Obesity and what you need to know

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Hong Phuc - General Internal Medicine - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.

Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, this is really a potential threat in the future, reducing life expectancy and quality of life of people, leading to a series of consequences for other diseases such as: High blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, cancer...

1. How is obesity defined?

Overweight and obesity are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that can impair health.
Body mass index (BMI) is a simple weight-for-height index commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults.
1.1 For adults Overweight is a BMI greater than or equal to 25 and obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30.
1.2 For children For children under 5 years of age: Overweight is the following weight. height is more than 2 standard deviations above the mean. WHO Child Growth Standards; and obesity is weight-for-height greater than 3 standard deviations above the WHO Child Growth Standards mean.
Children aged 5 - 18 years: Overweight is BMI for age greater than 1 standard deviation above the WHO growth reference mean; and obesity greater than 2 standard deviations above the WHO growth reference mean.

2. Causes of obesity

Changes in body weight indicate that if energy intake is greater than energy expenditure, weight gain will occur.
2.1 Familial obesity Recent studies have shown that obesity has an inherited gene (polygenic inheritance). If both parents are obese, there is an 80% chance that their child will be obese. Only about 7% of patients are obese while their parents are normal.
In addition, inactivity plays a very important role in the emergence of obesity, scientific development, advancement in information technology and transportation make people more sedentary. Children's rapid weight gain is partly due to the role of audio-visual media: television, games, and even schools are less interested in the subject of physical activity.

2.2 Due to neuroendocrine hypothalamus: Causes obesity when damaged, the disease is uncommon. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Polycystic ovaries cause menstrual disorders, hypertension, increased androgens, insulin resistance and obesity in 50% of patients with Hyperadrenocorticism (H.C. Cushing). Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism disturbs water and electrolyte metabolism, reduces sodium and water retention causing weight gain, which is completely different from fat gain.

Suy tuyến cận giáp — Bệnh lý tuyến giáp gây béo phì

Endocrine pancreas (insulinoma): Due to increased insulin causes low blood sugar and the patient has to eat a lot leading to weight gain. The syndrome of hypogonadism (Babinski-Froehlich). Patients with endocrine and metabolic disorders such as adrenocortical tumors, menopause, sugar metabolism disorders, dyslipidemia (lipid)...etc. will stimulate adipose tissue formation. The formation of adipose tissue in the body causes an increase in the demand for sugar, leading to an increase in the demand for insulin, the increase of these two substances stimulates the formation of adipose tissue and forms a pathological spiral that is difficult to control. treat.

2.3 Genetic obesity. Leptin-producing gene mutation or Leptin receptor mutation.
Other gene mutations:
POMC fusion gene. Prohormone convertase-producing gene – 1 (PC – 1) Me – 4 Receptor. PPAR-2 (Peroxisome Proliferator Activator - receptor 2).

3. What are the consequences of overweight and obesity?

Increased BMI is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as:
Cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke), which was the leading cause of death in 2012; Diabetes; Musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis - a highly degenerative joint disease); Certain cancers (including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallstones, kidney, and colon). Being overweight in children is associated with a higher risk of obesity, early death, and disability in adulthood. But in addition to increasing future risk, obese children also experience breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, increased blood pressure, early signs of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects.

4. How can obesity be reduced?

Overweight and obesity, and the associated diseases, are largely preventable by making healthy food choices and regular physical activity the easiest option (the most accessible, available option). and affordable), thus preventing overweight and obesity.
On an individual level, people can:
Limit energy intake from total fat and sugar; Increase portions of fruits and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains, and nuts; Engage in regular physical activity (60 minutes per day for children and 150 minutes spread throughout the week for adults).

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