Obesity Test

Obesity Test: The First and Most Crucial Step Towards Taking Control of Your Health

Hello! At Forever Clinica, we know that living a healthy life is a shared dream for all of us. However, one of the biggest obstacles we face in today’s world is, unfortunately, obesity. Perhaps as you’re reading these lines, you’re thinking, “Am I at risk too?” This is precisely where the Obesity Test comes in, allowing you to get a closer look at your health. Let’s delve into what obesity is, why it’s so important, and how Forever Clinica, located right here in Istanbul, Turkey, can support you, all in a friendly and detailed manner. Remember, knowledge is power, and having accurate information about your health will be the strongest foundation for the steps you take.

What is Obesity and Why is It So Important?

Obesity, simply put, is the condition where our body accumulates far more fat than it should. You might think, “What’s the big deal if I’m a little overweight?” But the situation is much more serious than that. This excessive fat in the body can trigger a series of chain reactions that deeply affect our health. Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, joint problems, sleep apnea, and even some types of cancer… The list, unfortunately, goes on. Obesity is not just an aesthetic concern; it’s a serious public health problem that diminishes our quality of life and shortens our lifespan.

So, how do we define obesity? One of the most commonly used methods is the Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation. BMI is a number obtained by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by the square of your height (in meters). This number gives us a general idea:

• Below 18.5: Underweight. This can also carry its own health risks.
• 18.5 – 24.9: Normal weight. Congratulations, you’re in the ideal range!
• 25 – 29.9: Overweight. This could be the first step towards obesity and is a warning sign to pay attention to.
• 30 and above: Obese. At this point, your health risks have increased, and professional help is important.

However, BMI alone is not always a sufficient indicator. A muscular person might fall into the “overweight” category according to BMI, but actually have a low body fat percentage. That’s why at Forever Clinica, we don’t just look at BMI; we conduct a much more comprehensive assessment. We consider many factors such as waist circumference measurement (over 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women is considered risky), body fat percentage determination, and even your metabolic values. Because what matters is not just your weight, but how much of that weight is fat and where that fat is stored in your body. Abdominal fat, in particular, carries extra significance as it increases the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Forever Clinica Obesity Test: A Comprehensive Look at Your Health

At Forever Clinica, we offer a comprehensive Obesity Test to accurately determine your obesity risk and draw up a personalized roadmap for you. This test means much more than just stepping on a scale. Let’s take a look at the steps together:

1. Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculation: Your Starting Point

As a first step, your height and weight are accurately measured, and your BMI value is calculated. This gives us the first clue for a general classification. Thanks to our modern, digital scales and height measurers, these measurements are both fast and highly accurate.

2. Waist Circumference Measurement: Chasing the Hidden Danger

Waist circumference measurement is a critical step for assessing abdominal fat. Abdominal fat, also known as “apple-shaped” obesity, is directly linked to serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. A waist circumference over 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women is a significant indicator of increased risk. At Forever Clinica, we perform this measurement according to international standards, obtaining important information about fat distribution in your body. This is not just a number, but a potential health risk warning.

3. Body Fat Analysis: A Detailed Inner View

Just looking at weight can be misleading; what’s important is your body fat percentage. Therefore, at Forever Clinica, we perform body fat analysis. Two main methods are generally used for this:

• Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA): This method works by sending a very weak and harmless electrical current through your body. Since fat, muscle, and water tissues have different electrical conductivities, changes in the current’s passage rate provide detailed information about your body composition. Forever Clinica’s BIA devices provide reliable and fast results, determining values such as total body fat, muscle mass, water percentage, and even your basal metabolic rate. This provides vital data for us to create personalized nutrition and exercise plans for you. For example, the higher your muscle mass, the more calories your body burns, which accelerates the weight loss process.
• Skinfold Thickness Measurement: Using special calipers, skinfold thicknesses at specific areas of the body (arm, back, abdomen, etc.) are measured. Your body fat percentage is calculated from the sum of these measurements. This method can yield highly reliable results when performed by an experienced specialist. At Forever Clinica, our expert team ensures you get the most accurate results by determining the most suitable method for you.

