Obesity
What is Obesity?
Obesity is the abnormal accumulation of fat tissue that has a negative effect on health. Obesity is frequently associated with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, high triglyceride, ischemic heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and many other medical and surgical conditions.
- The most frequent cause of obesity is genetics.
- Prolonged exposure to poor dietary habit (with frequent intake of high fat and glucose food), lack of exercise, stress, lack of sleep and some medications are also known contributors to obesity.
For Asians
- Body mass index ≥27.5 kg/m2 (calculated by dividing body weight in kg by the square of body height in m)
- Waist circumference >90 cm (>36 in.) in men, or >80 cm ( >30 in.) in women
- Maintain a balanced and healthy diet: avoid food high in fats and cholesterol, increase intake of fruits and vegetables, and watch your sugar & oil consumption
- Exercise regularly
- Optimization of existing medications
- FDA-approved weight reduction medications
- Bariatric surgery referral
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Lipid disorders
- Ischemic heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Osteoarthritis of the knees
- Gout
- Menstrual disturbance in women
- Low testosterone in men
- Increased risks for some cancers