Trunk obesity

The Trunk obesity corresponds to the male fat distribution pattern in the context of obesity and is primarily characterized by visceral fat deposits. In addition to a lack of exercise and incorrect eating habits, the causes of trunk obesity can consist of hormonal and genetic factors. Treatment is done depending on the primary cause.

What is trunk obesity?

The body region of the abdomen includes the trunk area between the pelvis and chest. This region tends to store fats. Obese fat storage with an abdominal focus is also called Trunk obesity designated. Trunk obesity is a variant of obesity. As such, the excessive proliferation of adipose tissue is defined.

A distinction must be made between being overweight, with a body mass index of 30 as the limit between obesity and overweight. All forms of obesity are chronic diseases with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. In addition to the abdomen, trunk obesity can affect the entire trunk.

Anatomically, the central section of the body is called the trunk. This trunk includes parts of the chest, the abdomen, the back and parts of the pelvis. There are basically other forms of designation for the fat distribution pattern with an abdominal center.

The expression of android obesity, for example, is considered to be the male fat distribution pattern of obesity, which also emphasizes the abdomen and is also known as visceral or central obesity of the apple type. This is to be distinguished from gynoid obesity with an emphasis on the hips, which is more common in women.

causes

Forms of obesity arise from multifactorial relationships. In addition to genetic causes, lack of exercise, malnutrition and eating disorders are seen as factors for the disease. In addition, endocrine diseases such as leptin resistance or disorders of resistin and adiponectin homeostasis can cause obesity.

The same applies to taking medication, for example taking glucocorticoids, neuroleptics or antidiabetic drugs. Other factors could be immobilization or pregnancy. Trunk obesity as a male distribution pattern of obesity is in many cases the symptom of Cushing's syndrome. This symptom complex is characterized by an excessive supply of glucocorticoids.

The syndrome is often due to secondary adrenal insufficiency or has its roots in disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary regulation. Different neoplasms can also be the primary cause of Cushing's syndrome. Due to the increased glucocorticoid secretion, the body is provided with an excessive amount of glucose as part of the syndrome.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

The trunk obesity is characterized by severe obesity and excessive fat deposits in the abdomen. In the context of the phenomenon, visceral fat storage is particularly relevant. Characteristically, these deposits impress as a beer belly. Visceral fat is intra-abdominal fat that is stored in the free abdominal cavity and thus envelops the internal organs.

Visceral fat takes on a protective function up to a certain amount. In healthy people, intra-abdominal fat is not directly visible to the naked eye. Only when the deposits exceed a certain level does the abdominal volume increase. Manifest trunk obesity is usually associated with secondary diseases or other symptoms.

In addition to high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis can also be present. In addition, people with truncal obesity often suffer from diabetes or cardiovascular and vascular ailments. Metabolic syndrome often occurs. Thromboses, strokes, heart attacks and Alzheimer's as well as cancer are favored by trunk obesity.

Diagnosis & course of disease

The waist circumference is a measure of the diagnosis of trunk obesity. The circumference is measured two cross fingers above the top of the iliac crest. Women over 80 centimeters and men over 94 centimeters in circumference suffer from excessively visceral fat deposits. Since 2012, more attention has been paid to abdominal fat in obesity diagnostics.

The Body Shape Index BSI, which has been used since then, includes harmful abdominal fat in the calculation for the first time. The relationship between body size and waist circumference in the sense of the waist-to-height ratio can also play a role in the diagnosis of trunk obesity. When diagnosing any obesity, in addition to the fat distribution, the general fat mass is relevant.

In addition, the risks for secondary diseases are determined as part of the diagnostics. In addition, the causes of obesity can be of diagnostic relevance. The prognosis for people with truncal obesity depends on the level of obesity and the patient's stamina.

Complications

Trunk obesity can be associated with various health complications. People with obesity often also suffer from cardiovascular diseases, vascular diseases or diabetes. These diseases favor thrombosis, strokes and Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's and cancer are also more common. If left untreated, the consequences of trunk obesity significantly reduce the quality of life and well-being of the person affected. This often results in psychological suffering.

