Aetiology
The primary cause of overweight in adults is an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. This can be due to a variety of factors including an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition, or certain medical conditions.
Diagnosis
To diagnose overweight in adults, a health care provider will typically assess a patient’s body mass index (BMI). A BMI of 25-29.9 is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
Differential diagnosis
In addition to assessing a patient’s BMI, a health care provider may also consider any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to a patient’s weight, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or Cushing’s syndrome.
Treatment
The treatment for overweight in adults depends on the underlying cause. Generally, treatment involves lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and making dietary changes. Additionally, a health care provider may prescribe medications to help a patient reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Prognosis
The prognosis for overweight in adults is generally positive with lifestyle modifications. Patients who are able to make lasting lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and making dietary changes can expect to see improvements in their weight, health, and well-being.