Obesity is excessive fat accumulation due to an imbalance between energy intake and energy used in the long term. In other words, obesity is someone who is overweight when assessed by body mass index (BMI). BMI results from dividing body weight (kg) by the square of height (m). The BMI value for normal weight is 18.5 - 25.0, while for people with obesity, the BMI value is more than 27. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, as many as 20.7% of Indonesians had a BMI above 27 in 2016, which is dominated by women.
Most non-infectious diseases related to nutrition are associated with overweight and obesity. Obesity will not cause various diseases, but obesity will increase our risk of developing certain types of diseases. Here are five types of diseases that are often associated with obesity:
1. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal. This happens due to a decrease in insulin secretion by the pancreas gland. The condition of obesity causes insulin resistance, which is a condition when cells in the body cannot use blood sugar properly due to disturbances in responding to insulin.
2. Heart disease
Heart disease is common in people with obesity. In the long term, excess fat deposits will accumulate in the arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. Narrowed arteries can cause a heart attack. Blood clots in narrow arteries can also cause a stroke.
3. Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure is an increase in systolic blood pressure of more than 140 mmHg and diastolic of more than 90 mmHg. Obesity increases the risk of hypertension because blood vessels must work hard to supply excess fatty tissue to the body, which requires a lot of oxygen and nutrients. Increased circulating blood volume puts more burden on the walls of blood vessels, which can damage the arteries and heart in the long term.
4. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which the sufferer experiences short breathlessness while sleeping. People who are overweight and obese tend to experience fat accumulation around the neck, which causes the airways to become narrow. Narrowing of the airways can cause snoring and difficulty breathing during sleep.
5. Fatty Liver
Fatty liver is one disease that attacks the liver and is caused by the accumulation of fat levels. Excess fat levels can interfere with liver function and cause other diseases. Fatty liver is generally asymptomatic, but pain, nausea, and loss of appetite can be felt when the liver becomes inflamed.
Being overweight and obese can be prevented by (1) managing a healthy and nutritious diet, (2) not consuming excess sugar, salt, and fat, (3) doing physical activity, and (4) not consuming cigarettes and alcohol. If the BMI has exceeded 27, it's best to consult a doctor.
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Sources:
Cafasso, J. (2020). Common Health Conditions Related to Obesity. Healthline. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity/managing-obesity-health-risks
P2PTM Kemenkes RI. (2021). Yuk cegah berat badan berlebih. Direktorat Pencegahan dan Pengendalian Penyakit Tidak Menular. [online]. http://p2ptm.kemkes.go.id/infographic-p2ptm/obesitas/yuk-cegah-berat-badan-berlebih
P2PTM Kemenkes RI. (2021). Yuk, simak apa saja dampak obesitas?. Direktorat Pencegahan dan Pengendalian Penyakit Tidak Menular. [online]. http://p2ptm.kemkes.go.id/infographic-p2ptm/obesitas/yuk-simak-apa-saja-dampak-obesitas