What is obesity?
In medical parlance, there are several categories of excess weight. Thus, overweight andobesity are two different categories.
- Overweight is characterized by a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9;
- Obesity corresponds to a BMI greater than or equal to 30.
The causes can be very diverse. The most frequent are:
- consuming more calories than you burn;
- a lack of physical activity;
- a hereditary predisposition;
- from thyroid problems ;
- certain drugs;
- certain psychological factors.
It is often a combination of factors, for example, excessive or unbalanced diet combined with lack of exercise.
What is its frequency?
Overweight and obesity are a growing health problem in Western countries. In the 35-59 age group, 28% of women and 49% of men are said to be overweight. Obesity affects 13% of women and 14% of men. Given the current Western way of life, these numbers are only expected to increase.
How is the problem assessed?
Obesity is a multi-faceted problem. Its evaluation is therefore not based solely on the measurement of weight. Its level of severity is assessed on the basis of 4 parameters: BMI, waist circumference, any associated conditions and lifestyle.
BMI is a number that is calculated by dividing the weight (expressed in kg) by the height squared (expressed in m2). A healthy BMI is between 18 and 24.9. It is a question of overweight when the BMI is between 25 and 29.9, obesity when the BMI is greater than or equal to 30, and morbid obesity when the BMI exceeds 40. The latter is associated with serious health problems.
Treatment is generally indicated when the BMI is greater than 30. The greater the excess weight, the more active measures required increase.
The waist circumference is the circumference of the belly, measured at the level of the navel after full exhalation. The distribution of fat in the belly is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. It is a question of abdominal obesity when the waist circumference exceeds 88 cm in women, and 102 cm in men.
Obesity is associated with different conditions, which must be detected and monitored:
- type diabetes 2;
- cardiovascular illnesses (high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol level (hypercholesterolemia), abnormalities of the coronary arteries, thrombosis,…);
- metabolic syndrome ;
- rheumatic conditions (drop, osteoarthritis);
- Sleep Apnea ;
- fatty liver disease (fatty liver disease) ;
- menstrual disturbances and or infertility in women.
What can the healthcare professional do?
Your doctor will take a blood test to quickly detect and treat a possible disorder in the metabolism of sugar and fat.
Your doctor or another health professional (dietitian or nutritionist for example) will also ask you questions about your lifestyle. Indeed, you may tend to postpone the decision to lose weight if you are going through a stressful situation (for example in the event of financial problems, divorce, etc.). If it is decided to take charge of the excess weight, this professional will assess your motivation and how it is feasible, with you. Finally, it will probe your eating habits (amount and type of food, snacks, caloric drinks, etc.) and exercise (amount and type of activity).
Want to know more?
- Eating and gaining years of life is possible! (video) – CSS – Superior Health Council
- The food pyramid – Eat Move – Health Question
- Eat better – Christian mutuality
- Nutri-Score – SPF Public health, food chain safety and the environment
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Find a registered dietitian – Professional Union of French-speaking dieticians
- Find a nutritionist doctor – Belgian Society of Nutritionist Doctors
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