Basics of obesity

Obesity screening-BMI, waist circumference. Barrier to screening- stigma

Abdominal adiposity not captured in BMI. Abdominal obesity increases risk of heart disease, diabetes, HTN, dyslipidemia and metabolic dysfunction.

BMI;

Underweight less than 18.5

Normal weight 18.5 – 24.9

Overweight 25.0 – 29.9  candidates for weight loss

Obesity class I 30 – 34.9

Obesity class II 35-39.9

Obesity class III 40+

It’s associated with increased morbidity(DM, HTN, dyslipidemia, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea and cancer) and mortality.

Medications associated with increase in weight;

  1. Insulin
  2. Sulfonylureas
  3. Antipsychotics
  4. Thiazolidinediones
  5. Glucocorticoids

Secondary causes of weight gain;

  1. Hypothyroidism
  2. Cushing’s syndrome
  3. Acne
  4. Hirsutism

Management;

  • Dietary habits
  • Physical activity
  • Medications such as duromine

Not every drug works for every patient. When maximum therapeutic effect is achieved, weight loss plateaus or creases. Efficacy of treatment is defined by loss of 4-5% of baseline weight after three months on therapeutic dose medications and is maintained at this level.