Obesity

Obesity is a growing public health concern that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and it is characterised by an excessive accumulation of body fat. Obesity can lead to a number of serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

Symptoms of obesity can include difficulty losing weight, feeling tired or short of breath, and experiencing joint pain or discomfort. However, many people with obesity do not experience any obvious symptoms, which is why regular health check-ups are so important.

To diagnose obesity, a healthcare provider will typically measure a person’s height, weight, and waist circumference, and calculate their BMI. Other tests, such as blood tests, may also be used to determine if a person has any related health conditions, such as diabetes or high cholesterol.

Common treatment methods for obesity include lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, as well as medication and weight loss surgery. Lifestyle changes are generally considered the first line of treatment, and can include a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behaviour modification therapy. Medications, such as weight loss pills, can also be used to help people lose weight, but they should be used in conjunction with other methods. Surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, may be an option for those who are severely overweight and have not been able to lose weight through other means.