Reframing Obesity
Obesity is a dysregulated production of adipose tissue commonly known as fat throughout the body.
It is considered a complex and chronic disease, which means there are multiple factors that contribute to its aestology (source).
Additionally, it means that various biological systems are involved in its initiation and progression (source).
BMI
BMI is still the prominent technique for diagnosing obesity. It is the body weight in kilograms divided by the height in metres squared. The problem with BMI is it does not give insights or knowledge on the biological functions that contribute to the disease. Secondly, it does not measure the overall fat or its distribution. Despite these failings, BMI is still the main strategy for obesity diagnosis. (source) (source 1)
Obesity as a Risk Factor
Obesity can be a risk factor to cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, stroke, and Cushing’s syndrome, depression, and dementia. (source)
More Than a Weight Problem
Obesity can cause low-grade chronic inflammation through increased circulating fatty acids, and chemoattraction of immune cells that contribute to the inflammatory condition.
Inflammation when it is working within a normal range, helps sustain the function of tissues and organs. It is also a protective response to an injury, infection, or irritation (source) (source).
However, when it is chronic it can dysregulate various body functions. This is a core component of what makes obesity complex and a risk for other diseases. (source) (source) (source)
Obesity & Microbiome
There is increasing evidence indicating that gut bacteria plays a role in intestinal function, nutrient synthesis, and insulin regulation.
Additionally, gut bacteria has been linked to chronic low level inflammation, which creates systemic exposure to bacteria ipopolysaccharide derived from the intestinal microbiota.
Interestingly, trauma or acute stress exposure have been linked to changes in our gut environment. (source) (source) (source) (source)