“Obesity is shown among chronic diseases”
Obesity, which occurs with the combination of multiple factors, is considered a complex disease. “Obesity, defined as the accumulation of fat in the body above normal limits, is diagnosed when the result of the Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation used globally is 30 kg / m2 and more. The increase in obesity in all geographies and in almost every age group causes it to be seen as a global health crisis. According to the World Obesity Federation, half of the world’s population is expected to be overweight or obese by 2035. For this reason, obesity draws attention as a disease that threatens the future.” Prof. Dr. Kıyıcı continued her words as follows:
“Obesity is shown among chronic diseases by the World Health Organization (WHO). Based on this definition, we can say that obesity does not only develop due to the lack of willpower of individuals. Obesity, like all other chronic diseases, is a progressive disease that can cause impairment in the functioning of some of the body’s functions and organ damage, as well as many other health problems. Health authorities emphasize that obesity should be considered among the most critical diseases that threaten human health, especially in terms of triggering diseases that can cause damage to vital functions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, some types of cancer, respiratory system diseases. The ‘It’s Bigger Than You Think’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness about obesity, draws attention to this issue and gives the message that obesity is a bigger disease than it is thought, that individuals do not have to fight obesity alone, and that it is important to consult a physician.”
What are the causes of obesity?
How effective is the willpower of individuals in the emergence of obesity? Stating that misinformation on this subject is widespread in the society, Prof. Dr. Kıyıcı continued her words as follows:
“The prejudice that obesity develops only due to sedentary life and lack of willpower in eating behavior is very common in society. However, research on obesity shows that many psychological, biological, genetic, social, cultural and environmental factors play a role in the development of obesity.”
“More than 1,000 gene variants are associated with obesity”
Informing about the genetic causes of obesity, Prof. Dr. Kıyıcı gave the following information “While research on the genetic causes of obesity continues, more than 1,000 gene variants have been shown to be associated with obesity today. We know that in the type of obesity commonly seen in the society, more than one gene variant that creates a tendency to weight gain in the individual is found together, that is, it is polygenic. We can explain the relationship between obesity and genetic factors in a two-sided way. The presence of multiple gene variants associated with obesity may lead to less calorie burning in the body, increased tendency to store fat and decreased ability to burn fat for energy. This will lead to excess fat accumulation and an increase in BMI. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle and high-fat diet, which are common today, can negatively affect the systems that regulate hunger and satiety hormones and the normal functioning of other body functions, which can lead to weight gain and adiposity.”
“It is important to take early and correct action in the fight against obesity”
Prof. Dr. Kıyıcı pointed out that although obesity may have causes beyond the will of individuals, such as genetic factors, this risk can be reduced with some precautions and the importance of getting the right support without wasting time:
“There are many genetic factors affecting obesity. However, some positive changes in our eating habits and lifestyle can help us reduce our risk of obesity. In cases where obesity disease develops, it is very important for patients to consult a physician without wasting time and to determine different treatment methods specific to their needs under the control and management of a physician. After the patients lose weight, positive effects are quickly seen in their general health status. For example, according to a study conducted in the UK, in individuals with an estimated BMI of 40 kg/m2, an average weight loss of 13% from the initial weight resulted in a 41% reduction in the risk of Type 2 diabetes, 40% reduction in the risk of sleep apnea, 22% reduction in the risk of hypertension, 19% reduction in the risk of dyslipidemia and 18% reduction in the risk of asthma.”
Sources:
https://impact.economist.com/health/the-science-of-obesity/obesity-matters/
https://impact.economist.com/health/the-science-of-obesity/biology-genetics/
https://www.buissandigindanbuyuk.com
http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/wof-files/Economic-impact-overweight-obesity-in-countries-final.pdf
Haase CL, Lopes S, Olsen AH, Satylganova A, Schnecke V, McEwan P. Weight loss and risk reduction of obesity-related outcomes in 0.5 million people: evidence from a UK primary care database. Int J Obes (Lond). 2021 Jun;45(6):1249-1258. doi: 10.1038/s41366-021-00788-4. Epub 2021 Mar 3. PMID: 33658682; PMCID: PMC8159734.
