Obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat, characterized by the excessive volume of the belly and other parts of the body. Obesity can also be called adiposity.
Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, diabetes, sleep apnea, thereby increasing the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
According to a survey by the Ministry of Health released in 2013, the obesity rate in Brazil increased 54% in 6 years (from 2006 to 2011) and approximately 51% of the population over 18 years was overweight.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the simplest ways to measure body fat. To do this, simply divide the individual’s mass (kg) by his height (in meters) squared, according to the equation: BMI = mass / height² .
The BMI result can be analyzed according to the table below:
| BMI | |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 – 34.9 | Mild Obesity |
| 35.0 – 39.9 | Moderate obesity |
| 40.0 – 49.9 | Morbidly Obese |
| 50.0 – 59.9 | Super Obese |
| > 60.0 | Super Super Obese |
However, this method is not always completely reliable. For example, a muscular individual may have a high BMI and not have excess body fat. Your “excess weight” is due to your muscle mass.
Therefore, in a clinical analysis, other factors are analyzed, such as age, sex, muscle mass, among others.
Causes of Obesity
There are several causes of obesity, the main ones being:
- Bad eating habits;
- Consumption of extremely caloric foods;
- Sedentary lifestyle ;
- Stress;
- Hormonal disorders.
Morbid obesity
Morbid obesity is considered a serious disease, which can bring serious complications to the individual. Morbid obesity is characterized by a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 40 and 49.9.
Types of Obesity
- Nutritional obesity: Caused by excessive intake of calories, through foods with a lot of fat or sugar;
- Psychological obesity: Caused by psychological disorders or adversities such as stress and anxiety;
- Behavioral obesity: It is the result of behavioral errors, such as physical inactivity or lack of physical activity.
Obesity can also be classified into:
- Female (gynecoid): It is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the hips, thighs and buttocks;
- Male (android): It is characterized by fat accumulated in the waist and abdomen.
Treatment and Prevention of Obesity
- Diet;
- Regular practice of physical exercise;
- Stomach reduction surgery (bariatric surgery or gastroplasty), in cases of morbid obesity.