4. Blood Tests: Details from Your Inner World

Blood tests are essential for identifying metabolic problems and risk factors associated with obesity. Blood tests performed at Forever Clinica include:

• Fasting Blood Sugar: High blood sugar indicates a risk of diabetes or insulin resistance. Obesity can trigger insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar.
• Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels: High LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and triglyceride levels increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Obesity often leads to an increase in these values. Low HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels are also a risk factor.
• Hormone Levels (Thyroid, Insulin Resistance, etc.): Thyroid hormones directly affect your metabolic rate. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) can lead to weight gain. Insulin resistance is a condition intertwined with obesity and makes blood sugar control difficult. Our doctors, if deemed necessary, can also evaluate other appetite and metabolism-regulating hormones such as leptin and ghrelin to provide a more comprehensive picture.
• Liver Enzymes: Obesity can lead to fat accumulation in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) can be an indicator of this condition.
• Inflammation Markers (CRP): Chronic low-grade inflammation in the body is associated with obesity and can increase risks such as heart disease. CRP (C-reactive protein) levels can be an indicator of this inflammation.

These tests provide valuable information about your body’s internal workings and allow us to detect potential health problems that may develop due to obesity at an early stage.

5. Lifestyle Assessment: A Personalized Profile for You

In addition to numerical data, your daily habits also directly affect your obesity risk. At Forever Clinica, our experts conduct a detailed lifestyle assessment with you:

• Eating Habits: What do you eat, how much do you eat, how often do you eat? Issues like processed foods, sugary drinks, and portion sizes are examined in depth. A consultation with our dietitian will review your food diary and offer personalized tips.
• Physical Activity Level: How much do you move? How much exercise is in your daily routine? A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest triggers of obesity. Our experts evaluate your physical activity level and offer suitable exercise recommendations.
• Sleep Quality: Do you get enough quality sleep? Irregular sleep can disrupt hormone balance, increasing appetite and leading to weight gain. Obesity-related issues like sleep apnea are also evaluated.
• Stress Level: Stress is a significant factor that can lead to overeating for many people. Your stress management skills and coping mechanisms are also evaluated, and we provide support in this area as well.
• Medical History and Medication Use: Your past illnesses, medications you use (some medications can cause weight gain), and family history of obesity also play an important role in risk assessment.

This detailed assessment allows us to understand not only your physical condition but also the lifestyle factors contributing to obesity. Thus, we can create a personalized plan specifically for you.

Obesity Risk Factors: Why Are Some of Us More At Risk?

Obesity is rarely caused by a single factor; it often arises from a combination of many factors. Here are the key risk factors you should be aware of:

• Genetic Predisposition: If there’s a history of obesity in your family, you might have a higher chance of becoming obese yourself. Genes can affect our metabolic rate, appetite control, and tendency to store fat. However, genetic predisposition is not your destiny; you can significantly reduce this risk through lifestyle changes.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: One of the biggest problems in today’s modern world. Sitting at a desk for hours, using public transport or cars, leads to a lack of physical activity. As our energy expenditure decreases, the calories we consume are stored as fat in our bodies.
• Unbalanced Eating Habits: Fast food, processed foods, sugary drinks, high-calorie snacks… These have unfortunately become an inseparable part of modern diets. Foods high in saturated fat, refined sugar, and low in fiber accelerate weight gain.
• Sleep Disturbances: Not getting enough sleep or poor-quality sleep can disrupt appetite-regulating hormones (leptin and ghrelin). This leads to increased hunger and a greater desire to eat.
• Stress and Psychological Factors: Emotional states such as stress, sadness, and boredom can lead to “emotional eating” in some people. When the body releases the stress hormone cortisol, this can also increase abdominal fat accumulation. Conditions like depression and anxiety can also trigger weight gain.
• Hormonal Disorders: Some hormonal problems can directly lead to weight gain. Conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and Cushing’s syndrome can make weight control difficult. Insulin resistance is also closely linked to obesity.
• Certain Medications: Various medications, such as antidepressants, some diabetes medications, corticosteroids, and some blood pressure medications, can cause weight gain as a side effect.
• Age Factor: As we age, our metabolic rate tends to slow down. Additionally, muscle mass may decrease while fat mass increases with age. This makes weight control more challenging.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Limited access to healthy foods, lack of information about healthy eating and exercise, can increase the risk of obesity in lower-income groups.

Knowing these risk factors is the first step in combating obesity. At Forever Clinica, we thoroughly evaluate these factors for you and create a personalized plan.

What to Do to Prevent or Manage Obesity? Forever Clinica Solutions in Istanbul!

