Obesity can cause which diseases

Written by Tang Zhuo

Endocrinology

Updated on September 03, 2024

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Firstly, obesity, also known as adiposity, is a chronic metabolic disease caused by excessive accumulation or abnormal distribution of body fat. Diseases closely related to obesity include cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, etc. Complications of obesity also include sleep apnea syndrome, venous thrombosis, and others. Moreover, the occurrence of malignant tumors increases with obesity, as prolonged obesity can lead to skin folds that are prone to abrasions and subsequent fungal or purulent infections.

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Written by Luo Juan

Endocrinology

1min 28sec

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Can obesity be treated?

Obesity is treatable. Generally, the treatment of obesity mainly includes several aspects: First, dietary intervention; second, increased physical activity; third, correcting bad behavioral habits; some cases may require medication and surgery. Dietary treatment mainly involves reducing calorie intake and recommending a low-sugar diet. Physical exercise generally requires three to five days of activity per week, with 30-40 minutes each day being appropriate. It also includes correcting some poor dietary habits and enhancing self-monitoring, including records of food intake and daily physical activity. Medication treatment is an option for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher who also have obesity-related comorbidities. This treatment can be combined with exercise and dietary behavioral corrections. Furthermore, for those with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI between 35-39.9 with one or more severe obesity-related complications such as hypertension, heart failure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea, surgical treatment may be considered.

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Written by Luo Juan

Endocrinology

1min 3sec

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How is obesity treated?

Regarding the treatment of obesity, the cause of obesity must first be identified. For patients with simple obesity, the primary approach involves lifestyle interventions, including exercise and diet. The diet should involve a calculation of caloric intake based on activity levels, generally focusing on a low-calorie or very low-calorie intake. Additionally, it is recommended to engage in suitable aerobic exercises. Currently, there are products available such as fat enzyme inhibitors that reduce weight by inhibiting the absorption of fats in the intestines. Also, in the United States, GLP-1 agonists are available for the treatment of simple obesity. If obesity is caused by certain medical conditions, such as an endocrine disorder known as Cushing's syndrome, which can also lead to obesity, treatment should first address the primary disease, which would also resolve the obesity.

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Written by Tang Zhuo

Endocrinology

1min 59sec

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The Harms of Obesity

Mild to moderate primary obesity might not present with noticeable symptoms. However, individuals with severe obesity may experience heat intolerance, reduced physical activity capability, mild shortness of breath during activities, and snoring during sleep. The likelihood of developing coronary heart disease and hypertension is significantly higher in obese individuals compared to those who are not obese. Obesity leads to reduced lung capacity and decreased pulmonary compliance, which can cause various pulmonary functional abnormalities. For instance, obese hypoventilation syndrome, clinically characterized by sleepiness, obesity, and alveolar hypoventilation, often accompanies obstructive sleep apnea. Severe cases of obesity may lead to pulmonary heart syndrome. Obese individuals often experience metabolic disorders of lipids and carbohydrates; lipid metabolism disorders can lead to hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, while carbohydrate metabolism disorders are marked by glucose intolerance and diabetes. Moreover, obese individuals are more prone to arthritis, gout, and osteoporosis. Sexual dysfunction is common in obese individuals, with some obese men developing gynecomastia; obese girls tend to have an earlier onset of menstruation, while adult women with obesity often experience menstrual disorders, and in severe cases, amenorrhea. The incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome is also significantly higher in obese women compared to non-obese women.

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Written by Tang Zhuo

Endocrinology

1min 33sec

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Obesity weight loss methods

The treatment of obesity involves two main components. One is reducing calorie intake and the other is increasing calorie consumption, mainly emphasizing a comprehensive treatment based primarily on diet and exercise. Secondly, medications or surgical treatments can be utilized. In the case of secondary obesity, it is important to treat the underlying cause. So, what is behavioral therapy? It involves educating patients and their families about obesity and its risks, enabling them to cooperate with the treatment, adopt a healthy lifestyle, change dietary and exercise habits, and maintain these changes consciently in the long term as the foremost and most important measures in the treatment of obesity. Thirdly, controlling diet and increasing physical activity are crucial. Individuals with mild obesity can control their total food intake with a low-calorie, low-fat diet. For those with moderate to severe obesity, total calorie intake should be strictly controlled, with women limited to 1200-1500 kcal per day and men to 1500-1800 kcal per day. Following this standard, a weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week can be achieved. Furthermore, for severe obesity, medications can be used to reduce weight, which can then be maintained. If necessary, surgical procedures such as jejunoileal bypass or biliopancreatic diversion surgery can be considered.

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Written by Tang Zhuo

Endocrinology

51sec

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Causes of Obesity

Obesity, also known as adiposis, is a chronic metabolic disease caused by excessive accumulation or abnormal distribution of fat in the body. It results from the interaction of multiple factors including genetic and environmental factors that cause fat accumulation. Primary obesity, also known as simple obesity, is the most common type and is mainly caused by poor dietary habits, such as excessive food intake, particularly excessive fats, and a sedentary lifestyle. There is also secondary obesity, which is generally caused by diseases of the endocrine system. Hormonal treatments for allergic diseases and rheumatic diseases can also lead to secondary obesity.