Obesity is one of the most serious health problems of the modern age. This metabolic disease, characterised by excessive fat accumulation in the body, affects a third of adults and 15% of children in Turkey. According to the World Health Organization criteria, a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 30 kg/m² is determinant for the diagnosis of obesity. Particularly, internal organ fat accumulation around the abdomen significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Changes in Body Composition

Obesity is divided into three categories according to BMI values: Stage I (30-34.9 kg/m²), Stage II (35-39.9 kg/m²) and Stage III or morbid obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²). A waist circumference above 102 cm in men and 88 cm in women is an indicator of metabolic risk. Deviation of body fat percentage and muscle mass index from normal increases the risk of sarcopenic obesity.

Cardiorespiratory Symptoms

Respiratory and circulatory problems in obesity significantly affect quality of life. Patients experience shortness of breath and fatigue even during short walks. Sleep apnea syndrome, frequent respiratory arrests and snoring are common. Resting heart rate and blood pressure are usually high, and a significant portion of patients develop cardiac hypertrophy.

Musculoskeletal Problems

Excess weight has a detrimental effect on the joints. Most patients have osteoarthritis in the knee joints, disc problems in the back, and plantar fasciitis in the feet. Every 5 kilogram increase puts significant additional load on the knee joint. Skin problems are also common; bacterial and fungal infections, hyperpigmentation and acanthosis nigricans are frequently observed findings.

Metabolic Changes

In obesity, blood sugar, insulin resistance and lipid profile are impaired. A significant portion of patients are pre-diabetic or diabetic. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels are usually high. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is common and causes an increase in liver enzymes.