48 sec
Weight and metabolism
Overweight and obesity
Short answer
Obesity is not a status but a chronic disease. According to recent scientific research, there are more than 140 genetic regions in our chromosomes responsible for obesity, which means obesity is a polygenic disease. The main problem is an imbalance between the calories taken in and the calories used. That is why hormonal and non-hormonal causes are investigated first, then the right calorie intake is chosen, and obesity is eliminated with suitable treatment (video). If your body mass index is above 30, see an endocrinologist.
The doctor also recommends keeping an eye on your waist circumference.
General information
- Body mass index (BMI). Weight (kg) is divided by the square of height (m²) (WHO classification):
| BMI | Assessment |
|---|---|
| 18.5–24.9 | Normal |
| 25–29.9 | Overweight |
| 30–34.9 | Class I obesity |
| 35–39.9 | Class II obesity |
| ≥40 | Class III obesity |
The doctor also recommends keeping a constant eye on your waist circumference.
- Causes.
- Endocrine: Cushing's syndrome, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and other hormonal disorders.
- Non-endocrine: not eating properly, an inactive lifestyle, genetics.
- In this video, the doctor also lists the factors that get in the way of weight loss: family and household circumstances, genetic problems, psychosocial state and some hormonal problems.
- What obesity leads to:
- high blood pressure, a rise in “bad” cholesterol in the blood, diabetes;
- hirsutism (excess hair growth), irregular periods in women, infertility in women and men, other hormonal disorders;
- sleep apnea syndrome;
- degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.
- Leptin and “not feeling full”.
- Leptin is produced in the cells of fat tissue (adipocytes) and sends a fullness signal to the hypothalamus in the brain.
- A normal amount keeps us feeling full and allows a 4–6 hour gap between meals.
- When there is too much leptin, the body “ignores” it — this is leptin resistance. As a result, constant hunger, broken diets and a weight plateau develop.
- In the doctor's words: “Instead of seeing our body as an ‘enemy,’ it would make more sense to understand why it behaves this way.”
- Treatment.
- If there is a hormonal problem: treatment of that problem, lifestyle changes and a diet.
- If there is no hormonal problem: lifestyle changes and a diet.
- In selected cases: metabolic surgery (stomach reduction, etc.).
- When indicated: weight-loss injections under medical supervision → Weight management and weight-loss injections (under medical supervision).
- In the doctor's words: “Obesity is not your fate, and with the right treatment it is a problem that can be stopped.”
In the doctor's practice
- “To lose weight, it is essential to first find out what has led to your current weight. That is why a thorough examination is recommended.”
- “Obesity is a disease. And like any disease, it is very important to get a specialist's opinion first.”
- The doctor spoke about obesity on the “Way Out” program on Səhiyyə TV.
Q&A
Is the cause of obesity always hormonal?
No, but the first doctor to examine you should be an endocrinologist: both hormonal and non-hormonal causes need to be investigated first (video).
Can a hormonal disorder get in the way of losing weight?
Yes. Lately, the causes behind excess weight tied to diet and other factors are often hormonal. Hormonal problems lead to excess weight (video).
How do I calculate my body mass index?
Divide your weight (kg) by the square of your height (m²). 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30 and above is obesity. If the result is above 30, see an endocrinologist.
The doctor’s videos
The videos are in Azerbaijani.
47 sec
Obesity is a chronic disease
14 sec