Obesity: What it is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition often characterised by excessive body fat that can negatively impact a person's health. It develops when a person consistently consumes more calories than their body uses for energy. Although unhealthy eating and a sedentary lifestyle are known risk factors, there are many other underlying causes that include genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, medications, sleep deprivation, and stress, among others.

Healthcare professionals commonly use the Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine whether a person's weight falls within a healthy range. When the BMI value in an adult reaches 30, he/she is considered to be obese. However, BMI serves as a screening measure only and does not accurately reflect body fat levels.

What are the Types of Obesity?

Healthcare professionals often classify obesity into categories based on Body Mass Index (BMI).

How Common is Obesity in India?

According to UNICEF, obesity is spreading rapidly across India, with cases increasing among people of all ages. One of the most worrying trends is the rise in childhood obesity. The prevalence of obesity among children under the age of five has more than doubled in just over a decade. In fact, India is expected to have more than 27 million children and adolescents, aged 5-19 years, living with obesity by 2030, accounting for around 11% of the global burden.

A number of factors are driving this increase. Busy lifestyles, greater dependence on processed and packaged foods, reduced physical activity, longer screen time, and increasingly sedentary routines have all played a role. While obesity was once seen mainly in cities, it is now becoming more common in smaller towns and rural areas as lifestyles continue to change.

What are the Symptoms of Obesity?

Obesity does not always cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as excess body fat accumulates, it can begin to affect various systems in the body. The symptoms can vary from person to person depending on the severity.

Some common symptoms of obesity include:

• Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, waist, hips, and thighs.

• Shortness of breath, especially while engaging in physical activity or when climbing stairs.

• Increased sweating, even during mild exertion or in cooler temperatures.

• Fatigue and low energy levels make everyday activities more challenging.

• Difficulty with physical movement, including walking, bending, or exercising comfortably.

• Joint, knee, hip, or back pain caused by the additional pressure on bones and joints.

• Reduced stamina and exercise tolerance, resulting in quicker exhaustion during routine activities.

What Causes Obesity?

Obesity develops when the body stores more energy as fat than it uses over a prolonged period. Some of the most common causes of obesity include the following:

• Unhealthy Eating Habits: Regular consumption of high-calorie, processed, and fatty foods can lead to excess calorie intake and gradual weight gain.

• Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting, and lack of regular exercise reduce the number of calories the body burns each day.

• Genetic Factors: Certain genes can affect appetite, metabolism, fat storage, and energy use, increasing a person's susceptibility to obesity.

• Hormonal and Medical Conditions: Disorders such as Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can contribute to weight gain in some individuals.

• Certain Medications: Antidepressants, corticosteroids, antipsychotics, and diabetes medicines may contribute to weight gain as a side effect.

• Poor Sleep Habits: Not getting enough sleep can disrupt the body's hunger-regulating hormones, making a person feel hungrier and more prone to overeating.

• Emotional Factors: Ongoing stress , depression, and eating for comfort can promote excessive calorie intake and unhealthy food choices.

• Ageing: As people get older, metabolism naturally slows and muscle mass decreases, raising the chance of weight gain if lifestyle habits remain unchanged.

What are the Complications of Obesity?

Over time, carrying excess body fat increases the risk of developing several serious health problems, many of which can affect quality of life and overall well-being.

Some of the major complications associated with obesity include:

• Type 2 Diabetes: Excess body fat can make the body less responsive to insulin, raising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Obesity places additional strain on the heart and blood vessels, commonly leading to hypertension

• Heart Disease and Stroke: People with obesity are more likely to develop heart-related complications, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes, especially when accompanied by high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

• Sleep Apnea: Increased neck fat can obstruct the airway during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality.

• Joint and Musculoskeletal Problems: Obesity increases joint pressure, leading to osteoarthritis, joint pain, and restricted mobility.

• Fatty Liver Disease: Obesity can cause fat to accumulate in the liver, leading to inflammation, liver damage, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

• Certain Types of Cancer: Research has linked obesity to an increased risk of cancers, including endometrial, breast, kidney, liver, and pancreatic cancers.

• Gallbladder Disease: Obesity increases the likelihood of developing gallstones and other gallbladder-related conditions.

• Reproductive and Fertility Issues: Obesity can affect hormone levels, menstrual cycles, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes in women, and may also impact fertility in men.

• Mental Health Concerns: Living with obesity can contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and reduced quality of life.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?

