Question 1

What is obesity?

Accepted Answer

Obesity is a medical condition of excessive body fat accumulation resulting from a chronic imbalance between calorie intake and calorie expenditure.

Question 2

How do I know if I am obese?

Accepted Answer

Calculate your BMI: divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared (kg/m²). For Indians: BMI > 23 = overweight; BMI > 25 = obese. These thresholds are lower than Western standards because Indians develop complications at lower BMI values.

Question 3

Why is obesity particularly concerning for Indians?

Accepted Answer

Indians develop obesity-related complications — such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension — at lower BMI values compared to Western populations. This makes early weight management critical for Indians.

Question 4

Why should obesity be treated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated obesity significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnoea, joint problems, and certain cancers.

Question 5

How is obesity treated?

Accepted Answer

Diet and lifestyle modification is always the foundation. Medical treatment (weight-loss medications) is indicated when BMI > 30, or BMI > 27 with complications. Bariatric surgery is considered when BMI > 40, or BMI > 35 with serious complications.

Question 6

What dietary changes are recommended for weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Avoid: sweets, butter, ghee, cheese, honey, bakery products, potatoes, fried foods, fast food, packaged foods, fruit juices, and oily foods. Focus on reducing total caloric intake, increasing fibre and protein, and regular physical activity.

Obesity FAQs

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