Obesitaskliniek Dendermonde — AZ Sint-Blasius
Obesity
Morbid obesity is a serious disease that affects quality of life, health and life expectancy. The condition is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat in the body. It is a chronic disease. This means you will carry it for life and over the years you will increasingly suffer from its debilitating side effects, ultimately leading to a shorter life.
Morbid obesity has nothing to do with lifestyle, choices, character, effort or other so-called causes as is so often suggested in popular media. Unfortunately, it cannot be solved with a diet or a bit more exercise.
It is a complex disease that must be treated in a multidisciplinary way by a specialized team.
In the video below you can learn more about what obesity exactly is. If you have further questions, you can always contact opnemen.
Body Mass Index
Apple shape
Fat mainly around the belly — higher health risk.
Pear shape
Fat mainly around hips and thighs.
When assessing the severity of overweight, the BMI value (Body Mass Index) is primarily used. This is an international standard that determines which weight category you belong to and what the associated health risk is. Generally, the higher the BMI, the greater the health risk.
| BMI | Classificatie |
|---|---|
| < 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 – 34.9 | Obesity class I |
| 35.0 – 39.9 | Obesity class II |
| ≥ 40.0 | Obesity class III |
Calculate your BMI
This calculator is indicative. Always consult a doctor for professional advice.
Obesity is a multifactorial disease
There are several causes:
- Metabolism: this is the process by which food is converted into energy. Disruptions can have significant effects on weight.
- Hereditary causes: there is an increased risk of overweight if family members also have obesity. Genetic predisposition plays an important role.
- Infectious causes.
- Eating habits: an unhealthy diet consisting of energy-rich, high-calorie food combined with too little activity and exercise inevitably leads to obesity.
- Lack of exercise: a sedentary lifestyle leads to reduced energy expenditure.
- Environmental factors
- Psychological factors: psychological disorders are often linked to an unbalanced eating pattern.
Health Problems
Severe obesity is associated with health problems that have a negative effect on quality of life and ultimately even the life expectancy of the patient. Obesity-related complaints can be divided into two groups: physical and psychosocial complaints:
Physical complaints
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Joint complaints
- Sleep apnea (excessive snoring and restless sleep)
- Lung diseases
- Menstrual complaints
- Cancer
- Fertility disorders
- Gallstones
Psychosocial complaints
- Negative self-image
- Depression
- Lack of self-confidence
- Social isolation
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
This graph shows the extent to which health risks increase with a rising BMI.