You should consider visiting a doctor if:

• Your BMI falls within the obesity range, or you have experienced excessive weight gain in a short period of time.

• You are unable to lose weight despite making changes to your diet and physical activity.

• You have obesity-related health complications, like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or joint pain.

• You experience shortness of breath, fatigue, or reduced mobility that interferes with your daily activities.

• You notice symptoms that may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as hormonal disorders that can contribute to weight gain.

• Your weight is affecting your mental well-being, self-confidence, or overall quality of life.

• You are interested in medical weight-loss treatments, including prescription medications or bariatric surgery.

How is Obesity Diagnosed?

Obesity is diagnosed through a combination of physical measurements, medical history, and an overall health assessment. Healthcare providers do not rely solely on body weight; they also evaluate factors that may contribute to weight gain and identify any obesity-related health complications.

Some of the common methods used to diagnose obesity include:

• Body Mass Index (BMI): BMI is the most widely used screening tool for obesity. It is calculated from a person's height and weight. In adults, a body mass index of 30 or more is generally considered obesity.

• Waist Circumference Measurement: Measuring waist size helps determine the quantity of fat deposited in the abdomen.

• Medical History Review: Your healthcare professional might ask about your eating habits, physical activity levels, sleep routine, and any past medical problems related to weight management.

• Physical Examination: A general health assessment may be performed to evaluate weight distribution, high blood pressure, heart health, and signs of obesity-related conditions.

• Blood Tests and Other Investigations: Tests may be recommended to screen for conditions associated with obesity, such as high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, thyroid disorders, or hormonal imbalances.

How is Obesity Managed?

Common obesity management strategies include:

• Healthy Dietary Changes: Adopting a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and reducing the intake of processed, sugary, and high-calorie foods can help create a calorie deficit and promote weight loss.

• Consistent Physical Exercise: Regular exercise, such as cycling, walking, swimming, and strength training, helps burn calories, improve fitness, and support long-term weight management.

• Behavioural and Lifestyle Transformations: Identifying unhealthy food habits, managing stress, maintaining good sleep patterns, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are important for weight control.

• Weight-Loss Medications: In some cases, prescription medications may be recommended for individuals with obesity or obesity-related health conditions who have not achieved sufficient weight loss with lifestyle changes alone.

• Management of Ongoing Health Conditions: Treating conditions such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or sleep problems may help support weight management efforts.

• Bariatric Surgery: For people with significant obesity-related complications, bariatric surgery may be considered when other treatment approaches have not been successful. These procedures can help reduce food intake and improve long-term weight loss outcomes.

Can Obesity Be Reversed?

Obesity can be managed and even reversed through sustained weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes. While there is no quick cure, reducing excess body fat through a balanced diet, routine physical activity, improved sleep habits, and behavioural changes can greatly improve overall health and lower the risk of obesity-related complications.

For some individuals, medical treatments such as weight-loss medications or bariatric surgery may also be recommended to support long-term weight management.

How Can I Prevent Obesity?

Some of the workable tips that can help you prevent obesity are as follows:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.

• Engage in any physical activity daily for at least 40 to 45 minutes.

• Reduce sedentary behaviours, such as prolonged sitting and excessive screen time.

• Limit the intake of packaged foods, sugary drinks, fast food, and high-calorie snacks.

• Practice portion control and avoid overeating, even when consuming healthy foods.

• Get enough sleep, as poor sleep has the potential to disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and appetite.

• Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day, rather than sugary beverages.

Does Health Insurance Cover Obesity?

Yes, health insurance in India may cover obesity treatment when deemed medically necessary and not for cosmetic purposes. These plans provide coverage for obesity-related treatments, including hospitalisation, bariatric surgery, and diagnostic tests, subject to policy terms and eligibility criteria.

However, most health insurance companies impose a waiting period of around 2-3 years before obesity treatment or bariatric surgery benefits can be claimed. Coverage details may vary by insurer, so you should carefully review the policy documents before purchasing a plan.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage is Needed for Obesity Treatment?

The amount of health insurance coverage depends on the severity of obesity and the type of treatment required. For routine obesity management, including consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and possible hospitalisation, a sum insured of ₹5 to ₹10 lakh is adequate.

However, if bariatric surgery is recommended, treatment costs can be significantly higher. In such cases, opting for a higher sum insured of ₹15 to ₹25 lakh can provide better financial protection.