Obesity and excessive accumulation of body fat are growing concerns in today’s society. At our aesthetic medicine clinic, we recognize the importance of addressing these issues and promoting a healthy lifestyle. In this article, we will delve into the factors that contribute to obesity and how to determine if you have an adequate body fat percentage.
Causes of obesity
Obesity is a complex and multifactorial condition, the result of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. In recent decades, we have seen significant changes in our eating habits and lifestyle, which has contributed to an increase in obesity.
One of the key factors is the change in our diet, with an increase in the consumption of saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. This is partly due to increases in food portions and the frequency of eating away from home, which often includes foods high in saturated fat and low in fiber. In addition, the consumption of sugary drinks has increased considerably.
The second relevant environmental factor is the decrease in physical activity. The modern lifestyle has led to increased use of technology and conveniences, which has reduced our daily physical activity. Time in front of electronic screens and lack of movement at work are factors that contribute to physical inactivity.
Risks of a High Percentage of Body Fat
A high percentage of body fat is associated with an increased risk of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. In obese individuals, fat mass can constitute up to 80% of body mass.
The Role of Adipocytes
Adipocytes, cells specialized in lipid storage, are essential in regulating body weight. These cells accumulate fat to maintain body temperature and provide energy through cellular respiration. However, excess fat in these cells leads to obesity and its complications.
It is important to note that we are born with a limited number of adipocytes, which only increase by 10% throughout life. The rest of the cells store additional fat or decrease it depending on our lifestyle choices and habits.
Adipocyte Renewal and Obesity
Recent research from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has revealed that adipocytes are constantly renewed, with a persistent balance established in the first years of life. This means that obesity is related to the number of adipocytes and the amount of fat accumulated in them.
Determining an Appropriate Fat Percentage
A common way to evaluate your weight status is through the Body Mass Index (BMI). Here’s how to interpret it:
- BMI less than 18.5: Underweight.
BMI between 18.5 and 24.9: Normal or healthy weight.
BMI between 25.0 and 29.9: Overweight.
Tips for a Healthy Life
If you are concerned about your weight or body fat percentage, we recommend the following:
- Consult a professional at our aesthetic medicine clinic for a detailed evaluation.
Perform laboratory studies to identify possible causes of your difficulty losing weight.
Improve your diet, reducing the consumption of carbohydrates and foods rich in fat.
Increase physical activity to combat a sedentary lifestyle.
Control fluid intake, especially sugary drinks.
At our aesthetic medicine clinic, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Understanding your body fat percentage is a crucial step on this journey to wellness.