Deputy Director Zhang Zhongtao (center) of Beijing Friendship Hospital is performing weight loss surgery for a patient. Xinhua News Agency
BEIJING, August 19 (Reporter Xia Ke) In recent years, with the acceleration of modern life rhythms, the increase in work and study pressure, and changes in dietary structure, the incidence of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases caused by overweight and obesity has been increasing year by year, showing a trend towards younger ages. What are the standards for obesity? What causes obesity? How to maintain a healthy weight? The reporter interviewed relevant experts.
Dr. Zhang Peng, Director of Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery at the General Surgery Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital, introduced that body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to determine if a person is obese, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. If the calculated value is greater than or equal to 24, it is overweight, and if it is greater than or equal to 28, it is obese.
Experts indicate that a BMI between 24-28 is considered overweight, 28-32.5 is mild obesity, around 32.5-40 is moderate obesity, over 40 is severe obesity, and over 50 is extremely severe obesity. Corresponding guidance methods are provided in clinical practice based on the degree of obesity, including psychological, behavioral, dietary, and exercise management. After reaching obesity, there are treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and even surgery, matched to different degrees of obesity.
A study report published by The Lancet shows that the global obesity population is over 1 billion in 2022, with 43% of adults overweight. Since 1990, the number of obese adults worldwide has more than doubled, and the number of obese children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 has tripled. A study in 2023 shows that the overall overweight population in China accounts for 34.8%, with 14.1% being obese. “These data indicate that obesity has become an urgent health issue, affecting not only individual health but also becoming a public health concern,” said Dr. Feng Ying, Deputy Director of the Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine Center at Beijing Ditan Hospital.
“The most common complications in the overweight and obese population in China are fatty liver disease, pre-diabetes, abnormal blood lipids, and hypertension. The incidence of fatty liver disease in overweight individuals is 49.0%, and in obese individuals, it is 81.8%,” said Feng Ying, pointing out that the obese population includes many young people who are prone to depression and other psychological issues. These individuals are the backbone of families and workplaces, and illness can have a significant impact on the individuals, families, and society.
Dr. Zhang Peng mentioned that obesity has multiple causes. For instance, Cushing’s syndrome or severe hypothyroidism can lead to obesity, and active treatment of the underlying disease is necessary for weight loss. Additionally, the use of certain hormone medications can also cause obesity. “Currently, simple obesity, which is primary obesity, is more common. It may result from poor lifestyle management, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise, especially among individuals with high work stress who do not have time for physical activity, leading to obesity.”
Dr. Ding Bingjie, Deputy Director of the Nutrition Department at Beijing Friendship Hospital, mentioned that being too overweight is not good, and being too underweight is not ideal either. If the BMI is below 18.5, it is considered underweight, and weight management should aim to increase weight, especially muscle mass. It is essential to remember that even with a normal weight, weight management is necessary because future weight gain is possible. “With age, basal metabolic rate decreases, muscle decreases, and fat increases. Therefore, managing weight when at a normal weight may be more effective than trying to lose weight after gaining excess weight.”
(Source: Xinhua News Agency)
