Obesity: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Obesity is defined as an excess of body fat, practically resulting in overweight. Clinically, obesity is primarily assessed by the body mass index (BMI), calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters (kg/m²). According to the BMI, it can be distinguished as: • Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m². • Moderate obesity: BMI between 30 and 34.9 kg/m². • Severe obesity: BMI between 35 and 39.9 kg/m². • Morbid obesity: BMI greater than or equal to 40 kg/m².

Pathophysiology

Obesity is a chronic and progressive disease involving gradual changes in adipose tissue (AT), which plays a central role. AT is not merely a reservoir for fat; it's a true endocrine and paracrine gland. Its dysfunction leads to a redistribution of fat with excessive storage in unusual areas like the liver and muscles. This phenomenon can cause metabolic complications, notably type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol imbalances. The pathophysiology of obesity is also influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, including dietary habits and lifestyle.

Epidemiology

Obesity is a major public health issue whose prevalence keeps rising. In France, about 17% of adolescents are overweight, and 4% are obese. This trend is observable in many countries worldwide, with global obesity prevalence doubling between 1980 and 2014. This evolution is particularly rapid among children and adolescents, increasing the risk of developing obesity in adulthood, with all associated complications.

Complications

Obesity is associated with numerous complications, both metabolic and mechanical. Metabolic complications include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Obesity can also cause respiratory disorders, like sleep apnea, and increase the risk of certain cancers. Mechanically, excess weight can lead to joint pain, particularly in the knees, and limit mobility.

Management

Managing obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach, including dietary interventions, increased physical activity, and psychological support. The goal is to stabilize the weight, or even to gradually reduce it, while avoiding restrictive diets that may be counterproductive in the long term. Patients can benefit from personalized support to adopt healthy lifestyle habits that include a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Prevention

Preventing obesity, particularly among children, is a major public health challenge. To maximize the effectiveness of interventions, it's essential to detect obesity from a young age, which involves close monitoring of the BMI index using body mass curves. These curves enable early identification of children at risk of developing obesity later. A key aspect of this monitoring is the adiposity rebound, which generally occurs from age 6, marked by a BMI that increases after a phase of reduction. An early rebound, before this age, is a strong indicator of an increased risk of adult obesity. Detecting this parameter offers an opportunity to intervene before obesity becomes ingrained. Parental involvement is also crucial in this preventive approach. They must be informed and involved in monitoring their child's growth curve and encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle habits within the family. This involves assessing the child's dietary and lifestyle practices, followed by adjustments to correct risky behaviors, such as sedentary habits or unbalanced diets. The goal is to stabilize the child's weight, ensuring they continue to grow without excessive weight gain. It's important to note that it is not advised to subject young children to restrictive diets, as this can disrupt their growth. The focus should instead be on adopting balanced eating habits and regularly engaging in physical activity.