Obesity can be defined as a complex and chronic condition characterized by an excess accumulation of body fat that presents a risk to an individual’s health. It is often measured by the Body Mass Index (BMI), with a BMI of 30 or above indicating obesity. Obesity is generally a multi-factorial disease. If you are consuming high amounts of calories, particularly fat and sugars, and not burning those calories through exercise and physical activity, much of this superfluous energy will be stored by the body as body fat. Causes of Obesity are multifactorial, many of which are beyond control, including genetics, childhood habits, medical conditions, and hormones. Though becoming overweight may not be a choice and shedding those extra kilos may be difficult, but still you can lose weight if you wish to.

Obesity can be defined as a complex and chronic condition characterized by an excess accumulation of body fat that presents a risk to an individual’s health. It is often measured by the Body Mass Index (BMI), with a BMI of 30 or above indicating obesity. Obesity is generally a multi-factorial disease. If you are consuming high amounts of calories, particularly fat and sugars, and not burning those calories through exercise and physical activity, much of this superfluous energy will be stored by the body as body fat. Causes of Obesity are multifactorial, many of which are beyond control, including genetics, childhood habits, medical conditions, and hormones. Though becoming overweight may not be a choice and shedding those extra kilos may be difficult, but still you can lose weight if you wish to.

Causes of Obesity

Psychological Factors: Weight management can be challenging when individuals experience stress, depression, or anxiety. Women, in particular, are thought to be at a higher risk of developing a cycle of obesity and depression.
Calorie Imbalance: An imbalance between the calories consumed and burned can lead to weight gain. Factors such as long daily commutes and sedentary jobs make it more difficult to manage weight effectively.
Sleep Deprivation: Research indicates that insufficient or poor-quality sleep is associated with an increased risk of obesity. Sleep deprivation disrupts the hormones that regulate appetite and hunger, making individuals more likely to overeat, especially during nighttime hours.
Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in determining an individual’s weight. Specific genes can make some people more susceptible to obesity. The contribution of genetic factors to the development of obesity is estimated to be around 40-70%.
Prescription Medications: Certain medications can contribute to weight gain as a side effect. It’s important to be aware of these potential effects when undergoing medical treatments.
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors also play a crucial role in the obesity epidemic. The availability and consumption of foods with little nutritional value but high in calories, such as fast food and processed snacks, contribute to weight gain. Limited access to fresh, healthy foods in some regions can further exacerbate the issue. These environmental influences significantly impact the choices people make regarding their diet and can lead to obesity if left unaddressed.

Classifications on the basis of BMI (Body Mass Index)

Body fat is hard to measure directly. So, it is often measured by body mass index (BMI). Body mass index (BMI) is a tool that doctors use to assess if a person is at an appropriate weight for their age, sex, and height. BMI measures weight related to height.

A BMI between 18-24.9 is normal, BMI between 25 and 29.9 indicates that a person is carrying excess weight. A BMI of 30 or over suggests that a person may have obesity.

Health problems associated with obesity (Related conditions):

Obesity is a major health crisis all over the world. It is the new pandemic to the society. There are several health conditions that are associated with obesity. These conditions often lead to a low quality of health and life of those affected. This is because obesity is the root cause of several serious medical problems, like:

Heart disease and stroke.
High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Cancer.
Gallbladder disease and gallstones.
Osteoarthritis.
Gout.
Breathing problems, such as sleep apnoea (when a person stops breathing for a short time during sleep) and asthma.
Infertility
Thyroid
Joint pain

Diet and Exercise: Supervised Diet and Exercise by experts can induce up to 5-10% of weight loss.

Wonder why you always gain weight, despite dieting and exercise?

Fad diets gives short term results.
Genes may influence your fats stored, distributed and consumed during exercises.
Medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, PCOD and depression.
Influences of family (genetics).

However, it is very difficult to sustain this due to the compensatory hormonal changes in the body which physiologically try to bring back the weight.

Pharmacotherapy or Medical Treatment: This modality could be effective but needs to be consumed for a lifetime with variable results. It has its own side effects and high cost which could be prohibitive.
Liposuction: Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure for the re-sculpting small amount of unwanted body fat. Liposuction is not a weight loss operation. Liposuction only removes fat under the skin temporarily; subsequently fat can get deposited in the same or other area
Bariatric Surgery/Diabetic surgery: Bariatric and metabolic surgery may be the most viable option to be considered in morbid obesity (a. BMI>32.5 with co-morbidities, b. BMI>35 without co-morbidities) when all the above methods don’t work. It induces various hormonal changes which reduce excessive cravings and improve satisfaction of eating and treat the root cause of formation of fat and its deposition in the body.

While diet and exercise alone may not be enough to cure obesity, they are still two of the best ways to prevent it. For treating morbid obesity and its associated complications, however, the researchers recommend considering biologically based treatment, including Bariatric/ Metabolic/ Diabetes surgery where appropriate.

BMI Calculator

Dr. Amit Sood's approach is designed not only to perform your surgery but equip you with the tools and information to achieve sustained, long-term weight loss.

One of India’s most highly trained and qualified bariatric surgeons, Dr. Amit Sood combines impressive experience with a deep knowledge of modern surgical techniques and a commitment to achieving the very best outcome for patients.

MBBS , MS , DNB , F GI & HPB , MAS , MARS
Minimal Access , Bariatric , Metabolic and Laparoscopic Surgeon

Dr. Amit Sood, who is the Founder & Director of CKOSMIC HEALTH CITY and his experience forms the core of the organization. He is one of the youngest Minimal Access, Bariatric, Metabolic, Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeon in India and has also been awarded with a Gold Medal in surgery.in surgery.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Question

How do I know that I'm obese?

Obesity can be determined by a person’s body mass index (BMI), calculated using height and weight. A BMI of 30 or higher is typically considered obese. However, other factors, such as muscle mass and distribution of fat, can also influence an individual’s health status. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional like Dr. Amit Sood to assess your specific situation and determine the best course of action for managing your weight.

Calculate your bmi with Dr Amit Sood — Calculate your BMI

Does obesity affect fertility?

Obesity can have a significant impact on fertility in both men and women. In women, obesity can disrupt hormone levels, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation problems. It can also increase the risk of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can further affect fertility. Additionally, obesity is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage and complications during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

In men, obesity can lead to hormonal imbalances, reduced sperm quality, and erectile dysfunction, all of which can contribute to fertility issues. Obesity may also increase the risk of conditions such as sleep apnea and diabetes, which can further impact fertility.