Since 1975, obesity has almost tripled worldwide. By 2016 there were more than 1.9 million overweight adults, including 650 million suffering from obesity (WHO). We also know that out of all the deaths that occurred in 2017, 4.7 million of them were linked to obesity.
This global epidemic affects individuals of all ages, skin colors, genders, socioeconomic levels and geographic locations. Unfortunately, obesity has a range of serious, far-reaching negative consequences on health, especially for patients who are morbidly obese. To improve their health and help patients live longer, fuller lives, Dr. Liza María Pompa González and her team have developed a successful integrative bariatric program to effectively treat obesity at our bariatric surgery center in Tijuana, Mexico.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that can cause illness and significant risks for your health. Obesity can be calculated by a variety of tests, including simple ones like measuring your body mass index (BMI). Patients with a BMI over 25 are considered overweight and patients with a BMI over 30 are considered obese, a trained physician can help you determine if your weight is at an unhealthy level.
The harsh reality is that obesity is a public health issue that is on the rise worldwide, affecting an increasing number of adults and children every year.
Causes and Risk Factors for Obesity
Obesity is the result of excess fat stores within the body that cause systemic inflammation, it generally occurs when you consume more calories than you burn through daily physical activity or exercise. Many patients who are overweight or obese also have a genetic predisposition for the disease. A person is more likely to be obese if one of their parents is obese, or if their family has a similar, unhealthy lifestyle. Additional causes and risk factors may include:
- Hormonal changes
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Pregnancy
- Lack of sleep
- Certain medications
- Certain medical conditions
- Age
- Socio-economic level
Even if you meet one or more of these risk factors, you can reduce your risk of becoming obese through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Symptoms of Obesity
There are a variety of health issues that may accompany excessive weight gain, such as:
- Insomnia
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Back or joint pain
- Excessive sweating
- Hot flashes
- Rashes or infections in skin folds
- Shortness of breath after light to moderate physical activity
- Sleepiness throughout the day
- Depression
- Anxiety
Complications of Obesity
Obesity can cause a number of other serious medical conditions, which can include:
- High cholesterol or triglycerides, also known as hyperlipidemia
- Some forms of cancer, including uterine, cervical, ovarian, breast, colon, rectal, and prostate
- Depression
- Gall bladder problems
- Irregular menstrual cycles and infertility
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Metabolic syndrome
- Liver disease not associated with alcohol
- Osteoarthritis
- Skin conditions such as intertrigo
- Sleep apnea
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
Reduced Quality of Life
Obesity can greatly reduce your quality of life. Regular, day-to-day activities such as showering, brushing your hair or getting dressed become more difficult, and can, in turn, affect your social, professional, and personal life. Significant extra weight can also make traveling more difficult and uncomfortable, and may even reduce your self-confidence. Not only can these struggles lead to severe depression and general unhappiness, but the resulting health issues may shorten your lifespan.
Do Not Let Weight Hold You Back
Some people believe in the misconception that bariatric surgery is a fast and easy way to lose weight, but this is simply not true, because it requires a high level of commitment. You can read more about the causes and treatment options for adult and childhood obesity in Dr. Pompa González’s book, How Much Does Your Life Weigh?
To learn more about our integrative bariatric program and the treatment options available for obesity, contact us today.