TL;DR:
- Obesity has tripled globally since 1975 (WHO); 2 billion adults were overweight in 2016, 650 million obese.
- Causes: Overconsumption of highly processed foods and sedentary lifestyles in developed countries.
- Health risks: Cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, joint issues, cancer, respiratory/liver/urinary problems, and psychological impacts.
- Treatment: Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), psychological support, and specialist consultations are key.
- Gastric ballooning: Non-invasive, temporary procedure that reduces stomach volume, leading to smaller food portions; requires post-procedure lifestyle changes.
- Post-weight-loss challenges: Excess skin may require plastic surgery (e.g., abdominoplasty), but only after weight stabilization.
- Medical interventions must accompany healthy eating and consistent physical activity for lasting results.
Recent decades have seen an extremely rapid increase in the number of people suffering from overweight and obesity, not only in the US, but also in Europe. In an era of widespread access to highly processed foods and sedentary lifestyles, the problem is not sparing Poland either. But can we really talk about an obesity epidemic? Is it a fact, or is it just a media slogan and an exaggeration of the problem?
Obesity – a global health problem
Obesity, also known as a disease of civilization, is a problem affecting more and more people of all ages, especially in developed countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of overweight people worldwide has tripled since 1975. In 2016, it was estimated that nearly 2 billion adults worldwide were overweight, and 650 million of them were dealing with obesity. Throughout human history, the main problem has been the struggle for survival, and a key part of that struggle has been access to food. Humans have hunted, harvested, and later farmed, always with the goal of securing the basic need of food. In recent decades, as a result of technological advances and the development of a consumer society, this problem has fundamentally changed. Today, in many developed countries, the problem is no longer a lack of food, but an excess of it. Through the availability of sweets and fast food, we can take in a lot of calories in a small volume of food. This is why it is becoming so important to educate the public about healthy lifestyles and a responsible approach to nutrition.
What are the consequences of obesity?
Obesity is not only an aesthetic problem, but especially a health problem that leads to numerous complications, such as:
- Cardiovascular diseases – hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke.
- Type 2 diabetes – obesity is one of the most important risk factors for this disease.
- Joint diseases – result from excessive stress on the joints.
- Cancer – increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and colon cancer.
- Respiratory problems – including sleep apnea.
- Liver problems – including fatty liver disease.
- Problems with the urinary system – including kidney stones.
- Psychological problems – reduced self-esteem, depression, eating disorders as a result of an unhealthy approach to eating.
Unfortunately, the more obese one is, the longer it takes to recover, and even after weight loss, problems such as excess loose skin remain. To feel good about one's body, therefore, additional procedures such as arm plastics are often necessary.
How to deal with obesity?
Dealing with obesity requires a comprehensive approach and usually involves lifestyle changes, diet and exercise. The key to understand is that there is no one-size-fits-all method for shedding excess pounds, and each person may need a different plan of action. First, it is a good idea to consult a doctor or nutritionist to establish a healthy diet plan and exercise program. Many people with obesity have comorbidities, such as diabetes or heart disease, so it is important that any diet and lifestyle changes be monitored by a specialist. First, movement is essential – regular physical activity not only helps burn calories, but also improves overall fitness and well-being. It does not have to be intensive training, daily moderate activity such as walking is enough. Psychological support should not be forgotten. Changing eating habits and lifestyle is difficult and can lead to frustration. Help from a psychologist or support group can sometimes be invaluable. In some cases, when lifestyle change and diet do not work, more advanced medical interventions can be considered. One way to help an obese person reduce weight is gastric ballooning.
Why does gastric ballooning help you lose weight?
Gastric ballooning is a medical procedure that helps reduce weight by reducing the volume of the stomach. The balloon, which is inserted into the stomach, is filled with saline or, less often, air, so a feeling of satiety occurs more quickly. The patient does not have as much of an appetite and eats smaller portions, leading to weight loss. The gastric ballooning procedure is non-invasive and reversible. The balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth using endoscopic instruments, and the entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. It is performed under general anesthesia, so the patient does not have to fear the discomfort associated with, for example, gastroscopy, an examination often performed on people with digestive problems. After the procedure, one has to stay for a short observation, due to the awakening of the anesthesia. The first three days after gastric ballooning are a time for recovery, and only liquid foods can be taken. Nausea, cramps and bloating may occur at first, but these side effects usually pass quickly. After that, you can gradually introduce foods with a different texture.
However, it is important to remember that gastric ballooning is a tool to aid in the weight loss process, not a magical solution to get rid of obesity effortlessly. Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight requires lifestyle changes, healthy eating and regular physical activity. The procedure is usually recommended for severely obese people for whom traditional weight loss methods do not work. However, ballooning is a temporary solution that facilitates weight reduction and the introduction of good habits, but will not do all the work for the patient. After a maximum of six months, the balloon should be removed from the stomach.
Plastic surgery in obese people: when is it worth considering?
In obese people, the problems often do not end with weight reduction: excess skin that is left behind after weight loss leads to discomfort, impedes daily functioning and negatively affects self-esteem. The most common procedures are abdominoplasty (surgery to remove skin from the abdominal area) and shoulder plication to restore tone and firmness. However, such surgeries are not recommended for people who still have a high body mass index (BMI) and have not yet stabilized their weight. Before deciding to undergo plastic surgery, it's a good idea to consult a doctor who will assess your health, your expectations and the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. These surgeries are invasive and, like any surgical intervention, involve some risk, so the decision to undergo them should be carefully considered. Widespread obesity is a problem faced not only by Americans anymore, but also by residents of other developed countries. Lifestyle changes do not always give the desired results: in such a situation it is worth discussing the use of surgical methods with a specialist.
Conclusion
Obesity is a growing global health crisis with serious physical and mental effects. From heart disease to psychological struggles, the issue demands urgent action. Lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and support, are essential but challenging. Tools like gastric ballooning can assist in early weight loss, yet lasting results require commitment. For those facing excess skin after weight loss, plastic surgery is an option but needs careful consideration. The fight against obesity is about more than appearances—it's about reclaiming health and improving quality of life. Take the first step toward lasting change today.
