Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat in the body due to a persistent imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure. Normal fat content ranges from 15-18% in males and 20-25% in females, with percentages typically increasing with age. Recognized as a disease by the WHO, obesity shares pathophysiological characteristics with many chronic conditions, highlighting its broader health implications beyond weight alone.

BMI 25-29.9 is considered as overweight; BMI ≥30 is considered as obese. 

Class l Obesity: 30.0-34.9 Class ll Obesity: 35.0-39.9 Class lll Obesity: ≥40.0 

｛* Body Mass Index, BMI, is a measurement of a person’s body fat based on their height and weight. BMI formula is weight ÷ height2 (kg/m2) .｝

Causes

Ideally, our daily calorie intake and usage should balance to provide the energy needed for daily activities. However, when calorie intake exceeds usage over an extended period, it leads to fat accumulation and obesity.

1. Genetics: Obesity can be inherited, with around 20-40% of children born to obese parents prone to obesity due to genetic factors.
2. Lifestyle Factors:
   • Food preference: Diets high in calories, sugar, and fried foods but low in vitamins and minerals can contribute to obesity and internal fat accumulation.
   • Overeating: Consuming more food than necessary, frequent snacking, and late-night eating can lead to obesity.
   • Unhealthy eating habits/dieting: Extreme diets or poor nutrient intake can hinder fat digestion and removal, promoting fat retention.
   • Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of exercise slows metabolism, reducing energy expenditure and promoting fat storage.
   • Other factors: Poor sleep patterns and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to obesity.
3. Age: Basal metabolic rate decreases with age, particularly with reduced exercise, leading to a higher risk of obesity, commonly known as middle-age spread
4. Stress: Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases appetite and promotes cravings for high-sugar, high-fat foods. Stress-induced hormonal imbalances can lead to increased fat storage and weight gain, especially in situations like mental stress, postpartum, menopause, and work pressure.

Symptoms

Obesity can be categorized into primary and secondary obesity. Primary obesity is primarily attributed to factors like genetics, sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits, and lack of exercise. On the other hand, secondary obesity is caused by medical conditions leading to weight gain, although it’s less common, accounting for less than 1% of obesity cases.

Primary obesity can develop at any age, with about half of obese adults experiencing obesity since childhood. Generally, weight gain should occur gradually. Rapid weight gain may indicate secondary obesity. Men and women tend to show different patterns of weight gain, with men accumulating weight primarily in the neck, trunk, and head, while women tend to gain weight in the abdomen, lower abdomen, breasts, and buttocks.

Batwing arms, as their name implies, refer to arms exhibiting a resemblance to bat wings. This appearance results from an excess of adipose tissue stored in the triceps region, located on the inner aspect of the upper arm.

These batwing arms are colloquially referred to as “farewell” arms due to the swinging motion of the arm fat observed when waving goodbye.

Causes

• Lack of arm exercises
• Poor lymphatic drainage of the upper limbs
• Bad sitting posture
• Genetic influence