What Exactly is Obesity?

Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat builds up to a level that harms health. In this video, Dr. Vikram Lotwala, bariatric surgeon in Surat, explains what obesity actually is and why it is more than just being overweight.

Not all fat is the same

• Fat under the skin (subcutaneous fat) is spread around the body, such as on the hips and thighs.
• Fat around the organs (visceral or belly fat) collects deep inside the abdomen, around the liver and intestines.
• Belly fat is the more harmful type, as it is closely linked to diabetes, heart disease and fatty liver.

Why Indians need to watch their waist

Many Indians store fat around the abdomen even when their overall weight looks normal. This is why waist size is an important check alongside BMI. A waist measurement of 90 cm or more in men and 80 cm or more in women is considered a health risk for South Asians.

Health problems linked to obesity

Obesity raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, fatty liver, joint pain, infertility and some cancers. Treating obesity early can prevent or improve many of these conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Can I be obese if my weight looks normal?
Yes. Excess belly fat can be present even in people with a normal BMI, which is why waist size is also checked.

Is obesity treatable?
Yes. Treatment ranges from diet, exercise and medicines to bariatric surgery for severe obesity, depending on each patient's condition.

Book a consultation with Dr. Vikram Lotwala for obesity treatment in Surat.

Dr. Vikram Lotwala
Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgeon
Wings Hospital, 1st Floor, Abhilasha Apartments, Madhuvan Circle, L P Savani Road, Surat, Gujarat
Phone: +91 99099 66056