According to the NFHS-5 data, 23% of women and 22.1% of men are considered overweight based on their BMI. Being obese is recognised as a significant health issue, marked by various symptoms of obesity and complications affecting both adults and children. Understanding the signs and symptoms of obesity is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention. So, let’s train our gaze on the symptoms of this health parameter.
What are the Symptoms of Obesity?
Let us discuss the clinical features of obesity in detail.
- Common Adult Obesity Symptoms
- Excess body fat, especially around the waist
- Shortness of breath and increased perspiration
- Snoring and difficulty sleeping
- Skin problems due to moisture accumulation in folds
- Impaired ability to perform simple physical tasks
- Fatigue ranging from mild to extreme
- Pain, particularly in the back and joints
- Psychological issues like negative self-esteem and depression
- Common Childhood Obesity Symptoms
- Fatty tissue deposits, notably in the breast area
- Stretch marks on hips and back
- Acanthosis nigricans, characterised by dark, velvety skin
- Shortness of breath during physical activity
- Sleep apnea and constipation
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD
- Low self-esteem and early puberty in females/delayed puberty in males
- Orthopaedic problems like flat feet or dislocated hips
- Symptoms of Early Obesity
Early-onset obesity in children may be due to rare genetic disorders, such as POMC deficiency obesity, LEPR deficiency obesity, and Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Symptoms include extreme hunger, severe early-onset obesity, and hormonal problems.
- Morbid Obesity Symptoms
Morbid obesity, also known as extreme or class III obesity, is indicated by
- being 100 pounds over optimal body weight
- having a BMI of 40 or higher
- having a BMI of 35 or higher along with hypertension or type 2 diabetes
Conclusion
Obesity can result in difficulties with everyday activities like walking and an increased risk of severe health conditions. Awareness of the symptoms of obesity is crucial for timely intervention and improved health outcomes. Regularly keeping tabs on your weight, going for health check-ups and screening for underlying clinical conditions, and consulting with your healthcare practitioner can help spot the signs and symptoms related to obesity in time. It will also help seek timely medical intervention and make effective lifestyle changes. Having comprehensive health insurance can provide access to preventive care and support for adopting healthier lifestyle choices, ensuring a better quality of life.