What are Overweight and Obesity?
Overweight and obesity are conditions characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fat in the body, which can negatively affect various aspects of health, both physical and mental. To determine whether someone is overweight or obese, medically, we look at the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (kg/m2) as follows:
- Overweight: BMI 23-24.9 Kg/m2
- Obesity: BMI >25 Kg/m2
What are the Causes of Overweight and Obesity?
The main cause of overweight and obesity is an imbalance between energy intake from food, especially high-energy foods such as fats from fried or stir-fried dishes, carbohydrates from starchy foods, sweets, or sugary drinks and milk in large amounts. Most people who regularly consume these types of foods take in more energy than their bodies can burn. For those who do not exercise at all, the excess energy accumulates even more easily and quickly as fat.
Additionally, overweight and obesity can also be found in individuals with hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, or as a result of taking certain medications. To effectively lose weight, it is important to identify the true cause, whether it is related to diet, exercise, or thyroid hormone levels. Screening for hypothyroidism-related obesity, which is common and treatable with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, is recommended.
How Do Overweight and Obesity Affect Health?
Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for ischemic heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, and increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Losing weight to a healthy range can reduce the risk of these diseases.
It is also found that people who are overweight are more likely to have diabetes, high blood lipids, and fatty liver disease compared to the general population. Therefore, those who are overweight should be screened for these associated conditions to prevent and receive treatment before the diseases progress severely.
How Can People with Overweight and Obesity Lose Weight?
- Reduce consumption of fried foods, stir-fried oily foods, fatty foods, crunchy snacks, sugary drinks, and refined white flour, which are high in energy and stimulate insulin.
- Increase intake of green leafy vegetables, non-sweet fruits, high-fiber foods, and whole grains, which help keep you full longer and provide beneficial vitamins.
- Exercise regularly for at least 150 minutes per week, aiming for an increased heart rate during exercise, combined with resistance training to build muscle, as more muscle helps burn more energy.
- For those who cannot control their weight with the above methods, weight loss medications under medical supervision or surgical options may be considered. However, treatment should be combined with diet control and regular exercise to ensure effective, healthy, and sustainable weight loss without yo-yo effects that negate previous efforts.
Dr. Ratpong Jiwarangsee
Internist, Head of Diabetes and Endocrinology Center
Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
