Clinical features
Obesity is defined as the state in which the body mass index (BMI) is 30 or over. Morbid obesity is when the body mass index is 40 or over, or when the person is 100lbs or 44.4Kg overweight. Thus the distinction between overweight and obesity occurs when a certain BMI is reached, provided the percentage of body fat fulfils the criteria.
Clinical features of obesity with or without complications are obvious, the accumulation of excess body fat; in women it is the condition where more than 30% of their body makeup is fat and in men, it is more than 25%.
There are two different types of obesity, generalised obesity and abdominal obesity. In generalised obesity, the weight is distributed especially over the hips and thighs giving a “pear shape”, whereas in abdominal or central obesity the weight is distributed mainly in the abdominal area, giving an “apple shape”. Abdominal obesity is recognised as carrying the greater risk of coronary heart disease, insulin resistance, and adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes mellitus.
Obesity may be caused by medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, disorders of the hypothalamus in the brain or Cushing’s syndrome (inherent or caused by steroid medication). These conditions would be diagnosed by simple tests.
A person with obesity complicated by medical conditions such as ischaemic heart disease, osteoarthritis or diabetes for example, would be likely to demonstrate symptoms and signs of those conditions.
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Amended April 2008
