Preobesity is an intermediate stage between normal body weight and obesity. This condition is characterized by an increase in weight by 15-20% of the norm. The disease is manifested by fatty deposits, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, an increase in blood pressure, a violation of glucose tolerance. Preobesity is diagnosed by calculating the body mass index (BMI) and measuring waist circumference (WC). If necessary, the hormonal background of the patient is examined, laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out. The treatment of the disease is complex: a balanced diet and moderate physical activity.
Meaning
Preobesity is an excessive accumulation of fat in the subcutaneous fat and internal organs. At the same time, BMI varies in the range from 25 to 29.9. According to WHO research, overweight is registered in more than 30% of the working-age population in the United States. Signs of excessive fullness occur more often in people 35-60 years old, mostly female. Overweight is a risk factor for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Obesity may be a separate pathological syndrome or be part of the symptom complex of another disease.
Causes
The imbalance between the amount of calories consumed and the energy consumed plays a major role in the appearance of excess weight. Increased calorage contributes to the formation of fat deposits first in the subcutaneous fat, and then on the internal organs. Several factors play a role in the development of the disease at once:
- Hereditary predisposition. Currently, scientists have not found the genes responsible for the development of overweight. However, there is a direct link between the excess weight of parents and the rapid weight gain of children.
- Eating habits. Eating a large amount of sweet, sweet and fatty foods (fast food, sweets, cakes, hot dogs, juices, carbonated drinks), eating out of boredom, while watching TV contributes to the development of obesity. Food, as an encouragement, a remedy for stress, is the cause of overeating and weight gain.
- Endocrine diseases. Obesity as a result of hormonal failure occurs in 5% of cases and is associated with pathologies such as hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome, Frelich, polycystic ovaries.
- Side effects of medications. Some medications (corticosteroids, contraceptives, tranquilizers, antidepressants, insulin-stimulating agents) can lead to a gain of excess body weight by increasing appetite or increasing female hormones.
- Lifestyle. Adynamia, daily trips by car, “sedentary” work, lack of physical activity contribute to a decrease in calorie consumption, inhibition of metabolic processes and gradual weight gain.
Classification
Fat deposits in the body are localized in the abdomen, chest, buttocks and thighs. Based on this , there are 3 types of pre – obesity and obesity:
- Gynoid (“pear” figure, femoral-gluteal). It is typical for women, adipose tissue is localized mainly in the buttocks and thighs. People of this type are prone to arthritis, protrusions and hernias of the spine, varicose veins of the lower extremities.
- Android (figure “apple”, abdominal). The fat layer increases in the abdomen, arms, chest. Patients are prone to developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, stroke, heart attack).
- Mixed (intermediate). This type is characterized by a uniform accumulation of fat.
Symptoms
The transition state from normal weight to obesity, as a rule, lasts for several months, after which a person either loses weight or goes into the stage of obesity of the 1st degree. Obesity is characterized by an increase in body weight, drowsiness, apathy. Patients tend to have an increased appetite and lack of satiety. Metabolism slows down, even a small amount of food is deposited in fat reserves. Excessive sebum formation and excessive sweating lead to the development of acne, pustules on the body. Excess weight causes the formation of diaper rash in the natural folds of the skin. Later, shortness of breath with minor physical exertion, snoring, episodes of sleep apnea and increased blood pressure are added.
Complications
The main complication in patients with preobesity is weight gain and the development of obesity. In this case, the risk of coronary heart disease, degenerative joint changes, type 2 diabetes mellitus increases. With errors in nutrition, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis develops. Further weight gain contributes to a decrease in fertility and menstrual cycle disorders in women and impotence in men. Overweight causes psychological problems: depression, insomnia, various eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia). Preobesity reduces life expectancy by 5-10 years and increases the risk of sudden coronary death by 2 times.
Diagnostics
Recognition of preobesity involves physical examination, assessment of family history, concomitant pathology, changes in weight dynamics over the past 5-10 years, lifestyle and daily diet. For a comprehensive assessment of body weight, BMI and waist circumference (WC) are determined. With a BMI from 25 to 29.9 and a waist circumference in men greater than 102 cm, in women more than 88 cm, it can be concluded that there is preobesity. In this case, an endocrinologist or nutritionist prescribes a blood test for glucose, lipid spectrum, TSH and T4 free. Additionally, a cardiologist, psychologist, gynecologist or andrologist is consulted. To assess the type of obesity, the ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference (WC / HP) is calculated. With an android form, the ratio of WC/HC will be greater than > 0.85 for women and more than 1 for men.
Treatment
To normalize weight, a comprehensive treatment is used: a rational diet with a calorie deficit and moderate physical activity. For proper weight loss, it is necessary to consume fewer calories than the body consumes during the day. It is recommended to eat small portions 5-6 times a day, the last meal should be completed 2-3 hours before bedtime. It is necessary to consume at least 1.5 liters of still water per day. Canned foods, fast food, alcohol, fried and smoked dishes are excluded. It is recommended to add low-fat varieties of meat and fish, durum wheat products, low-calorie dairy products, fresh vegetables to the diet. Fruits and easily digestible carbohydrates should preferably be consumed up to 15 hours. The most high-calorie meal should be for breakfast, dinner should consist of vegetables, lean meat or dairy products.
Physical activity with preobesity involves regular loads of medium intensity. Pilates, fitness, yoga, jogging, swimming, water aerobics are suitable for sports. Trainings are carried out 2-3 times a week. Daily 30-minute exercise at home also contributes to weight loss. Additional methods of fighting extra pounds include anti-cellulite and cupping massage, mud and algae wraps. It is recommended to reduce body weight no more than 5 kg per month. In the presence of an endocrine or gynecological disease, concomitant hormone therapy is performed. All patients need to consult a psychologist or psychotherapist.
Prognosis and prevention
With the complex treatment of obesity, the prognosis of the disease is positive. Weight normalization is a long process that can take several years. Lowering the BMI below 24-25 reduces the risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart attack and stroke. Patients note an improvement in their general condition, a decrease in pain in the joints and spine. To prevent obesity, a combination of sports and a balanced diet is necessary. Every day it is necessary to consume fewer calories than you spend – only in this case the metabolism will accelerate and the process of weight loss will start.