Obesity Specialists in Karnataka

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a complex chronic condition characterised by excessive accumulation of body fat that increases the risk of numerous health problems, typically assessed using body mass index alongside waist circumference and body composition. It develops from a sustained imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure, influenced by a combination of genetic, behavioural, environmental, and metabolic factors rather than simply a lack of willpower. Rates of obesity have been rising sharply in urban India, driven by increasingly sedentary lifestyles, processed food consumption, and reduced physical activity. Obesity is strongly linked to conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers, making it a major driver of chronic disease burden. Management requires a sustained, individualised approach combining dietary change, physical activity, and, in some cases, medical or surgical intervention.

Causes of Obesity

Caused by a sustained excess of calorie intake relative to energy expenditure, influenced by factors such as high consumption of processed and calorie-dense foods, sedentary work and lifestyle patterns, inadequate sleep, and psychological factors like stress-related eating. Genetic predisposition affects how the body stores fat and regulates appetite, and certain medical conditions or medications can also contribute to weight gain. Socioeconomic and environmental factors, including limited access to healthy food and safe spaces for physical activity, further compound risk in urban settings.

Symptoms of Obesity

Excess body fat particularly around the abdomen, breathlessness with mild exertion, joint pain especially in knees and hips, fatigue, excessive sweating, sleep disturbances including snoring, skin issues in body folds, reduced mobility, psychological distress related to body image

Treatment & Types of Obesity in Karnataka

Treatment centres on structured lifestyle modification including a calorie-appropriate balanced diet, regular physical activity, and behavioural strategies to support sustainable habit change, often guided by a nutritionist or physician. Medications may be prescribed for appetite regulation or metabolic support in appropriate candidates who have not achieved adequate results with lifestyle measures alone. Bariatric surgery is considered for individuals with severe obesity or obesity-related complications who have not responded to other approaches, followed by long-term nutritional and medical follow-up.

Obesity is classified using body mass index into class I, a BMI of 30-34.9, class II, BMI 35-39.9, and class III or severe obesity, BMI 40 or above, with risk of associated health complications rising at each higher class. It is also described by fat distribution pattern as central or abdominal obesity, which carries a higher metabolic risk, versus more evenly distributed fat.

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