Can people with obesity run?

Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
Updated on March 20, 2025
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The treatment of obesity mainly involves controlling diet and increasing exercise, which means "watch your mouth and move your legs." Therefore, running is definitely an option. However, for those who are severely obese, with a BMI over 30, excessive running might be too much for the knee joints to handle. For obese patients, brisk walking is primarily recommended. Another good form of exercise is swimming, which can protect the joints under the pressure of water while also burning calories. Therefore, people with obesity can run, but it depends on the situation and should not be rushed. For those who are severely obese, swimming is recommended as a way to help reduce weight.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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What department should I go to for obesity?

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease that belongs to the field of endocrinology, so the first choice for early-stage obesity is to see an endocrinologist. Some hospitals also have specialized weight management departments, which are also an option for consultation. When obesity is accompanied by other serious comorbid conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure, in addition to seeing an endocrinologist, it is also necessary to visit the cardiology department. If there is concomitant osteoarthritis, a visit to the orthopedics department is needed. Women suffering from menstrual irregularities or infertility should consult with a gynecologist. In summary, obesity is a disease that can cause multiple metabolic abnormalities and damage multiple systems, requiring early prevention and treatment.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
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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.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
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What department does obesity hang?

First, I recommend visiting the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Science, because obesity itself is a metabolic disease, and now obesity is divided into simple obesity and secondary obesity. Simple obesity refers to weight gain caused solely by factors such as irregular eating habits, unscientific diet, and lack of exercise, without other underlying causes. There is also a type called secondary obesity, which is attributable to identifiable causes. For example, a common disorder in endocrinology known as Cushing's syndrome is caused by problems in the pituitary or adrenal glands, leading to an excessive secretion of cortisol in the blood. This results in the redistribution of fat and subsequent weight gain. Another example is hypothyroidism, which also causes weight gain. Therefore, it is essential to see an endocrinologist, who can determine based on clinical manifestations and actual conditions whether the obesity is simple or secondary, and then provide appropriate treatment.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
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What department do you see for obesity?

The preferred specialty is endocrinology and metabolism because obesity itself is a metabolic disease. Besides the commonly known simple obesity, there is also a type called secondary obesity. The distinction between the two is that in simple obesity, the body does not suffer from any other disease; weight gain is merely caused by unscientific diet, irregular lifestyle, and lack of exercise, which can be resolved through some scientific methods. Another type is called secondary obesity, such as a common disease in endocrinology called Cushing's syndrome. It is caused by a tumor or hyperplasia in the pituitary or adrenal glands, or other reasons that lead to an excessive secretion of cortisol in the blood, consequently causing a redistribution of body fat, leading to moon face, buffalo hump, and accumulation of subcutaneous fat in the abdomen. Common in endocrinology, hypothyroidism can also lead to weight gain. This requires endocrinology specialists to diagnose and identify the specific condition in order to provide appropriate treatment.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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What tests are needed for obesity?

Obesity, also known as adiposity, is a chronic metabolic disease caused by excessive accumulation of fat or abnormal fat distribution in the body. Therefore, once obesity is diagnosed, it is necessary to conduct tests related to metabolism, such as blood glucose, blood lipids, blood pressure, and blood uric acid, which are commonly known as the "four highs" tests. Additionally, liver function tests and kidney function tests should be completed to exclude obesity caused by other diseases. It is also necessary to conduct examinations for pituitary tumors, adrenal cortex function, and thyroid function to determine whether the obesity is secondary to other diseases.