The difference between overweight and obesity:
Overweight:
It is an excessive accumulation of fat in the body.
It is an increase in body weight above the normal limit as a result of excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat that harms the individual's health. This increase results from an imbalance between the energy consumed from food and the energy consumed in the body.
Diagnosis of overweight and obesity:
Children and adolescents from 2 to 19 years:
The weight of children and adolescents is classified using the Saudi growth curve for the body mass index according to age and gender as follows:
The body mass index is also calculated using the equation:
The child's weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m2).
The diagnosis of obesity in children is based on interpreting the reading resulting from applying the child's age and body mass index to the Saudi growth curve as shown in the following table:
Adults
Overweight:
Body mass index (BMI) is 25 kg/m2 to 29.9 kg/m2.
Obesity:
Body mass index (BMI) is greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2.
Body mass can be calculated using the equation:
A person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2),
click here.Complications in children and adolescents:
- Complications that appear when they grow up: Most children with obesity are at risk of continuing to be obese after puberty.
- Long-term complications:
- Heart and arterial diseases.
- Increased risk of diabetes (type 2.)
- Arthritis and bone inflammation.
- Respiratory problems when playing and sleeping.
- Psychological complications:
- Low self-esteem.
- Low self-confidence.
- Social isolation and withdrawal.
- Depression.
When to see a doctor:
Children and adolescents:
- Eating disorders.
- Feeling dissatisfied with body shape and lack of self-confidence.
- Depression and anxiety.
- Presence of diseases associated with being overweight (such as: sleep apnea, bone problems, and the appearance of risk factors for cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes ...).
- Suspicion of a medical problem that led to weight gain.
- Concerns about height and growth.
The doctor may recommend medications or obesity surgeries later after puberty in cases of severe obesity and when the weight loss cannot be lost with diet and exercise.
Adults:
- When there are health problems associated with obesity (such as: bone and muscle problems, psychological problems, endocrine problems, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, or when a strict diet is needed).
- When bariatric surgery is needed, it is included in the treatment plan in the following cases:
- If the body mass index is higher than 40 kg/m2.
- If the body mass index is higher than 35 kg/m2 with complications of obesity that are difficult to control with lifestyle interventions (diet and physical activity).
- If the body mass index is higher than 30 kg/m2 with the inability to control diabetes and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Control and prevention of overweight:Individuals may be able to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity by implementing interventions at all stages of life, starting with prevention for mothers before, during and after pregnancy and for children during different stages of life, and preventive interventions include:
- Reach a healthy weight before pregnancy.
- Avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy, as the total healthy weight gain during pregnancy with a single fetus range from 5 to 18 kg, for pregnancy with twins the healthy gain ranges from 11 to 25 kg depending on the mother's body mass index before pregnancy.
- Encourage the initiation of exclusive breastfeeding (i.e. without introducing formula milk) for the first six months of the child's life and continue breastfeeding with complementary feeding until the age of two years.
- Accustom the child to healthy eating habits by following a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and legumes.
- Change unhealthy eating behavior by:
- Avoiding the use of reward and punishment with food.
- Avoiding sweetened drinks and soft drinks.
- Reducing the number of fast foods rich in fat and calories.
- Avoiding eating meals in front of the TV or electronic game screens.
- Reducing the hours of watching TV and electronic game devices.
- Encourage children to engage in physical activity for 60 minutes daily (such as playing football or swimming, etc.).
- Encourage children's healthy behaviors such as: healthy eating, physical activity, good sleep, and avoiding inactivity, regardless of their current weight