Clinical features and /or observable features of Obesity

The following are indicators of obesity. 

1.

They have no satiety or hunger signals. (In my practice I have found that most obese people were fed on a food regime popular in the early 60's.  That is, they were only fed every 4 hours as a baby, regardless of the level of hunger.  As a result, I believe that their hunger and satiety signals switched off).

2.

They are susceptible to external food cues.  The obese individual will walk past a bakery, will smell the doughnuts and then feel like s/he must have a doughnut.  The smell triggers off an emotional need of "I must have that" and before s/he knows, it, the doughnut has been consumed.  See why diets do not work to find out more about the deprivation concept.

 

3.

They consume large quantities of food (often secretly).  Quite often though, the obese person has regularly consumed an extra amount of food over an extended period of time.  This has resulted in an increase in weight of about 10 - 12 kgs a year.  The negative effects of dieting also contribute towards this problem (see why diets do not work).  At the point at which an obese person seeks help, s/he may well be eating too little food to lose.  Seek the help of a registered dietician. However, do not try another diet until you have read why diets do not work.

 

4.

They lead a sedentary lifestyle.  Not all obese individuals are couch potatoes and some have even been sports fanatics in the past.  It is difficult to exercise when you feel physically uncomfortable so it is important to work at a level at which you feel comfortable.  See the section on help.

 

5.

Fluctuations in weight may result in depression.  This includes positive changes in weight!  Someone who has been overweight all his/her life may have come to identify with a "fat personality".  The thought of being thin, while appealing, is also terrfying.  Remember that healthy weight loss takes time.  In fact, if you approach this with the right assistance then you should be able to adjust to your new weight with less fear and more joy.

 

6.

They eat when they are emotionally upset (i.e. happy, sad, angry, anxious, etc).  I discuss this aspect under psychological causes, but usually most emotional responses are dealt with by eating.