Some symptoms may increase the risk of developing certain diseases and disorders. In some cases, these may be life-threatening or even fatal.
This article explains the difference between being overweight and having the disease of obesity. It also describes obesity signs and symptoms in children and adults, as well as possible complications.
Obesity and BMI
To diagnose obesity, a healthcare professional uses a measurement system called the body mass index (BMI). Your BMI is a number that’s calculated using your height and body weight.
The following chart shows how your BMI corresponds to your weight status.
For example, muscle weighs more than fat, so some athletes might be technically considered obese even when they have very little body fat.
It’s important for healthcare providers to look at the complete picture of your weight and health before making a diagnosis of obesity.
Symptoms of Obesity
The American Medical Association considers obesity itself a disease that needs to be diagnosed and treated. That’s due to symptoms and complications that are common among people with obesity.
Common Adult Obesity Symptoms
Common symptoms of obesity in adults include:
Excess body fat, particularly around the waistShortness of breathSweating more than usualSnoringTrouble sleepingSkin problems from moisture accumulating in the foldsInability to perform simple physical tasks you could easily perform before weight gainFatigue, which can range from mild to extremePain, especially in the back and jointsPsychological issues such as negative self-esteem, depression, shame, and social isolation
Common Childhood Obesity Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the rate of childhood obesity in the U.S. has tripled in the last 50 years. In 2020, nearly 20% of American children and adolescents (ages 2 to 19) were considered to have obesity.
Common childhood obesity symptoms may include:
Fatty tissue deposits (may be noticeable in the breast area) Stretch marks on the hips and back Acanthosis nigricans (dark velvety skin around the neck and other areas) Shortness of breath with physical activity Sleep apnea Constipation Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Low self-esteem Early puberty in biological females/delayed puberty in biological males Orthopedic problems, such as flat feet or dislocated hips
Childhood obesity rates vary between different groups. For example, children in lower-income families are more likely to have obesity than those in high-income households.
These conditions and their effects include:
Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency obesity: Key symptoms include extreme hunger (hyperphagia) starting during infancy, early-onset obesity, and hormonal problems. Leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency obesity: Key symptoms include hyperphagia, severe early-onset obesity, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (when the testicles or ovaries produce little or no sex hormones). Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS): Key symptoms include early-onset obesity, hyperphagia, vision impairment, having an extra finger or toe (polydactyly), and kidney problems.
Let a child’s healthcare provider know if you see any of these symptoms.
Morbid Obesity Symptoms
Morbid obesity is a growing health concern in many developed countries of the world today, particularly in the United States.
You’re considered morbidly obese if:
You’re 100 pounds over your optimal body weight Your BMI is 40 or higher Your BMI is 35 or higher and you have high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes
Morbid obesity is also called extreme obesity or class III obesity. It can make it hard to complete everyday activities such as walking and can make it hard to breathe. It also raises your risk of many serious health conditions.
Complications
Obesity can contribute to many serious health disorders. Serious health complications that are more likely to occur with obesity include:
High blood pressure (hypertension) or heart disease from the heart working harder to pump blood throughout the body High cholesterol levels (fatty deposits that can block arteries), which can lead to stroke, heart attack, and other complications Type 2 diabetes, which is directly linked to obesity in nearly 50% of cases Some types of cancer, which are linked to obesity in about 40% of cases Asthma, plus worse asthma symptoms and control, which leads to more hospitalizations and medication usage Obese asthma, which is a unique type of asthma found only in some people with obesity Kidney disease due to kidney damage from chronic high blood pressure Osteoarthritis from excess strain on the joints, bones, and muscles Gallbladder disease, which becomes 7% more likely with each step up on the BMI chart Sleep apnea from fat deposits in the neck and tongue that block airways GERD, hiatal hernia, and heartburn from excess weight pushing on the valve that’s supposed to keep stomach contents out of the esophagus
Weight Bias
People who are medically classified as obese experience weight-related stigma. Health and social settings often place blame on these individuals for their weight status in spite of evidence highlighting the influence of genetic factors. As a result, people who are medically classified as obese are often stereotyped as lazy, unintelligent, and undisciplined.
Experiencing weight discrimination has been linked to increased likelihood of developing depression, eating disorders, and patterns of low physical activity.
Summary
Obesity (defined as a BMI over 30) can occur in adults and children. It causes symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue, and joint pain, among others. Obesity can also cause psychological problems including low self-esteem and depression due to social stigma.
Health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure often go hand-in-hand with obesity. Resulting complications include heart problems, stroke, and kidney disease.
However, some research shows that heart disease is still more common in people with obesity, even if they don’t have typical risk factors.
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