Back to All Blogs
Image of a guy training
Lifestyle 17 Nov 2016

Understanding Obesity

Preventing and reversing its impact on your health

Image of a guy training

Obesity is an increasing problem across the globe; in 2014 over 600 million adults were obese, that’s 13% of the world’s adult population.

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of acquiring certain chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and even cancer. A person who is considered obese has a body mass index (BMI) above 30 while an overweight person is defined as having a BMI between 25-29.

Work out your own BMI by dividing your weight (in kilograms, kg) by the square of your height (m2).

For example:

If your height is 180cm/1.8m and your weight is 75kg, your BMI would be calculated as follows

Step 1: Multiply your height in meters by itself 1.8 X 1.8 = 3.24

Step 2: Divide your weight in kilograms by the number you got in step 1 75 / 3.24 = 23.15

Causes of obesity

The main cause of obesity and being overweight is an imbalance in the amount of calories consumed and calories burned. Diets today are high in fat and contribute to the increase in obesity rates. Reduced physical activity and more sedentary lifestyles have also contributed to the rise.

Consequences of being overweight

High BMI is a major risk factor for a number of non-communicable diseases. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death and its incidence is significantly increased in those who are obese and overweight. Cardiovascular disease is the cause of heart attacks, stroke and blood clots. People who are overweight or obese have increased pressure on their body’s ability to use insulin and control blood sugar levels. Subsequently, almost 90% of people living with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Cancers such as endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney and colon are more prevalent in people who are overweight or obese.

Make a plan to lose weight

Obesity is preventable and reversible. By avoiding obesity, you can protect yourself from the related diseases mentioned previously. Eating healthier foods and doing regular physical activity is the most practical way to lose weight:

  • Eat more vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes and nuts
  • Reduce intake of fat and sugar by limiting fatty and sugary foods, such as processed foods, cakes, cookies, and even savory ready-made foods which contain a lot of sugar and trans fats
  • Engage in 150 minutes of exercise per week split up into a minimum of 30 minutes five days per week (recommended by the World Health Organization)

People who struggle to lose weight despite following the above suggestions, may turn to the hospital for help. There are two medications that are approved for use in the UAE for the management of obesity. The first is called orlistat which is taken orally before each meal and works by reducing the absorption of ingested fat. The second is liraglutide which is injected daily under the skin and it works by reducing appetite.

Bariatric surgery is also an option for some patients and it works by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold or causing the malabsorption of nutrients. Bariatric surgery induces weight loss of between 40% and 80% depending on the procedure. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Digestive Disease Institute offers bariatric surgery to suitable patients who have previously tried to lose weight but failed. After bariatric surgery another procedure known as body contouring helps to restore a svelte shape and removes unwanted skin post-surgery.

Get Access to the Latest Health & Wellness Advice

Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from our health & wellness blog.

CCAD
CCAD

Advancing Care for Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Cancers

At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we offer the latest diagnostic tools and advanced treatment options...

Learn More
CCAD
CCAD

Happy with the care you received?

If you or a loved one have received care at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, please take a moment to...

Review Now
CCAD
CCAD

Where Hope Begins

Comprehensive Cancer Care, Close to Home

Learn More
CCAD
CCAD

Living with Epilepsy?

We Offer Specialized Care, Advanced Diagnostics and Treatment, and a Range of Support Services.

Learn More
CCAD
CCAD

Leading Heart Surgery, Close to Home

Our World-Renowned Heart Surgeons Offer Experience and Expertise for the Best Possible Outcomes.

Learn More
CCAD
CCAD

Dedicate a Day to Your Health

Invest in Your Future Wellbeing and Book Our Comprehensive Health Check-Up.

Learn More

Related Articles

Change Your Diet to Reduce Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Digestive Disease Resources
07 Mar 2021

Change Your Diet to...

Research has shown that a diet consisting of mainly fruit, vegetables and a moderate amount of fish...

Read Articles
5 Tips to Help You Lose Weight
Lifestyle
06 Oct 2015

5 Tips to Help You Lose...

Learn how to lose weight and reduce the risk of health problems. Visit the Cleveland Clinic Abu...

Read Articles
Guide to Working Out While Fasting
Ramadan
28 Jun 2015

Guide to Working Out...

Intermittent fasting with Workout: Regular exercise is important for reducing your risk of...

Read Articles
CCAD

Our Doctors

Meet all the doctors from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

View Doctors
CCAD

Patient Stories

Listen to the inspiring stories from our patients.

Learn More
CCAD

Insurance Partners

We partner with many insurance companies offering coverage for your care.

Explore More