OBESITY OR OVERWEIGHT ? DIFFERENCES AND CAUSES

Home » Blog » Obesity or overweight ?

Weight classification

Il est essentiel de comprendre la distinction entre le surpoids et l’obésité pour pouvoir classifier correctement le poids corporel et élaborer des stratégies de gestion appropriées.

Overweight : an adult is considered overweight when their Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 29.9.
Obesity : a person is considered obese when their BMI is equal to or greater than 30. In this case, the percentage of body fat is significantly higher.

L’IMC peut ne pas refléter avec précision la composition corporelle de certaines personnes, comme les athlètes. Il est donc conseillé de consulter un professionnel de santé pour une évaluation complète de la composition corporelle.

Demographic statistics

Comprehensive epidemiological data reveal a worrying trend in body weight classification among the adult population, with more than one-third of adults classified as obese.
This figure highlights a major public health issue, as obesity is a well-established risk factor for a multitude of chronic diseases.

Chez les enfants et les adolescents, plus précisément ceux âgés de 6 à 19 ans, la situation est tout aussi préoccupante. Environ un tiers est considéré comme en surpoids ou obèse, ce qui indique l’apparition précoce de problèmes de santé liés au poids, qui peuvent persister à l’âge adulte.

La prévalence de l’obésité est prononcée chez les jeunes, plus d’un enfant et d’un adolescent sur six est obèse. Il est donc urgent de mettre en place des interventions ciblées et des campagnes éducatives visant à promouvoir des modes de vie sains dès le plus jeune âge.

Consequences of obesity

Obesity significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in the United States, for both men and women. It is associated with conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, obesity is linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. According to a recent study, obesity plays a role in the etiology of 4% of cancers in men and 7% in women, due to the complex interaction of hormonal, inflammatory, and metabolic factors associated with excess weight. In summary, the statistics paint a grim picture of obesity and underscore its health impact. It is clear that obesity is not merely an aesthetic issue, but a critical factor that significantly influences disease risk.
To address the problem, a combination of public health initiatives, awareness programs, and lifestyle changes is required.

Causes of obesity

L’obésité est un état pathologique caractérisé par une accumulation excessive de graisse corporelle, résultant d’une interaction complexe de facteurs génétiques, environnementaux, comportementaux et physiologiques. Bien que les causes de l’obésité soient multiples, il est largement reconnu qu’un déséquilibre énergétique durable, résultant d’un excès d’apport calorique par rapport à la dépense énergétique, est le facteur primordial dans le développement de l’obésité.

Lack of physical activity : physical activity is essential for calorie expenditure. In its absence, the body does not burn enough calories, leading to fat accumulation. It is crucial to include moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, in your daily routine to improve overall health.
Unhealthy eating habits : weight gain is primarily due to excessive caloric intake relative to energy expenditure. A diet high in refined carbohydrates, low in fruits and vegetables, and characterized by unbalanced meals significantly contributes to weight gain. Keeping a food journal can help better understand and manage eating habits.
Insufficient sleep : lack of sleep disrupts the hormones that regulate appetite, increasing levels of ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and decreasing levels of leptin (the satiety hormone). This imbalance leads to cravings for high-calorie foods. Quality sleep—typically between seven and nine hours per night—is essential to maintain hormonal balance and prevent weight gain.
Medications : some medications can cause weight gain by altering metabolism or increasing appetite. It is important to consult a doctor to manage these side effects by adopting a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Pregnancy : weight gain during pregnancy is normal and necessary for fetal development. However, postpartum weight loss can be challenging due to hormonal changes and the demands of caring for a newborn. Appropriate follow-up may be essential to help women manage postpartum weight.
Medical conditions : certain underlying diseases, such as Prader-Willi syndrome or Cushing’s syndrome, can cause weight gain due to the interaction of genetic and hormonal factors. A full medical evaluation is necessary to correctly diagnose and treat these conditions.

Weight management strategies

Lutter contre l’obésité nécessite une prise en charge complète :

A balanced diet : rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Regular physical activity : a combination of aerobic exercises, strength training, and stretching.
Support from loved ones : the support of friends and family is important for maintaining healthy behaviors.
Monitoring food intake : keeping a food diary to improve eating habits.
Positive mindset : staying motivated with visual reminders of progress made.

It is strongly recommended to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to develop a tailored weight management plan.

Solutions in aesthetic medicine

Aesthetic medical treatments can support body reshaping.

Cryolipolysis, which uses cold to destroy fat cells in a targeted and non-invasive way, helps speed up the loss of localized fat bulges.
Body mesotherapy injections are beneficial for drainage and the treatment of water retention.
Onda Coolwaves and radiofrequency improve skin quality.
Hyaluronic acid injections, especially with medical lift techniques, treat facial sagging caused by significant weight loss.

Article written by Dr Romano Valeria

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

Aesthetic-oriented medical procedures in Geneva