Treating obesity also carries risks. Losing weight too quickly can lead to dehydration, hair loss, and fatigue. In addition, sexual desire is reduced and the efficiency of the brain temporarily decreases. In the long term, losing weight can damage the heart and other organs. Other complications depend on the individual treatment.

Side effects and interactions as well as allergic reactions can occur in the course of drug treatment. During surgery, bleeding, infections and wound healing disorders are possible. As a result of liposuction, bumps, sagging or dents can occur, which can have a negative effect on the person's self-esteem. Hygiene errors can rarely occur, and an existing allergy or heart failure has not been adequately taken into account - both are associated with life-threatening complications.

When should you go to the doctor?

In the case of trunk obesity, the person concerned is usually always dependent on medical treatment and examination so that there are no further complications and other complaints. A doctor should also be consulted at an early stage, as trunk obesity can also lead to the death of the patient.

A doctor should be consulted if the person concerned suffers from very strong and significant fat deposits on the body. In most cases these occur on the abdomen and reduce the aesthetics of the person affected. Furthermore, high blood pressure or diabetes can also indicate trunk obesity. If the trunk obesity is not treated, it can lead to a stroke or a heart attack, which can ultimately lead to death.

The trunk obesity can be recognized by a general practitioner. The further treatment then depends on the exact cause of the disease, so that no general prognosis can be given about the further course.

Treatment & Therapy

At the beginning of a stem obesity treatment there is a detailed anamnesis. It is important to clarify the patient's eating and exercise habits, ideally using eating and exercise diaries. In addition, medical history must be considered in order to identify relevant diseases related to obesity.

It is just as important to determine the psychological state in advance of therapy. Depending on the primary cause, different therapies are available for patients with obese trunk obesity. The focus of the treatment is always weight reduction. In addition to a change in diet, an exercise plan is created.

In many cases of obesity, accompanying psychotherapy is a useful supportive treatment measure. Ideally, the patient's environment is included in the therapy. A crucial point in treatment is the positive motivation of those affected. Anticipation for a healthier lifestyle should be fueled.

It is important to convey a desire to move, enjoyable food, purposefulness and independence. All further treatment options depend on the primary cause of the trunk obesity. If hormonal dysfunction is present, regulatory medication or even invasive interventions may be necessary.

prevention

The main obesity can be prevented to a certain extent by reducing the personal risk factors for obesity. This risk reduction can take the form of a healthy lifestyle with balanced eating habits and physical activity, for example.

Aftercare

In the case of trunk obesity, the measures of direct follow-up care are usually significantly limited, and in many cases these affected people are not available at all. Therefore, the person affected with this disease should consult a doctor at the first signs and symptoms so that there are no complications or other complaints in the further course.

As a rule, self-healing cannot occur with trunk obesity, so that those affected with this disease are dependent on an operation that can alleviate the symptoms. After the procedure, they should rest and recover. Exertion or stressful physical activities should be avoided in order not to unnecessarily burden the body.

In general, a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet has a positive effect on the further course of this disease. Those affected should try to reduce their excess weight and also do sports. The further course of this disease depends heavily on the time of diagnosis, so that a general prediction can usually not be made.

You can do that yourself

Those affected can minimize trunk obesity in everyday life. Often, however, there are genetic causes for the excessive fat distribution on the trunk of the body. The mental attitude is considered important. Patients should set goals and regularly check the success of the chosen measures.

The lifestyle must be characterized by activities. This is the only way to achieve fat loss. A higher calorie requirement is realized through exercise. Those affected should plan regular exercise units in an endurance sport. You can go to the gym for two hours three times a week. Extensive jogging or swimming also help to reduce weight. Experience has shown that training units tend to be held in groups. On the other hand, patients have to change their eating habits. A lot of fruits and vegetables are better than fatty foods and ready-made products.

Self-treatment is not always advisable. If the suffering from one's own figure has been carried around for years, the consultation of a doctor is inevitable. Therapy is usually also about strengthening self-confidence and conveying a positive attitude towards life.Forms of interaction with other people can also be practiced if deficits have arisen. If secondary diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes have developed, medical supervision is also necessary.