10 Risk Factors Sound the Alarm on Obesity

Obesity is one of the most significant health problems worldwide, arising from poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyle and lack of information. In our country, the prevalence of obesity is increasing day by day for these reasons. Obesity disrupts the body's balance and can lead to many serious diseases such as cancer and, most importantly, loss of life. Research shows that the prevalence of obesity is over 40% in women and twice that of men. Op. Dr. Tolgay Akın from Memorial Antalya Hospital General Surgery Department provided information about the causes and treatment of obesity on the occasion of "22 May World Obesity Day".

Warning: Obesity Increases Risk of Cancer, Diabetes and Heart Disease

Obesity is a disease that negatively affects quality of life and life expectancy. People with excessive weight problems can only lose weight through diet and exercise at a rate of 3%-10%. The remaining 90% of patient group faces the risk of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Obesity is an important factor negatively affecting life not only in advanced age but also for young individuals. For example, the life expectancy of a 20-year-old young person is reduced by 12 years compared to their peers.

Can Cause Infertility in Men

In men with obesity problems, poor sperm quality due to excess weight is a prominent problem. Normally in men, a small amount of estrogen hormone is secreted from adipose tissue. However, in people with obesity-level weight, the male hormone testosterone is converted more to estrogen and testosterone levels in the blood decrease. As a result, sperm quality declines. Men with excess weight have higher hormone irregularities compared to those with ideal weight. Obesity in men also increases the incidence of colon and prostate cancers.

In 10 Years, Obesity Will Be the Cause of 500,000 Cancer Cases

Obesity is not an aesthetic or posture problem; it is a disease. Research shows that by 2030, obesity will cause 500,000 cancer cases annually. A direct effect of obesity is seen in the development of 7% of cancers. It is also one of the most important causes of many chronic diseases. If a person loses approximately 1 kilogram, 100,000 cancer cases annually worldwide could be prevented.

Pay attention to factors leading to obesity!

1. Excessive and poor eating habits,
2. Insufficient physical activity,
3. Age, gender, education level, socio-cultural factors, income status,
4. Hormonal and metabolic factors,
5. Genetic and psychological factors,
6. Frequently applying very low-energy diets at short intervals,
7. Smoking and alcohol consumption habits,
8. Certain medications used (antidepressants, etc.),
9. Number of births and frequent birth intervals,
10. Insufficient breast milk intake.

Diseases Caused by Obesity

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High blood fats and cholesterol
• Fatty liver
• Cardiovascular diseases such as vascular stiffness
• Joint disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Ovarian cysts in girls and associated menstrual irregularities
• Excessive hair growth
• Buried penis and hormonal disorders in boys
• Depression
• Some cancers

Surgical Treatment of Obesity

In the treatment of obesity, while diet and exercise provide lower success rates, surgery has a significantly higher success rate. Obesity surgery not only improves the person's aesthetic appearance but also contributes positively to quality of life. For this reason, it is very important to achieve permanent weight loss through surgery against diseases such as heart and vascular disease, psychological disorders and sleep apnea. The method in obesity surgery is determined individually for each person. After a comfortable surgical process, patients can return to work and social life in a short time and achieve ideal weight with proper planning.