Obesity and High BMI: Causes, Risks, and Management
Learn about obesity and high BMI, their causes, health risks, and impacts on mental health. Discover prevention strategies, medical treatments, and public health initiatives for better management.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Obesity is a medical condition characterised by an excessive accumulation of fat and ranks among the most significant global health problems. The most common method used in diagnosis is based on the Body Mass Index (BMI), a calculation dependent on weight and height.
Now, an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and the rising instances of obesity are of major concern. Thus, for health-conscious individuals, learning how to keep track of obesity through BMI is essential.
Defining Obesity and BMI
Obesity means abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in a person that could be harmful to health. Body Mass Index is defined as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m²).
Indexes are used to classify persons belonging to weight ranges.
A BMI of 30 or above qualifies as obesity, while the intermediate range of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
Though relatively plain, BMI is still considered the initial screening tool for evaluating individuals for weight-related health risks.
Causes of High BMI
Many reasons lead to high BMI, which essentially means being obese, such as:
Genetics greatly influence the individual's susceptibility to weight gain and obesity. Research has pointed out various genes which affect appetite, metabolism, and fat storage.
Another important risk factor is genetic predisposition, which interacts with environmental factors that influence susceptibility to obesity.
In case the family has a history of obesity, often the genetic and lifestyle indices are shared and are more difficult to intervene.
High consumption of calorie-dense foods and reduced activities have also contributed to increased BMI.
Socioeconomic factors, urbanisation, lack of access to healthy foods, poor sleeping habits, and increased stress levels are additional driving factors.
Health Risks Associated with Obesity
A person with obesity is susceptible to the following health risks:
Obesity has been closely linked to type II diabetes. Extra fat tissue creates physical conditions that lead the body to resist insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Excessive weight also stresses joints, a significant cause of osteoarthritis.
Obesity also has adverse effects on the density of bone and muscle strength, thus increasing the risks for fractures and mobility issues.
Chronic pain and less physical activity eventually result in a chain that worsens weight management challenges.
Psychological and Social Impacts of Obesity
Individuals suffering from obesity tend to face many psychological disorders, such as:
Depression
Anxiety
Declining trend of self-appropriation
Stress eating
People marginalised on the grounds of their obesity are nothing less than stigmatised on fronts such as job opportunities, education, and even social basis. Such experiences subsequently become sources of social alienation while restricting their efforts to ensure the adoption of healthier lifestyle patterns.
In this regard:
Stigma may become a significant barrier to such health-related behavioural change programs.
Public awareness campaigns will go a long way in demystifying stigma and providing environments of inclusivity.
Understanding BMI Measurement
The following are some essential factors about BMI measurement:
To calculate BMI, an individual's weight in kg is divided by their height in square meters. One can use an online BMI calculator for accurate results.
Usually, BMI readings can be supplemented with other tools, like waist-to-hip ratio and body fat percentage measurement, which provide more accurate evaluations of the condition.
BMI gives a broad indication of possible bodyweight categories.
However, it does not take into account other factors such as muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution. As a result, someone with high muscle mass can be classified incorrectly as overweight or obese.
Similarly, BMI will not provide accurate results for people with normal weight but a high fat percentage. Such individuals are at risk of a condition called normal weight obesity.
Prevention and Management of Obesity
Despite its challenges, obesity can still be managed and prevented. Here are some tips:
Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will lay the groundwork for a healthy weight.
Individuals need to limit processed and high-calorie foods.
Proper nutrition education and awareness will empower people to engage in healthier decision-making and eating behaviour changes.
Partaking in regular exercise burns off calories, improves the metabolism, and enhances the overall state of health.
Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming help keep that BMI under control and prevent weight-related illnesses.
Incorporating activities like taking the stairs or participating in recreational sports can significantly contribute to weight management.
Additionally, modification in behaviour, like mindful eating, stress management, etc., is instrumental in weight management.
Medical and Surgical Treatments for Managing Obesity
People with severe obesity have available the following medical and surgical treatments:
Healthcare providers may prescribe medications that help regulate appetite and fat absorption.
Bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy measures can be suggested for morbid obesity. They offer significant and sustained weight loss by reducing food intake and improving metabolic health.
However, these measures have risks and entail lifelong diet and lifestyle modifications.
Role of Technology in Obesity Management
Technological advances have changed the face of obesity management:
Mobile apps allow individuals to personally monitor their weights, activities, and health goals. Most patients are encouraged to adopt them since they make weight tracking easy and more convenient.
Add-on wearables such as fitness trackers are likely to increase engagement. Artificial intelligence-analysing platforms devise a diet and an exercise plan that fits the general population and individual's needs. Such applications can boost weight loss management programs.
Virtual coaching and telemedicine services also broaden the degree of support for individuals on their health journeys.
Obesity Management: Public Health Initiatives and Programs
Community initiatives linking education with good nutrition and physical activity are critical in the fight against obesity:
Schools, local workplaces, or neighbourhoods can run awareness programs encouraging people to take conscious steps for weight management.
The government plays a role through various policy interventions that encourage healthy eating and active living to address obesity.
Regulation on food labelling, marketing, and taxation of unhealthy products influences consumer behaviour.
Urban planning with a focus on providing basic infrastructure for walking and cycling.
Conclusion
Obesity is a serious health condition that predisposes a person to several health challenges, including but not limited to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health-related issues. Thus, active and persistent effort is required for its management, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, controlling stress, and medical treatment (if necessary).
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