Obesity is a health condition that is complex and is presented with the build-up of excess body fat. Obesity has posed as a common risk factor for health disease and health complications. Some of these diseases include a fatty liver, high cholesterol, respiratory distress, type 2 diabetes, and some other chronic diseases.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a condition involving the accumulation of excess body fat. It is properly defined by the Body Mass Index (BMl) of an individual.

The BMI of an individual is calculated by dividing the weight of an individual in Kilograms by the square of the person's height in meters. If the calculation results in a BMI of 30 or higher, then the person is Obese.

Classes of Obesity 

There are 3 main classes of Obesity. These classes include:

Class 1 obesity:

This class of Obesity includes people within the BMI range of  30-34.9.

Class 2 obesity 

This class of Obesity includes people within the BMI range of  35-39.9.

Class 3 obesity.

This class of Obesity includes people within the BMI range of 40 and above.

Predisposing factors of obesity.

Concerning the condition of obesity, different factors contribute to a person being obese. Some of these factors include:

I. Genetic factors:

Genetic predispositions like the mutation of the leptin gene can lead to severe obesity.

II. Dietary Factors:

When there is an excess consumption of foods with lots of calories can lead to weight gain.

III. Sedentary lifestyle:

When an individual lives in such a way that doesn't allow for enough physical activity that would lead to the burning of calories, those calories begin to build up and can lead to obesity.

IV. Medical conditions:

Conditions such as hypothyroidism or Polycystic ovarian syndrome can also be contributing factors to weight gain.

V. Psychological factors:

Stress-induced activity, like emotional stress eating, can lead to weight gain.

Signs and symptoms of Obesity

Excess Body Fat:

There is an evident build-up of fat around visible areas such as the waist, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.

Difficulty with Daily Activities: 

The individual begins to experience difficulty carrying out physical activities like walking, climbing stairs, or bending.

Shortness of Breath:

The Individual may begin to experience difficulty breathing, especially during physical exertion.

Fatigue:

The individual, due to physical exertion, begins to experience tiredness and weakness.

Joint Pain:

Excess weight can put stress on joints, leading to pain and discomfort.

Skin Problems:

Skin infections, rashes, and other skin conditions can occur due to folds from the accumulation of fat in the body.

Sleep Apnea:

This is difficult to breathe during sleep.

Health Risks Associated with Obesity

Obesity is a major risk factor for a variety of health problems, including:

I. Heart Disease:

Obesity in an individual puts the person at a high risk of heart attacks and strokes through high cholesterol content, inflammation, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure.

II. Type 2 Diabetes:

Obesity can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

III. High Blood Pressure:

 Excess weight in the body can strain the heart and blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure.

IV. Certain Types of Cancer:

Obesity predisposes an individual to several types of cancer. Some of them might include;  breast, colon, and kidney cancer.

V. Gallbladder Disease:

Obesity can increase the risk of gallstones and gallbladder disease.

VI. Mental Health Issues:

Obesity can contribute to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem due to dissatisfaction with how the individual looks 

Treatment and management of Obesity

Treatment and management of obesity often involve a multi-faceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and, in some cases, surgery.

Lifestyle Modifications

  I. Healthy Diet:

Prioritizing consuming a balanced diet low in calories and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains would help in managing an obese patient.

  II. Regular Exercise:

Engaging in regular physical activity such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming will help in the management and treatment of an obese patient as it would help in burning out excess calories.

   III. Behavior Modification:

Encouraging the individual to develop healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes.

Medications: Certain medications can help with weight loss by either suppressing appetite or increasing metabolism.

Surgery: For severe cases of obesity, bariatric surgery may be an option to reduce excessive body fat.

Conclusion 

Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle choice. And seeking professional guidance is a good step to effectively manage obesity and improve your overall health. Some foods to avoid while managing your weight include:

- Processed Foods

- Sugary Drinks

- Fast Food

- Excessive Alcohol.