Obesity Symptoms: Health Risks Associated with Excess Weight

Recognising Obesity: Health Risks & Early Signs to Watch

Obesity is a significant medical condition where excessive body fat is accumulated, affecting the lives of millions across the globe. The condition increases the risk of numerous well-established chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Therefore, detecting symptoms of obesity at an early stage is crucial for effective intervention and improved outcomes. In this blog, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of obesity, its causes, and how it manifests in adults and children. Keep reading for a detailed insight.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition characterised by excessive body fat accumulation that poses a risk to an individual’s health. It is typically quantified by the body mass index (BMI), where a value of 30 or higher indicates obesity.

A BMI within the range of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. Values between 25 and 29.9 indicate overweight, while a BMI of 30 or above falls into the obesity category. BMI is a useful screening tool, but it doesn't take into account muscle mass or the location of fat storage.

Visceral fat (fat wrapped around internal organs) is hazardous and increases the risk of metabolic diseases. Obesity has been recognised as a persistent disorder by key health agencies like the WHO (World Health Organisation) and the CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) since it has lifelong impacts on one's health and keeps on aggravating.

What are the Most Common Symptoms of Obesity?

Recognising the signs of obesity helps you know when to seek help. These signs are not always obvious, but they can have a significant impact on well-being. Here are some of the common symptoms:

Gaining Excess Fat

The defining characteristic of obesity is an excessive accumulation of body fat, often visible in areas like the abdomen, thighs, and back. Such fat may impact mobility, body shape, or physique.

Breathlessness

Obesity puts a strain on the chest and lungs, making it hard to breathe properly.

Snoring and Sleep Apnoea

The fat around the neck obstructs the airways, resulting in heavy snoring and disturbed nighttime breathing.

Fatigue

Having extra body weight can make everyday physical activities feel exhausting. Fatigue is commonly reported by most individuals, even after engaging in regular activity or getting a whole night's sleep.

Joint Pain

The hips, lower back, and knees bear the excess load, leading to pain and decreased range of motion.

Skin Problems

Moisture and friction in skin folds can lead to irritation, rashes (intertrigo), and create an environment prone to fungal or bacterial infections.

What are the Emotional and Psychological Symptoms of Obesity?

Most individuals overlook the emotional and psychological signs and symptoms of obesity, but they are also essential to know. A few such symptoms include:

1. Depression

Obesity often leads to low self-esteem, social isolation, and a higher rate of clinical depression.

2. Anxiety

Being repeatedly exposed to weight stigma can contribute to long-term anxiety.

3. Body Image Disturbances

Overweight people have negative self-concepts and body image dissatisfaction.

4. Binge Eating

This condition involves consuming enormous quantities of food quickly, followed by feelings of guilt, and is a contributing factor to ongoing weight gain.

What are the Symptoms of Obesity in Children?

Childhood obesity symptoms should be closely monitored from an early age, as they often lead to adulthood obesity and a lifetime of health issues. Here are a few obesity symptoms in children to watch out for:

Visible Signs

1. Rapid Weight Gain

An unusual weight increase compared to others is a sign of childhood obesity.

2. Fat Accumulation

Fat can accumulate around the face, stomach, arms, and legs, causing clothes to feel tight or ill-fitting.

3. Breathing Difficulty

Obese children often become winded easily when participating in physical activity or play.

4. Skin Discolouration

Dark spots on the neck or underarms can be an indication of insulin resistance.

Behavioural and Emotional Symptoms

1. Low Self-Esteem

Weight issues can render kids extremely self-conscious in school or peer environments.

2. Being Bullied

Kids can be bullied because of their weight, which makes them socially isolated, and their grades suffer.

3. Unhealthy Food Habits

Bingeing, skipping meals, or sneaking snacks can be an indication of an unhealthy relationship with food.

4. Poor School Performance

Physical distress, fatigue, and mental stress may disrupt concentration and learning.

How Can Obesity Symptoms Impact Daily Life?

Regular life is frequently disrupted by physical as well as mental exhaustion resulting from symptoms of obesity. Listed below are a few pointers on how obesity symptoms can affect you:

Physical Disabilities

Trouble with Movement

Walking, bending, or standing for an extended period can be tiring due to the overexertion of muscles and joints.

Sleep Difficulty

Arthritic pain and sleep apnoea result in sleep quality deprivation and daytime hypersomnolence.

Trouble with Personal Hygiene

Restricted movement can make everyday tasks, such as bathing, getting dressed, and maintaining personal hygiene, more challenging.

Social and Occupational Impact

Work-Related Challenges

Weight stigma and discrimination can occur in workplace and social settings. Additionally, physical limitations resulting from obesity may make certain demanding activities more challenging.

Social Isolation

Fear of weight-based judgment can lead to social anxiety and isolation for some individuals, which can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression. It's important to recognize that depression can also have biological links to obesity.

Less Activity Involvement

From holiday events to sports, most recreational activities are physically inaccessible or emotionally uncomfortable.

Obesity is an extremely common but controllable disease that affects every part of an individual's health and wellness. Recognising early warning signs of obesity, both physical and psychological, is crucial to prevent future issues. This is not just an adult issue; signs of childhood obesity are on the rise and must be treated immediately.

Fortunately, with the proper combination of lifestyle modifications, medical care, and education, most of these signs can be reversed or significantly improved.