Obesity: degrees, symptoms, and limitations

Obesity is officially considered a chronic disease: its degree is assessed by body mass index and the presence of complications. As the degree of obesity increases, shortness of breath, joint pain, limited mobility, and the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders increase. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

Degrees of obesity: how they are defined

Doctors use body mass index (BMI), which is calculated as the ratio of weight to height squared, to assess the degree of obesity and the associated risk of complications. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered the norm, and obesity begins at 30 and above.

The following gradation is most often used:

• BMI 25-29.9 — overweight (pre-obesity), the risk of complications is already increased;

• BMI 30-34.9 — first degree obesity, high health risk, the first pronounced symptoms appear;

• BMI 35-39.9 — second degree obesity, significantly increases the likelihood of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders;

• A BMI of 40 or more is third—degree obesity (often called morbid), characterized by a very high risk of severe complications and disability.

The main symptoms of obesity

In the early stages of obesity, many people feel only discomfort due to their appearance and slight fatigue, so they do not rush to the doctor. However, as weight gains, systemic disorders in the body begin to manifest themselves.

Common symptoms of increased obesity:

• chronic fatigue, decreased working capacity, sweating even with light exertion;

• shortness of breath when walking and climbing stairs, then at rest, palpitations, rising blood pressure;

• pain in the back, knees and hip joints, feeling of heaviness in the legs, swelling;

• sleep disorders, snoring and episodes of respiratory arrest during sleep (apnea), morning headaches;

• in women, menstrual cycle failure, difficulty conceiving, and increased signs of hormonal imbalance.

In more severe cases, signs of type 2 diabetes mellitus, diseases of the heart, liver and veins of the lower extremities appear, which requires comprehensive treatment.

Limitations for different degrees of obesity

As the degree of obesity increases, not only well-being and the risk of complications change, but also the actual daily restrictions. They relate to physical activity, job choice, the possibility of independent movement, and even the selection of medical tactics.

Conditionally, several levels of restrictions can be distinguished:

• with the first degree of obesity, endurance decreases, it is difficult to tolerate prolonged walking, and sports require dosage and pressure control.;

• In the second degree, many household chores (cleaning, climbing stairs, prolonged standing work) cause severe shortness of breath and joint pain, and people often need sick leave.;

• with the third degree of obesity, disability is possible, independent movement is difficult, special furniture and equipment are required, medication is often prescribed or bariatric surgery is being considered, with this degree people will most likely not be recruited into the army, since with the third degree they are classified as "B" (limited fit) or "D" (completely unsuitable).

To slow down the progression of restrictions, doctors recommend changing your lifestyle as early as possible and discussing with a specialist a safe level of exercise, diet, and the need for medications. In severe cases, a multidisciplinary approach involving an endocrinologist, cardiologist, orthopedist, psychotherapist, and nutritionist becomes key.

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