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Comprehensive Guide to Obesity
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Obesity Treatment

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Obesity is more than just “excess weight.” It is a chronic disease that occurs when there is an abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat that can impair health. In recent years, obesity has become one of the most pressing health concerns in India, including cities like Vadodara, Surat, Ahmedabad, Banglore etc. With modern lifestyles, sedentary habits, and the widespread availability of high-calorie foods, obesity rates are steadily rising.

Patients often ask: “What is obesity? What causes it? Can obesity be cured? How can obesity be prevented?” This comprehensive page is designed to answer these questions and more, guiding you with accurate medical insights and practical advice.

At our surgical and weight management practice, we have seen firsthand how obesity impacts individuals physically, emotionally, and socially. With over 25 years of specialized surgical experience, more than 8,000 successful laparoscopic surgeries, and 400+ bariatric surgeries, our team is committed to helping patients achieve healthier lives with compassion and advanced medical care.

What is Obesity?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. BMI is a simple calculation of weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.

Body Mass Index

BMI Classification of Obesity (WHO)

  • Underweight: BMI < 18.5
  • Normal weight: BMI 18.5 – 24.9
  • Overweight (Pre-obese): BMI 25 – 29.9
  • Class I Obesity: BMI 30 – 34.9
  • Class II Obesity: BMI 35 – 39.9
  • Class III / Morbid Obesity: BMI ≥ 40

In India, due to genetic and metabolic differences, lower BMI cut-offs are often used:

  • Overweight: BMI 23 – 24.9
  • Obesity: BMI ≥ 25
Obesity in India and World

Obesity is sometimes described with other terms such as:

This means many Indians are at risk of obesity-related diseases at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations.

  • Abdominal obesity (fat concentrated around the waist and abdomen).
  • Central obesity (apple-shaped body).
  • Truncal obesity (excess fat around the torso).

Simply put, obesity means carrying more fat than the body can safely handle, leading to serious health problems.

Symptoms & Health Risks of Obesity

Many people think obesity is only about appearance, but the truth is obesity affects nearly every organ in the body.

Symptoms of Obesity

  • Excess body weight and fat around waist
  • Breathlessness with minimal activity
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Snoring or sleep apnea
  • Back and joint pain (especially knees and hips)
  • Darkening of skin around neck or armpits (acanthosis nigricans, linked with insulin resistance)
  • Infertility or irregular periods in women (PCOS-related obesity)

Health Risks of Obesity

  • Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM): Obesity is the strongest risk factor.
  • Hypertension: High blood pressure.
  • Heart Disease & Stroke
  • Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
  • Certain Cancers: Breast, colon, and uterine cancer.
  • Sleep Disorders: Sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
  • Osteoarthritis: Knee and hip pain due to excess load.
  • Mental Health Issues: Depression, low self-esteem, social withdrawal.
Obesity in India and World

Obesity in India & Across World

India is experiencing an obesity epidemic. Studies show that urban areas like Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat, Banglore, Indore etc. report higher obesity rates compared to rural regions.

Key Statistics:

  • Nearly 25% of adults in India are overweight or obese.
  • Urban women, show higher rates of central obesity.
  • Childhood obesity is also rising due to junk food consumption, lack of outdoor play, and increased screen time.

The cultural preference for carbohydrate-rich diets (rotis, rice, farsan, sweets) combined with sedentary jobs in offices and IT sectors has contributed to rising obesity cases.

Types and Classification of Obesity

Types & Classification of Obesity

  • Class I Obesity (Mild): BMI 30–34.9
  • Class II Obesity (Moderate): BMI 35–39.9
  • Class III Obesity (Severe/Morbid): BMI ≥40
  • Central/Abdominal Obesity: Waist circumference >90 cm (men), >80 cm (women)
  • Sarcopenic Obesity: Obesity with muscle loss, seen in older adults

Complications of Obesity

  • Diabetes (due to insulin resistance)
  • Hypertension & Heart Disease
  • GERD (acid reflux)
  • PCOS & Infertility
  • Pregnancy Complications (gestational diabetes, difficult delivery)
  • Surgical Complications (higher risks during anesthesia)
  • Respiratory Issues like obesity hypoventilation syndrome
Prevention of Obesity

Prevention of Obesity

Preventing obesity is far easier than treating it.

Tips for Prevention:

  • Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and proteins.
  • Avoid junk food, sugary drinks, and late-night eating.
  • Engage in daily exercise (at least 30–45 minutes).
  • Practice yoga and pranayama to control weight and stress.
  • Ensure adequate sleep.
  • Teach children healthy eating habits early.
Why choose us

Why Choose Us for Obesity Treatment?

  • 25+ Years of Experience – Trusted surgical expertise.
  • High Success Rate – 8,000+ laparoscopic surgeries, 400+ bariatric cases.
  • Advanced Technology – Latest laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical tools.
  • Patient-First Approach – We treat the whole person, not just the disease.
  • Comprehensive Care – From diet counseling to surgery and long-term follow-up.

FAQ's About Obesity

Obesity is a chronic condition where excess body fat negatively affects health, typically defined by a BMI of 30 or more (25+ in Indians).

Symptoms include weight gain, breathlessness, fatigue, snoring, back/knee pain, and dark neck patches.

Common causes include overeating, lack of exercise, genetics, hormonal imbalances, and stress.

Yes, obesity is the leading risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes due to insulin resistance.

Yes, obesity increases the risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.

Yes, obesity is linked to PCOS, irregular periods, and reduced fertility in women and men.

Yes, obesity is now recognized as a chronic disease by the WHO.

By maintaining a balanced diet, exercising daily, avoiding junk food, practicing yoga, and ensuring adequate sleep.

Obesity can be effectively managed and reversed with lifestyle changes, medical programs, and bariatric surgery if needed.

Vajrasana, Tadasana, Kapalbhati, Surya Namaskar, and Bhujangasana.

Treatment depends on severity: lifestyle changes for mild obesity, medications or supervised programs for moderate obesity, and bariatric surgery for severe obesity.

It is a surgical procedure (like sleeve gastrectomy) that reduces stomach size, helping patients eat less and lose weight.

Possible risks include nutritional deficiencies, but these can be managed with supplements and follow-up care.

Around 25% of adults are overweight or Obesity-Surgery-Society-of-India showing higher rates.

Unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and urban sedentary lifestyles are major reasons.

Overweight is a BMI between 25–29.9, while obesity is BMI ≥30 (≥25 for Indians).

Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, fatty liver, and sleep apnea.

Yes, obesity-related hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance can contribute to hair thinning.

Yes, severe obesity can reduce lifespan by 5–10 years.

A bariatric surgeon, endocrinologist, or obesity specialist depending on your condition.

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