Obesity

Obesity, commonly known as fatness, is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by an excessive increase in body fat percentage. Obesity also represents a significant health burden as it is considered an important risk factor for numerous chronic diseases. These include cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer. The development of obesity is usually multifactorial and can be influenced by a combination of genetic, social, and environmental factors.

The definition of obesity is often based on the Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates body weight in relation to height. For years, BMI has been used as a rough guideline, but it is increasingly considered inadequate for a concrete diagnosis. BMI does not account for important factors such as muscle mass or fat distribution, which can lead to erroneous results. For example, a man with significant muscle mass may have a high BMI without being obese, while a person with a low BMI may still have health risks due to unhealthy fat distribution. Today, BMI is still widely used, but in combination with other measurement methods to create a more accurate picture of health risks. This classification of obesity serves not only as a basis for diagnosis but also for assessing potential risks associated with the disease. Obesity is a growing global problem, and its prevalence is drastically increasing in both developed and developing countries. Estimates suggest that about 13% of the world’s adult population is affected by obesity. Women are more frequently affected in many countries, which can be influenced by hormonal differences, such as estrogens, and societal factors. The development of obesity is often related to a combination of unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and genetic predispositions.

Obesity occurs in the population in various degrees of severity. The early stages, also called pre-obesity, are often less visible and can be characterized by slight weight gain or increased fat accumulation in the abdominal area. As weight continues to increase, the risk of serious health problems increases proportionally. Therefore, it is important to focus on early prevention and intervention.

For the classification of obesity, the condition is divided into various severity levels defined by the Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI serves as a measure to categorize overweight and obesity more precisely. The classification into different obesity grades also helps to better assess the risk of health complications and determine appropriate treatment options.

Pre-obesity refers to the transitional range between normal weight and obesity. Individuals with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight, but not yet obese. Although pre-obesity is not technically considered obesity, this condition can still increase the long-term risk of developing Grade 1 obesity. People with pre-obesity often do not yet have serious health problems, but they are more susceptible to secondary conditions such as high blood pressure or early metabolic disorders.

Obesity Grade 1, also known as mild obesity, is the first official grade of obesity. With a BMI between 30 and 34.9, the accumulation of body fat is already significantly increased. With this grade, initial health problems may already occur, including increased strain on the heart and circulatory system as well as a higher risk for the development of type 2 diabetes. Early intervention, such as changing eating habits and increasing physical activity, can help prevent the progression of the disease.

Obesity Grade 2, referred to as moderate obesity, has a BMI between 35 and 39.9. At this grade, the risk of serious health complications is considered significantly increased. The most common comorbidities include severe cardiovascular diseases, joint problems, and insulin resistance, which can lead to the development of diabetes. The health condition of those affected usually requires more intensive care, possibly also structured weight reduction or surgical interventions.

Obesity Grade 3, also known as morbid obesity, is the most severe form of obesity. People whose BMI is 40 or higher are therefore exposed to an extremely high risk of a variety of health problems. These include severe cardiovascular diseases, stroke, sleep apnea, joint degeneration, and various types of cancer. In many cases, conservative weight reduction is no longer sufficient, leading to increased consideration of procedures such as bariatric surgery to treat the condition and extend the lives of those affected.

Adipositas permagna represents an extremely pronounced form of Grade 3 obesity and is characterized by an extremely high degree of overweight, often associated with a BMI of 50 or more. This form of obesity has enormous health implications and is therefore accompanied by severe physical and psychological impairments. Those affected suffer from severely restricted mobility and are frequently affected by other serious health problems.

The development of obesity is often complex and influenced by various factors. These can be of genetic, environmental, or psychological origin. A combination of these causes frequently leads to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, resulting in excessive fat accumulation in the body.

This variety of causes illustrates that obesity is a very complex disease, often caused by multiple factors. Treatment must therefore be individually tailored and consider different approaches.

Obesity can have far-reaching effects on physical health and promote the development of a variety of chronic diseases. The consequences of this condition are not only physical in nature but also affect the psychological well-being and quality of life of those affected. Listed below are some of the most common and serious health consequences of obesity:

The effects of obesity are thus not limited to body weight but often affect the overall well-being of those affected. It is particularly crucial to recognize and treat obesity early to prevent the development of secondary diseases.

Obesity manifests in various symptoms that can be both physical and psychological in origin. Often, the disease initially goes unnoticed as it develops gradually. However, as excess weight progresses, health complaints can increase, significantly impairing quality of life. In the following, we want to explain the typical symptoms and diagnostic methods of obesity in more detail.

