2023-07-07 09:23:00
Definition: what is android obesity, also called “abdominal” obesity?
Obesity exposes to complications which vary not only according to the importance of the mass of adipose tissue but also of its anatomical location.
When it is mainly located in the upper part of the body and in the abdomen, and even inside the belly, obesity is said to be android or abdominal. Conversely, it will be called “gynoid”, when excess fat is on the lower body.
How to calculate it (waist circumference, BMI)?
To assess this distribution of fat mass, it is necessary to measure the waist circumference. The more the waist circumference increases, the greater the fat content of the abdomen and the higher the cardiovascular risk.
In men, obesity is of the android type when the abdominal circumference exceeds 102 in abdominal obesity (normal values In women the obesity is of the android type when the abdominal circumference exceeds 88 cm (
Thus the measurement of the waist circumference will be part of the clinical examination of the obese patient in the same way as the measurement of the weight and the height for the calculation of the BMI (Body mass index) which is calculated by the formula: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²). Thanks to this indicator, we can also distinguish between moderate obesity, severe obesity and morbid obesity.
What are the causes and risk factors of this type of obesity?
As in all forms of obesity, android obesity will first be explained by a energy balance imbalance (calorie intake greater than energy expenditure). However, other factors may be added:
The association with a drug treatment that promotes weight gain (drugs against depression, against epileptic diseases) Presence of pathology: depression…Excess weight of family origin: “several cases of obesity are often found in the breast family. There may be a genetic predisposition to obesity. Thus a child will have a 40% risk of becoming obese if one of his two parents is obese and this risk rises to 80% if both parents are obese. are, recalls the site of the Obécentre (source 1)A context of life source of stress (divorce, death, change of work…)…
Android obesity: its complications
The immediate consequences of android obesity are what is known as the metabolic syndrome: corresponding to the association of several disorders linked to the presence of a excess abdominal fat : cardiovascular risks (myocardial infarction, stroke), metabolic disorders (type 2 diabetes), steatosis hepatitis, skin problems (mycosis of the skin and excessive sweating), breathing difficulties (exertional dyspnea, sleep apnea syndrome , asthma) (source 2).
Gynecological disorders (polycystic ovary syndrome) and gestational diabetes) are other complications. “At menopause, changes in body composition also appear with a more obvious android-like fat distribution” illustrates Dr. Sabine Mala-Herbau.
The risks of developing a digestive cancer (colon, rectum, pancreas…) in men or cancer of the breast, ovaries or uterus in women are also present.
As well as psychological problemswhich can be linked to low self-esteem, discrimination (grossophobia), social isolation, withdrawal into oneself”, continues Dr. SabineMala-Herbau.
What treatments and solutions to fight against android obesity?
The first level of care is provided by the general practitioner, in charge of the general assessment (taking measurements (BMI, height) and looking for possible causes and complications). Depending on the results, additional examinations carried out by specialists may be necessary. This is for example the case of recourse to the pulmonologist for a suspicion of sleep apnea, to the cardiologist for a cardiac stress test, to the specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation for evaluation of musculoskeletal capacities… The nutritionist or endocrinologist will intervene him also for proper care. Without forgetting, the support of a sports educator who can help establish a regular physical activity program adapted to the patient.
About bariatric surgery
In the event of failure of medical treatment, so-called “bariatric” surgery (anatomical modification of the stomach) may be proposed for patients with a BMI greater than or equal to 40 kg/m² or greater than or equal to 35 kg /m² when there are associated complications.
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