Impact of Obesity on Physical and Mental Health

A major public health concern, obesity affects 650 million adults and more than 390 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 across the world.

Obesity situation presents numerous risks to physical and mental health, but it is not inevitable. Our general practitioners tell you everything about the impact of obesity on physical and psychological health.

Obesity, what is it?

Obesity is a complex and multifactorial chronic progressive disease that presents heterogeneous clinical forms, ranging from simple obesity to severe and morbid obesity.

When the amount of fat stored in the body exceeds levels considered healthy for maintaining good physical health, we speak of overweight or obesity.

Overweight and obesity result from the imbalance between calories consumed and those the body expends. Factors such as eating habits, physical activity, metabolism, genetic influences, stress levels, sleep patterns and other environmental factors can all contribute to the development of this excess weight.

The indicator that determines whether we are overweight or obese is the Body Mass Index (BMI). This calculation allows one to locate one’s body size (from underweight to severe obesity) on an ideal curve. It is carried out simply by dividing the weight (kg) by the square height in meters. (BMI = weight / height²). A BMI above 30 is considered indicative of obesity.

Possible support

The management of overweight and obesity is based on a multidisciplinary approach. Appropriate support and care are necessary to sustainably improve the quality of life and not just towards a weight loss objective. By combining the following methods, it is possible to provide comprehensive and effective management of overweight and obesity, helping individuals achieve and maintain a “healthy” weight while improving their overall well-being:

• Balanced diet: Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for losing weight and maintaining good health. Nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products, while limiting the consumption of processed foods, added sugars and saturated fats should be favoured;
• Regular physical activity: Physical activity is vital in weight management and maintaining good health. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is recommended, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling or dancing. “Strength” training, which helps build muscle mass, is also beneficial;
• Regular medical monitoring: It is important to consult a health professional to obtain regular medical monitoring and personalized advice on weight management. Your doctor will be able to assess individual risk, monitor your progress and make recommendations;
• Surgical interventions: As a last resort, bariatric surgery may be considered a treatment option. Surgical procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or gastric banding can help reduce the size of the stomach and change how food is absorbed, leading to significant weight loss. These methods are only intended for people suffering from severe obesity (BMI greater than 40) or morbid obesity (BMI greater than 35 with medical complications);
• Psychological support: Obesity can impact mental health, so it is important to offer psychological support to affected individuals. Cognitive-behavioural therapies can help modify maladaptive eating behaviours, manage negative emotions and strengthen self-esteem. Support and psychological help groups such as the National Collective of Obese Associations (CNAO) or the National League Against Obesity can also offer a safe space to share experiences and find social support;
• Education and awareness: Raising awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles from a young age are essential to prevent overweight and obesity. Prevention programs focusing on a balanced diet, physical activity, and stress management can help educate about the health risks associated with obesity and encourage the adoption of healthy behaviours.

Suppose you need help obtaining comprehensive care and generally improving your quality of life. In that case, our general practitioners and psychologists are specially trained in the care of people who are overweight and obese.

Impact of obesity on physical health

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of diseases, especially when the BMI is above 35. The main risks are:

The development of cardiovascular diseases

Obesity and cardiovascular pathologies often go hand in hand. And for good reason, excess weight leads to an increase in the workload of the heart, which can gradually damage the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of serious complications as :

• High blood pressure ;
• Coronary heart disease;
• Heart failure;
• Cholesterol;
• Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA).

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes and obesity are closely linked. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels associated with insulin resistance. In obesity, visceral fat is produced in excess. It disrupts the insulin balance in the body, leading to high blood sugar and associated complications.

Respiratory disorders

Obesity is a major risk factor for respiratory disorders, such as sleep apnea and asthma. Indeed, the accumulation of fat around the neck and chest can lead to the narrowing of the airways, causing episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep and difficulty breathing during physical activity.

Joint diseases

Obesity puts additional strain on joints, increasing the risk of developing joint problems such as osteoarthritis. The joints most affected by obesity are usually the knees, hips and spine, which can lead to chronic pain and decreased mobility.

Metabolic and hepatic disorders

Obesity is associated with metabolic disorders, such as dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of lipids in the blood) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (fat accumulation in the liver), which can progress to serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Cancers

The involvement of inflammatory and hormonal processes induced by excess fatty tissue means that obesity is a risk factor for several types of cancer, including:

• Breast cancer;
• Of the endometrium;
• Of the colon;
• Kidney ;
• And the gallbladder.

Impact of obesity on mental health

Obesity is not limited to physical health concerns; it can also have a significant impact on the mental well-being of individuals who suffer from it. Faced with prejudice, stigma or discrimination, people with obesity are 20 to 40% more likely to develop symptoms of depression or anxiety than those who are not overweight.

Here are some of the main impacts of obesity on mental health:

• Self-esteem and body image: People who are overweight or obese are regularly confronted with societal injunctions giving way to prejudices and stigmatization linked to their physical appearance. These bad experiences can lead to lowered self-esteem and a negative perception of their own body, which can contribute to problems with anxiety, depression and emotional distress;
• Anxiety and depression: Social pressure, discrimination, fear of rejection, difficulties related to weight management, etc. There are many reasons why people with obesity have an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders. Depression can, in turn, generate unhealthy eating habits and encourage a sedentary lifestyle, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break;
• Eating disorders: Although obesity is often associated with overconsumption of food, it can also coexist with other eating disorders such as bulimia or binge eating disorder. These disorders can be exacerbated by emotional factors such as stress, depression and self-esteem issues;
• Food addiction: Similarities between compulsive eating behaviours observed in people with obesity and the characteristics of addiction have been observed. This dependence on food thus becomes a way of coping with stress, negative emotions or the difficulties of daily life;

Quality of life and general well-being: Obesity can have a profound impact on the overall quality of life and emotional well-being of affected individuals. The physical limitations, health problems, social difficulties, and psychological concerns associated with obesity can compromise happiness and personal satisfaction.