Beyond the Scale: The Psychological Impact of Obesity

Obesity, a rapidly growing health issue in India and around the world, affects men, women, and children from all levels of a wide range of demographics.

Obesity symptoms and signs also go far beyond a mere gain of weight. They include shortness of breath, exhaustion, sweating, heavy trouble with physical activity, and, often, psychological symptoms such as depression.

Body Mass Index (BMI), which is determined by height and weight, is categorized under:

Overweight: BMI in the range of 25 to 29.9
Class 1 Obesity (Moderate): BMI between 30 and 34.9
Class 2 Obesity (Severe): BMI between 35 and 39.9
Class 3 Obesity (Extreme): BMI over 40

According to NFHS-5, there is an upward trend in overweight and obesity from 12.6% in females aged 15-49 in 15 years and increased to 24%, and the number went up from 9.3% to 22.9% among males of the same age.

In India, the number of overweight children has skyrocketed with 12.5 million children aged 5 to 19 in 2022 as compared to 0.4 million cases in 1990.

Causes and Health Risks

Genetic predisposition is one of the causes of obesity, as it dictates what the body uses in terms of storage of fats and digestion of meals. Sedentary lifestyles, which are caused by passive employment and urbanization, have led to less physical activity and irregular sleep patterns. Changes in diet also contribute to the increase in cases of obesity, notably the increase in processed foods and high-calorie foods high in fats and carbohydrates. Cultural aspects are also prevalent, since modern trends in eating often sacrifice healthier traditional consumption patterns for the sake of ease over nutrition. In addition, when someone suffers from hormonal disorders, like PCOS and hypothyroidism, it is much more difficult to maintain a healthy body weight.

There are many dangers to health associated with being overweight and obese, some of them lethal. It causes various forms of physical deformities, among which are

• Cardiovascular Disease: Obesity is highly related to a predisposition to stroke and heart disease.

• Type 2 Diabetes: Too much body fat, particularly around the waist, can lead to the onset of insulin resistance.

• Joint Problems: Osteoarthritis will be inclined to come about because of how extra weight strains joints.

• Cancer: Obesity is associated with liver, colon, and breast cancer.

• Mental Health: The stigma attached to obesity can bring anxiety and sadness.

• Respiratory problems: It leads to diseases that will affect the state of lung functioning such as asthma and sleep apnea.

Minimizing Side Effects

Weight loss can be achieved through the use of anti-obesity medications, however, these may have adverse effects including vomiting, fatigue, and stomach disorders. To alleviate these effects and enhance treatment’s working mechanisms, patients are advised to adhere to specialists’ recommendations and keep in touch with them periodically as they may need to alter the treatment’s schedule.

Furthermore, a balanced filling meal rich in minerals and fibers will also assist you to shed off weight and reduce its adverse effects. It is especially important to incorporate regular exercise into one’s daily routine as it not only aids in losing weight, but also eases discomforts associated with treatment. Ensuring adequate amounts of water and sleep are beneficial in losing weight and also important for overall health.

Treatments for Obesity

Lifestyle Changes: Dietary changes, increased levels of exercise, and behavioural therapy are the cornerstone treatments for obesity.

Medication: Several FDA-approved drugs aid in weight loss either by reducing fat absorption or suppressing appetite.

Bariatric surgery: In addition, for patients with extreme obesity who have not responded favourably to weight-loss techniques, surgery like a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy can be performed.

New drugs: The new drugs include hormonal medicines focused on metabolic pathways and appetite regulation.

Support programs: Counsel-based programs aimed at education and support groups should be used in the provision of community-based programs in order to ensure that patients are successful in their weight loss.

The problem of obesity requires a multifaceted approach, considering community support, medical interventions, and modifications of lifestyle in pursuit of better living. By attacking the root causes and providing adequate options for treatment, we can significantly boost the health outcome on addressing this serious public health issue.

-By Dr. Smrithi D Nayak, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru