Pathophysiology of obesity

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Pathophysiology of Obesity

Obesity (/oʊˈbiːsɪti/, from Latin: obesitas) is a medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body, typically resulting in a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It is a medical problem that increases your risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

Etymology

The term "obesity" is derived from the Latin word "obesitas," which means "stout, fat, or plump." "Obesitas" is derived from "obesus," the past participle of "obedere," which means "to eat away," composed of "ob-" (against) and "edere" (to eat).

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of obesity is multifactorial and involves complex interactions among genetics, behavior, and the environment. The primary mechanism of obesity is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. This imbalance can be influenced by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.

Genetic factors can influence the development of obesity by increasing susceptibility to environmental influences. Certain genes may also directly affect energy balance by influencing hunger, satiety, or the partitioning of energy stores.

Behavioral factors, such as dietary habits and physical activity levels, play a significant role in the development of obesity. Overeating, especially high-fat and high-sugar foods, combined with a sedentary lifestyle, can lead to an energy imbalance and weight gain.

Environmental factors, such as the availability and marketing of unhealthy foods and the lack of opportunities for physical activity, can also contribute to the development of obesity.

Related Terms

  • Body Mass Index (BMI): A measure used to determine whether a person has a healthy body weight for a given height.
  • Genetics: The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
  • Energy Balance: The balance of calories consumed through eating and drinking compared to calories burned through physical activity.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: A type of lifestyle with little or no physical activity.

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