What is Obesity?
Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above are considered obese. Obesity is not only an aesthetic problem, but can also lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and some types of cancer. Obesity can be caused by a number of factors, including genetic factors, poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, psychological conditions and metabolic disorders.
How is Obesity Diagnosed?
Obesity is usually diagnosed by calculating body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated based on a person’s height and weight and is assessed as follows:
- Normal BMI 18.5 – 24.9
- Overweight 25 – 29.9
- Obesity 30 and over
Apart from BMI, waist circumference measurement and other metabolic tests can also be used to determine the severity of obesity. Blood tests and physical examinations are also performed to assess complications related to obesity.
Symptoms and Risks of Obesity
Obesity may not show any symptoms most of the time, but some common symptoms are:
- Excessive weight gain
- Joint pain (especially knee and lower back)
- Sleep apnea (stopping breathing during sleep)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Insulin resistance or diabetes
Obesity is a risk factor for serious diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, depression and cancer. Therefore, if left untreated, obesity can significantly reduce quality of life and shorten life expectancy.
Obesity Treatment Methods
Treatment of obesity is individualized according to the patient’s condition, age, general health and weight loss goals. Treatment options include:
- Diet and Nutrition Regulation: Obesity treatment is based on a healthy eating plan. Reducing calorie intake and a balanced diet with high nutritional value is recommended for weight loss. Dietary adjustments made under the guidance of a dietitian provide calorie control and help reduce body fat.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise is important for burning calories and increasing muscle mass. Moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes a week is an effective strategy for the treatment of obesity. Aerobic exercises (walking, jogging, cycling) and strength-building exercises (weight training) can be combined.
- Behavioral Therapy: Psychological factors also play an important role in the treatment of obesity. Causes of weight gain can include psychological factors, stress and habits. Behavioral therapy is an effective method to change eating habits, control emotional eating tendencies and focus on the weight loss process.
- Drug Treatment: Some medications can be used in the treatment of obesity to suppress appetite and speed up metabolism. However, medication is usually administered as part of a treatment plan supported by diet and exercise.
- Surgical Interventions: Surgical intervention can be applied in cases of severe obesity and in patients who do not get sufficient results from other treatment methods. The most common surgical methods are as follows:
- Gastric Bypass (Gastric Bypass): Part of the stomach is bypassed so that food comes into contact with a smaller area. This method both reduces the volume of the stomach and reduces nutrient absorption.
- Gastric Balloon A balloon inserted into the stomach temporarily reduces the volume of the stomach and allows the patient to eat less food.
- Gastric Sleeve: A large part of the stomach is surgically removed, which reduces its capacity and allows the person to feel full with less food.
Why Metropol Health Group?
Metropol Health Group provides obesity treatment with state-of-the-art equipment and an expert team. By offering personalized treatment plans to our patients, we aim to improve their health. By combining surgical and medical methods in obesity treatment, we enable patients to achieve healthy weight loss and lifestyle changes in a short time.
At Metropol Health Group, a patient-oriented approach is adopted at every stage of obesity treatment. Working together with expert dietitians, psychologists, physical therapists and surgeons, we ensure that patients recover both physically and psychologically. In addition, by providing continuous support and follow-up services during the treatment process, we help healthy living habits become permanent.
