Excess weight and obesity

Overview

Obesity is the state of being grossly overweight. Many diseases such as type 2 diabetes are associated with obesity and cause damage to a number of organs over the long term. Regular exercise and a healthy diet promote weight loss.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Overweight: BMI >25
• Weight circumference is too big
• Women >88 cm
• Men >102 cm

The BMI (body mass index) is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared.

Complications

• Fatty liver disease
• Gallstones
• Joint trouble
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Thrombosis
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Gout
• Heart burn, acid reflux
• Nocturnal breathing problems (sleep apnoea)
• Infection in skin folds

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Excessive calorie intake (primarily because of unhealthy eating and drinking habits)
• Lack of exercise
• Inhibited sense of satiety (not feeling full)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Measurement of weight, height, waist circumference and body fat
• Blood test (e.g. measurement of blood sugar)
• Ultrasound (primarily of liver)
• Blood pressure measurement

Possible therapies

• Nutritional advice
• Operation (e.g. stomach reduction)
• Treatment of complications (e.g. medication for high blood pressure)
  

What can I do myself?

• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet (plenty of vegetables, salad and fruit)

Get a personal Preventive Care Recommendation now.

When to see a doctor?

• For help and support in losing weight
• BMI of 30 or more
• Before taking up sport if you’re obese
• Overweight children
  

Further information

Schweizerische Adipositas-Stiftung SAPS (Swiss Obesity Foundation)
www.saps.ch

Synonyms

obesity, excess weight, overweight