Obesity, a chronic and complex health condition, occurs when a person’s body mass index (BMI) exceeds 30. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, and over 650 million were obese.

Obesity is a global health epidemic affecting people of all ages, genders, and races. The condition is linked to an increased risk of several health problems, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancers, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis.

Knowing when to seek medical help for obesity can make all the difference in managing the condition and avoiding complications.

When to Seek Medical Help for Obesity

There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate a person needs to seek medical help for obesity. These signs include:.

1. BMI Over 30

BMI, or body mass index, is a calculation based on a person’s height and weight. A BMI over 30 is considered obese. Ideally, individuals should strive to maintain a healthy BMI, which falls between 18.5 and 24.9.

If a person’s BMI is over 30, it is time to seek medical help for obesity.

2. Inability to Follow a Healthy Diet and Exercise Routine

Everyone knows that a healthy diet and exercise routine are essential for weight management, but for many people, following these guidelines can be challenging.

If an individual is unable to follow a healthy diet and exercise plan for months, it may be time to seek medical help for obesity. Weight management programs and interventions may be necessary to address the underlying causes of the inability to follow a healthy diet and exercise plan effectively.

3. Co-Existing Health Conditions

Obesity is often linked to other health problems such as hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea. If an individual has co-existing health conditions, it is essential to seek medical help for obesity.

Obesity can make these problems worse, leading to complications and an increased risk of death. A healthcare professional can help manage these conditions and develop a weight management plan to improve overall health.

4. Inability to Achieve Weight Loss Goals

Most people struggling with obesity have set multiple weight loss goals over the years with little success. If an individual is having persistent difficulties achieving weight loss goals, medical help is necessary.

A physician can determine if there are underlying causes such as metabolic disorders, thyroid issues, or hormonal imbalances affecting weight loss and provide targeted interventions to help achieve weight loss goals.

5. Mental Health Issues

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. If an individual experiences depression or anxiety related to obesity, medical help is necessary.

A healthcare professional can help with these conditions, prescribing medications, and providing counseling services to improve mental health and help with weight management.

6. Family History of Obesity

Obesity runs in families and is influenced by both genetics and environmental factors. Individuals with a family history of obesity are at increased risk of developing the condition themselves.

If an individual has a family history of obesity, medical help can help them manage their weight and reduce the risk of developing health problems associated with obesity.

7. Inability to Perform Routine Activities

Obesity can cause difficulties performing routine activities such as going up and down stairs, walking long distances, or getting dressed. If an individual experiences these difficulties, medical help is necessary.

A healthcare professional can develop a weight management plan to help individuals regain their mobility and improve overall health.

8. Fatigue and Lack of Energy

Fatigue and lack of energy are common symptoms of obesity, making it challenging to engage in daily activities. If an individual feels fatigued and lacks energy, medical help is necessary.

A physician can evaluate for underlying causes and develop a weight management plan to improve energy levels and overall health.

9. Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is another health problem associated with obesity. Individuals with sleep apnea experience temporary breathing interruptions while they sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and other complications.

If an individual has symptoms of sleep apnea, medical help is necessary. A healthcare professional can help with this condition and develop a weight management plan to reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

10. Emotional Eating

Emotional eating is a common problem for people struggling with obesity. If an individual finds themselves eating to deal with emotional stress, medical help is necessary.

A physician can evaluate for underlying mental health problems and develop a weight management plan that addresses emotional eating and improves overall mental health.

Conclusion

Obesity is a complex health condition that requires intervention and treatment to manage effectively. Knowing when to seek medical help for obesity can help individuals avoid complications and improve their overall health.

Medical help is necessary when a person’s BMI exceeds 30, when they are unable to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine, when they have co-existing health conditions, when they cannot achieve weight loss goals, when they experience mental health issues, when they have a family history of obesity, when they are unable to perform routine activities, when they experience fatigue and lack of energy, when they have obstructive sleep apnea, and when they engage in emotional eating.