Obesity is a chronic disease that needs to be treated. Therefore, we cannot make a diagnosis according to general medical criteria. We need to decide who should be treated by conducting a risk assessment.
It is estimated that 26% of the world’s population will be obese in 2025. Currently, this rate is 22.3% in the general population in Turkey. The reasons for the increase in obesity in developed and developing countries; Consumption of foods containing more calories, less exercise and use of elevators, increased consumption of high-fat fast food, more hours spent in front of the computer… Body mass index (BMI) measures that provide information about body adipose tissue. Waist circumference is a normal fat indicator BMI: 18.5—24.5 BMI: 25—29.5 is overweight, BMI: more than 30 is obese. Everyone with a BMI above 30 should be included in the obesity treatment program. Excess weight should be treated according to major and minor factors. Major factors; diabetes, sleep apnea, arteriosclerosis in neck and jaw veins. Minor factors; impaired fasting sugar (110-125 mg). If at least one of the major factors and at least two of the minor factors are present, overweight people must be treated. If the waist circumference is more than 88 cm in a woman, at least 1 major or 2 minor factors should be treated. Common diseases associated with obesity; Type II Diabetes, Heart Diseases (Hypertension, Heart failure, stroke), Reproductive system disorders, (Decreased productivity, menstrual irregularity, cysts in the ovaries), Stones in the gallbladder, (If BMI is above 25, the frequency of gallstones increases 7 times), Fatty Liver, Stomach hernia, reflux, Increased hairiness (cracks on the skin, heel spurs, gout), Sleep apnea, Cancer (In the study of the American Cancer Society, the risk of death due to cancer is 2-2.5 times higher in those with BMI above 30 than those between 20-25) Obesity The participation of the Doctor, Dietitian and Psychologist in the patient evaluation is necessary for patient compliance and success. For treatment, lifestyle changes, drug use, (cortisone drugs, anti-depressants, etc.)
The patient should definitely be offered exercise. Exercise reduces the body’s sugar load. It lowers fat. It also has positive effects on blood pressure. It reduces stress. Exercises of 20-30 minutes at least 5 days a week should be recommended first. The goal is to spend 100-130 calories a day with exercise. Along with these, treatment and diet programs of existing problems are applied to the patient.
Exp. Dr.Nur Özbek
