early symptoms of obesity

Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
Updated on January 30, 2025
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The early symptoms of obesity mainly include fatigue, poor appetite, somnolence, and a general lack of energy. The treatment for these symptoms fundamentally involves controlling obesity and reducing body weight. Weight control methods primarily include, firstly, dietary control by choosing low-calorie diets, such as a ketogenic low-carbohydrate diet to help reduce weight. The second method involves exercise; if one does not have conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia, they can gradually engage in both aerobic and anaerobic exercises within their capacity. The third option, if diet and exercise prove insufficient, is to consider medication. There are now a series of weight loss drugs approved by national safety and the Food and Drug Administration that can be used. Additionally, in cases of severe obesity, metabolic surgery can be considered to alleviate the symptoms of obesity. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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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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Which department does obesity belong to?

Obesity is defined by calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI), where one's weight in kilograms is divided by their height in meters squared to obtain a numeric value. If the BMI is 28 or higher, it is defined as obesity. There are two types of obesity based on BMI excess: simple obesity and secondary obesity. Simple obesity occurs without any other internal medical conditions, purely due to weight gain. Secondary obesity may be due to other psychosomatic diseases that lead to an increase in BMI. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the endocrinology department for physical examinations and laboratory tests to determine whether the obesity is simple or secondary. Hence, a consultation in the endocrinology department is advised.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
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What diseases are people with obesity prone to?

Obesity, also known as adiposis, is a chronic metabolic disease caused by excessive accumulation or abnormal distribution of body fat. It results from the interaction of multiple factors, including genetics and environmental elements. Patients with obesity have a significantly increased incidence of hypertension, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, osteoarticular diseases, and certain tumors and cardiovascular diseases are closely related to obesity.

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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 Yang Li
Endocrinology
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Surgical treatment of obesity

Surgical treatment for obesity is applicable under certain conditions. This requires the obesity to reach a specific level, defined by indicators such as a BMI of over 35, and in the absence of severe diabetes or complications associated with diabetes. Considering surgical interventions for weight loss, these primarily involve bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass or gastroenterostomy which reduce food intake and absorption, thereby decreasing calorie absorption to achieve weight loss. While the effects of surgical weight loss are generally quite good, it can lead to some long-term postoperative complications, so careful consideration is required.