or hereditary disorders that affect the center of hunger and satiety, can also lead to obesity.
It is essential to remember that if you are concerned about your weight or weight-related health problems, you should consult your doctor, who will help you assess the risks to your health and discuss your weight loss options. Obesity is a treatable and preventable disease, and with the right medical support, you can make significant changes in your life.
Risk factor's
Genetic and familial factors can influence the amount of body fat we store, how efficiently our bodies convert food into energy, our appetite regulation, and how our bodies burn calories during exercise. Similar eating and activity habits shared by family members can also contribute to obesity.
Our lifestyle and the decisions we make on a daily basis also have a huge impact. An unhealthy, high-calorie diet with lots of fast food, high-calorie drinks, and large portions, but few fruits and vegetables, contributes to weight gain. Physical inactivity is also a significant contributing factor.
Although obesity can occur at any age, the risk increases as we age due to hormonal changes and a less active lifestyle. Additionally, factors such as pregnancy, smoking cessation, lack of sleep, stress, and certain aspects of our microbiome can contribute to the development of obesity.
Obesity not only has an impact on our quality of life, but also increases the likelihood of developing a number of serious health problems. These include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, digestive problems, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and severe symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, people with obesity may face psychological problems such as depression, shame, and guilt, which can lead to social isolation and lower performance at work.
Morbid obesity
Morbid obesity, also known as severe or extreme obesity, is a serious medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the point that it can have an adverse effect on health. It is characterized by a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or 35 or higher, and experiencing obesity-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
This level of obesity significantly interferes with basic physical activities such as walking or breathing. It also increases the risk of diseases and health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and a decrease in life expectancy.
This type of obesity is not characterized solely by overeating or a lack of self-discipline, but is influenced by genetic, environmental, metabolic, and psychological factors. The management and treatment of morbid obesity often requires a multidisciplinary approach that may include lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise, psychological therapy, medication, and in some cases, bariatric surgery.
Childhood obesity
Childhood obesity is a medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It occurs when a child is overweight for her age and height. Childhood obesity is particularly concerning because extra weight often leads to health problems once seen almost exclusively in adults, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The body mass index (BMI), which provides a guideline of weight in relation to height, is the indicator used to determine if a child is overweight or obese. Children are considered obese if their BMI is above the 95th percentile for boys and girls of the same age and height.
As in adults, obesity in children is the result of several factors, including behaviors that lead to imbalanced energy balance (meaning more calories consumed than the body uses), lack of physical activity, eating patterns, unhealthy diet, or a combination of these factors. In addition, genetic and hormonal factors play a very prominent role.
It is important to treat childhood obesity to help protect your child's health now and in the future. Treatment includes changes in the family's eating and physical activity habits, psychological support, and in some cases, medication or surgery.