Fat is Besieging Us!

The greatest risk associated with obesity is the occurrence of comorbid conditions. Research involving around 1,8 million men and women has shown that a BMI of over 30 kg/m² is associated with a significant increase in mortality, particularly due to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, heart and circulatory diseases, or colon cancer. Excess weight or obesity, especially abdominal obesity, often leads to the development of type 2 diabetes, which significantly reduces life expectancy. Obesity can also lead to the development of inflammatory states, which can in turn lead to the development of diseases associated with the metabolic syndrome. The burden of high blood pressure is also directly related to obesity. Its causes are the development of hypovolemia in circulating blood and an increase in peripheral resistance in circulation, which can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy. People with excess weight are also much more likely to suffer from stroke, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or hyperlipidemia, or elevated cholesterol levels in the blood. Research has also shown a link between excess weight and the development of cancer. Obese individuals are more likely to develop colon, prostate, uterine, or breast cancer. Excessive strain on bones and joints due to body weight can lead to degenerative changes. This is a painful condition that can lead to difficulties in self-moving. Obesity in women has a negative impact on pregnancy and can lead to serious complications for the child and mother. In addition, excess body weight can lead to sleep problems, chronic fatigue, varicose veins, or the development of gout. It can also reduce resistance to stress and lead to psychological problems, such as anger attacks, compulsive eating, or depression.

Obesity is widely regarded as the most common metabolic disorder. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than 2.8 million people die annually due to obesity, making it the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. This number is increasing in both wealthy and disadvantaged communities. The situation is no better among children. According to data from 2016, the number of children over the age of 5 diagnosed with obesity has risen from 22 million in 1975 to 124 million in 2016. Over the past 20 years, the number of overweight preschoolers and schoolchildren in Poland has tripled. Experts predict that in 10 years, more than 70 million primary school students or younger children will be struggling with obesity.

Each kilogram above the recommended and appropriate body weight increases the risk of severe complications. Therefore, it is crucial to continuously monitor one's own body weight. The simplest method is to calculate your own body mass index (BMI). The result can be obtained by dividing the body mass (in kilograms) by the square of the height (in meters) and using a BMI calculator available on the website: https: //www.fabrikasily.pl/bmi. However, it should be noted that this indicator is general and unfortunately has many limitations. When assessing body structure and weight, it is also important to consider the body circumference (in cm) and the ratio of body circumference to height. Thanks to measurements of body circumference, it can be checked whether too high a proportion of visceral fat tissue is not accumulating in the abdomen, which is more dangerous for the body than fat tissue localised in other parts of the body. The norms for the abdominal circumference (WC) are as follows for women: above 80 cm – high risk of metabolic complications, above 88 cm – very high risk. For men, however, the high risk of these complications begins at an abdominal circumference of over 94 cm and the high risk at over 102 cm. To measure the abdominal circumference correctly, it should be measured in the middle between the lower edge of the ribs and the upper edge of the pelvic bone. The WHtR value in the classification of abdominal obesity is similar in both sexes and is 0.5, which means that the abdominal circumference (WC) should not exceed half the body height (Ht/2).

When weight significantly surpasses established norms, it is advisable to first consider transitioning to a more balanced diet. However, individuals with significantly increased weight should consult with their primary care physician and undergo basic tests to assess the patient's health and address potential complications. A key next step is visiting a dietitian, who, after a consultation with the patient, will create an optimal nutrition plan and advice on reducing excessive calorie consumption. The third step is engaging in regular physical activity, preferably with medical consent.