About Obesity

Introduction to Obesity 

Obesity is a global health concern that rapidly increases across various demographics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight its spread across all regions, making it the second leading cause of preventable death, following smoking.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a complex health condition characterised by an excessive accumulation of body fat compared to lean body mass. It's determined when an individual's weight significantly exceeds a healthy range for their height, leading to a high body fat percentage. 

The most common metric to measure obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI). An adult with a BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese.

Obesity in Australia: A Growing Concern

• Australia faces a rising obesity epidemic, with its prevalence doubling in the last two decades.
• Current statistics reveal:
• Seven million Australian adults are overweight or obese.
• Over 68% of Australian adult males and 55% of females fall in the overweight or obese category.
• Concerningly, 23% of children under 16 are overweight or obese.
• Australia's increasing weight gain trend correlates with environmental and socio-economic conditions shifts.

Health Implications of Obesity

• Annually, 12,000 to 17,000 Australians face premature death due to obesity-related complications.
• Obesity significantly contributes to:
• Preventable non-communicable diseases.
• Reduced life expectancy.
• Diminished quality of life.
• Major health risks associated with obesity include Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Hypertension, Stroke, Musculoskeletal Disorders, certain cancers, and more.
• Fortunately, substantial weight loss can mitigate or reverse many health issues.

Evolving Perceptions of Obesity

• Past: Obesity was often misinterpreted as an individual's failure, with diet, exercise, and weight loss surgery being the primary solutions.
• Present: Recognized as a chronic disease by the World Health Organisation (W.H.O) since 2013, obesity is now understood as a result of multiple environmental and genetic factors.

Causes of Obesity

• Energy Imbalance: Consuming more calories than expended.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Inactivity leads to unburned calories.
• Environmental Factors: Larger food portions, lack of exercise spaces, and increased junk food consumption.
• Genetics: Genes like FTO, PCSK1, and ENPP1 influence obesity predisposition.
• Diet and Overeating: Constant hunger can lead to poor food choices.
• Emotional Triggers: Stress or trauma-induced overeating.
• Age: Muscle loss with age can reduce calorie consumption.
• Medical Conditions: Diseases like hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.
• Medications: Some drugs can slow metabolism or increase appetite.

Symptoms of Obesity

Symptoms of obesity are primarily related to the physical and health consequences of carrying excess body fat. Common symptoms and associated health issues include:

• Increased Body Weight: The most obvious symptom is an increased body weight, often measured by an elevated BMI.
• Fatigue: Obesity can lead to reduced energy levels and increased fatigue, as the body has to work harder to carry the excess weight.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or while lying down, can occur due to the strain on the respiratory system.
• Joint Pain: Obesity can put extra stress on joints, leading to joint pain, particularly in the knees, hips, and lower back.
• High Blood Pressure: Obesity is a significant risk factor for hypertension (high blood pressure), which can lead to cardiovascular problems.
• High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, are common in obese individuals and can contribute to heart disease.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, which can lead to symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.
• Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea, characterised by disrupted breathing during sleep, are more common in obese individuals and can lead to poor sleep quality.
• Mental Health Issues: Obesity can be associated with mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

BMI Calculator

To determine your BMI (Body Mass Index), you can use the following formula:

BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m))^2



Alternatively, you can use an online BMI calculator or consult a bariatric surgeon who can measure and interpret your BMI. 

Classifying Obesity

Morbid obesity, also referred to as “clinically severe obesity” or “extreme obesity,” 

Clinical Obesity was defined as the criteria for bariatric surgery by the 1991 NIH Consensus Conference Statement on Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Severe Obesity can benefit from Bariatric Surgery when: 

• BMI Range ≥ 40, or 
• BMI Range ≥ 35 combined with a high-risk co-morbid condition.