Common Health Problems and Complications Associated with Obesity
The symptoms ofobesitygo beyond excess body fat.
People with obesity may experience skin problems,shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, and more.
Some symptoms may increase the risk of developing certain diseases and disorders.
Verywell / Lara Antal
In some cases, these may be life-threatening or even fatal.
This article explains the difference between being overweight and having thedisease of obesity.
It also describes obesity signs and symptoms in children and adults, as well as possible complications.
What Is Obesity?
Common childhood obesity symptoms may include:
Childhood obesity rates vary between different groups.
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.
Causes of Obesity
There are many underlying factors that can contribute to obesity.
Genetic Factors
Early-onset obesity can develop in kids due to rare genetic disorders.
These disorders involve genes that play a role in regulating appetite and energy expenditure.
Studies show that people with a lower socioeconomic status are more likely to have a higher BMI.
For example, children in lower-income families are more likely to have obesity than those in high-income households.
Diseases and Conditions
Certain medical problems or health conditions may cause weight gain.
They include:
Medications
Certain medications can also contribute to weight gain.
The following chart shows how your BMI corresponds to your weight status.
Keep in mind that BMI isnt always an accurate measurement of body fat content.
BMI is a dated, flawed measure.
It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.
Complications Related to Obesity
Obesity can lead to many serious health complications.
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.
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