Obesity can manifest through a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. Generally, these complaints initially develop gradually and are therefore often noticed only when they severely restrict quality of life. The most common symptoms include:

The diagnosis of obesity usually involves a combination of different methods to comprehensively assess the health status of the affected person. The most important tool for evaluating overweight and obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI), however, this alone is not sufficient to make a complete diagnosis. The BMI relates body weight to height and is calculated as follows:

BMI = Body weight (kg) / Height (m)²

However, BMI is not always an exact indicator of health status, as it provides no information about body composition, such as the proportion of muscle mass or fat tissue. For example, someone with a lot of muscle mass may have a high BMI without actually being obese. A significant part of the diagnostic process is therefore the medical history and physical examination. This includes gathering information about pre-existing conditions, nutrition and lifestyle, as well as family risk factors. Waist circumference and body fat measurements provide a more accurate assessment of how much of the body weight consists of fat. Various methods are used for this, such as skinfold measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Additionally, blood tests provide information about potential secondary diseases. Cholesterol and blood sugar levels are often determined to identify early signs of diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. Thyroid values are also frequently checked, as thyroid disorders can lead to weight gain. Furthermore, contextual factors such as blood pressure are measured. High blood pressure is often associated with obesity and represents an additional health risk. Other factors, such as hormone status and mental health, may also be considered as they can influence weight and metabolism.

Overall, a comprehensive diagnostic approach that includes physical measurements, laboratory tests, and contextual factors allows for a more accurate assessment of health risks when obesity is suspected.

The treatment of obesity often requires an individualized and holistic approach, as the causes of the disease can be very diverse. Effective therapy considers both physical and psychological aspects and may include various therapeutic approaches. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of obesity, individual risk factors, and the health goals of the affected person.

A multimodal approach combines different therapeutic methods. A dietary change is often the first step to reduce caloric intake and learn healthy eating habits for the long term. The selection of nutrient-rich and low-calorie foods plays a crucial role in this process. Exercise is also essential to increase energy expenditure and maintain muscle mass. A regular exercise program that includes both endurance and strength training is considered ideal. Additionally, behavioral therapy is an important component of treatment to change unhealthy eating habits, identify possible emotional triggers for eating, and promote long-term motivation. In some cases, medication may be useful, especially when weight reduction through diet and exercise alone is not sufficient. A newer medicinal approach involves GLP-1 agonists, which reduce appetite, increase feelings of satiety, and stabilize blood sugar levels. These medications, sometimes known as “fat-loss injections,” have proven effective in supporting weight reduction but must be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle. A non-invasive approach for targeted fat reduction is cryolipolysis, where fat cells are specifically destroyed through controlled cold treatment. This method is particularly suitable for treating localized fat deposits that are difficult to reach through diet and exercise, such as on the abdomen or thighs. Cryolipolysis is a gentle, generally painless method, but it does not represent a long-term solution for comprehensive weight reduction. In severe cases of morbid obesity, surgical intervention may be considered. Two common surgical procedures are gastric reduction and gastric bypass. Both procedures aim to reduce the volume of the stomach to decrease food intake and achieve a feeling of fullness more quickly. These interventions can lead to significant weight reduction but involve risks and require long-term follow-up care.

The treatment of obesity should always be individually tailored and accompanied by continuous medical supervision to monitor potential side effects.

In addition to traditional medical approaches, there are a number of holistic approaches that can be used either alongside conventional treatments or depending on the cause of obesity. These approaches aim more specifically to consider the body as a whole and not just treat individual symptoms. They can provide supportive effects to improve quality of life.

In the treatment of obesity, rehabilitation and aftercare play a crucial role. Rehabilitation clinics specializing in obesity, support groups, and long-term therapies offer affected individuals comprehensive care that includes not only physical but also psychological support. In specialized rehabilitation clinics, patients are offered a holistic treatment program. Beyond nutritional counseling and exercise therapy, the treatment also includes psychological support to help patients implement long-term changes in their lifestyle. These clinics additionally monitor and treat medical comorbidities such as diabetes or hypertension. These programs are designed not only to promote weight reduction but also to improve health in the long term. After the initial therapy, support groups also provide valuable assistance. Here, those affected can share their experiences, motivate each other, and develop long-term strategies to maintain their new lifestyle.

The prevention of obesity is of great importance to prevent the development of excess weight and associated health risks early on. Even in early adulthood, preventive measures can be taken to minimize the risk of obesity. Healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, good stress management, and adequate sleep hygiene play a central role in this. A balanced ratio of nutrients is fundamental to avoiding obesity. Reducing sugar and saturated fats in the diet helps stabilize body weight. Fresh, wholesome food rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals should be prioritized. An active lifestyle is another important factor in preventing pre-obesity and obesity. Regular exercise promotes fat reduction, increases metabolism, and strengthens the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, excessive stress is another risk factor that can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors and weight gain. Stress management methods can lower cortisol levels in the body and reduce cravings for unhealthy foods. Additionally, healthy sleep hygiene helps stabilize weight. Too little sleep often leads to increased insulin sensitivity and hunger attacks, which can promote the development of excess weight.

In the following, we aim to answer your most common questions about obesity to provide you with deeper insights into this condition.

The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.