Although the Body Mass Index (BMI) is no longer the only way to determine whether a person is overweight or obese, for reference, we can say that when the quotient between weight and height (in meters) squared is greater than 25, we speak of overweight. When it is higher than 30, there is already obesity.
However, the abdominal perimeter is also an important parameter because, if it exceeds certain values, it indicates that there is fat in the trunk that is infiltrating the abdominal viscera, generating metabolic and cardiovascular risks. The normal limit of this perimeter for men is set at around 98 cm and for women at 80 cm, increasing in the latter case the aforementioned risks by 66% when it exceeds 88 cm.
Alarming increase in obesity rates
All over the world there is an alarming increase in obesity, with all the risks it entails, and Spain is no exception. At the present time, we can speak of an epidemic without being alarmist.
One of the fundamental reasons for this rise is the easy access to food at any time and in any circumstance. It should be borne in mind that our body is programmed to save for situations of food deprivation and, when more energy is taken in than is consumed, the surplus is stored in fat deposits so that it can be used in case of need.
Obesity treatment: multidisciplinary approach
The approach must be multifactorial, progressively introducing changes in habits: physical activity, meal times and dietary pattern, establishing a Mediterranean diet model adapted to the tastes of each person.
It is necessary to introduce a routine that breaks with the sedentary lifestyle, even if it is in a gradual way. When there is significant obesity, walking for more than 15 minutes at a time can be very complicated, but it is possible to do it more times a day for less time.
Timetables are also important: it has already been demonstrated that lunches after 3 p.m. are more fattening than if they are eaten before that time. The same applies to dinner: the later it is, the worse it will be in terms of energy management.
Finally, the Mediterranean diet has proven to be the best in terms of health benefits, so applying this dietary pattern will help to be in optimal conditions.
Personalized treatment
By no means is the approach the same for everyone. Each person is entitled to personalized treatment. Such treatment will have to be adapted to the circumstances, age, pathologies that may exist and, of course, to the food preferences and aversions of each individual. This is the only way to achieve adherence over time to the proposed modifications.
For certain cases, we currently have drugs with very few side effects and which are proving to be frankly effective in controlling intake and promoting weight loss.
In conclusion, the key to an adequate treatment of obesity and overweight, which achieves results that are maintained over time, is that it responds to a personalized approach. In this way, weight loss is not a major effort, educating the person to eat well, enjoying the right amounts and proportions. If this is adhered to, there need not be a return to old habits and, if stressful or other situations occur where control is lost, a professional can be called in again.