Combating obesity is not a one-time solution but a lifelong journey. But you are not alone on this journey! At Forever Clinica, we are here to guide you. Here are the basic steps you can take to prevent or manage obesity, and how Forever Clinica, located in Istanbul, can support you:

✅ Balanced Nutrition: A New Start in the Kitchen Nutrition is the cornerstone of obesity management. Our dietitians at Forever Clinica create personalized nutrition plans for you:

• Fiber-Rich Foods: Whole grains (brown rice, oats, whole wheat bread), vegetables (broccoli, spinach, cabbage), fruits (apples, pears, strawberries), and legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans) are rich in fiber. Fiber increases satiety, regulates digestion, and helps stabilize blood sugar.
• Protein-Rich Diet: Chicken, fish, eggs, lean meat, yogurt, cheese, and plant-based protein sources (lentils, tofu) are rich in protein. Protein helps preserve muscle mass and keep metabolism high. It also increases satiety.
• Avoiding Processed Foods: It’s important to stay away from packaged foods, fast food, sugary drinks, and foods containing trans fats. These are often high in calories, low in nutrients, and contain addictive substances.
• Portion Control: How much you eat is as important as what you eat. Reducing your portions and eating slowly will help you consume fewer calories.
• Healthy Fats: Include healthy fat sources like olive oil, avocado, nuts, and fatty fish in your diet. These fats increase satiety and are essential for body functions.
• Water Consumption: Drinking plenty of water increases your metabolic rate, supports satiety, and helps flush out toxins.

Forever Clinica dietitians in Istanbul help you develop sustainable and healthy eating habits, considering your personal preferences, lifestyle, and health status. We develop long-term eating strategies that you can maintain, rather than crash diets.

✅ Regular Exercise: It’s Time to Get Moving! Physical activity is as important as nutrition in combating obesity. Forever Clinica also provides support for suitable exercise plans:

• At Least 150 Minutes of Moderate-Intensity Activity Per Week: Activities like walking, light jogging, swimming, cycling, or dancing fall into this category. This improves your cardiovascular health and increases calorie burning.
• Muscle-Strengthening Exercises: Lifting weights, working with resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises (push-ups, squats) 2-3 days a week will increase your muscle mass. More muscle means a faster metabolism!
• Increase Daily Movement: Use stairs instead of elevators, walk short distances, and get up and move frequently at your desk. Even small changes can make a big difference over time.
• Make Exercise Fun: Find a sport or activity you enjoy. You can join a gym, participate in walking groups with a friend, or take dance classes.

Our experts at Forever Clinica help you determine an exercise program suitable for your physical condition and goals. If necessary, you can also collaborate with a physiotherapist or exercise specialist.

✅ Sleep Schedule: Rest and Rejuvenate Sleep is an often-overlooked but very important factor in weight management.

• 7-9 Hours of Quality Sleep Per Day: Adequate and regular sleep ensures that appetite-regulating hormones (leptin and ghrelin) remain balanced. Lack of sleep can increase hunger and trigger cravings for unhealthy snacks.
• Improve Your Sleep Environment: A dark, quiet, and cool bedroom improves your sleep quality. Avoiding electronic devices before bed is also important.
• Regular Sleep Times: Trying to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day regulates your body’s biological rhythm.

Forever Clinica experts evaluate your sleep habits and provide recommendations on sleep hygiene if necessary. We can also provide referrals for obesity-related issues such as sleep apnea.

✅ Stress Management: Nourishing Your Soul Stress can contribute to weight gain and act as a barrier to weight loss.

• Meditation and Yoga: These techniques, which help calm your mind and reduce stress, can help you break emotional eating habits.
• Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises can provide immediate relief and lower your stress levels.
• Hobbies and Social Activities: Spending time on things you enjoy and with friends and family is an effective way to reduce stress.
• Professional Support: If you’re struggling to cope with stress, getting support from a psychologist or therapist can be very beneficial.

At Forever Clinica, we take a holistic approach, emphasizing the role of your mental health in weight control and guiding you in this regard.

✅ Professional Support: You Are Not Alone on This Journey! At Forever Clinica, we believe that fighting obesity is not just an individual effort, but a collaborative team effort.

• Dietitian Support: Our dietitians work one-on-one with you to review your eating habits, create a personalized nutrition plan, and keep your motivation high.
• Endocrinologist: If hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, or thyroid problems are making weight control difficult, our endocrinologists provide medical treatment and support.
• Psychological Support: Getting support from a psychologist or counselor for issues like emotional eating, stress management, or lack of motivation can be a very important part of this process.
• Surgical Support When Necessary: In cases of severe obesity where other treatment methods have not been successful, bariatric surgery (obesity surgery) may be an option. At Forever Clinica, we also inform you about surgical options and collaborate with expert surgeons.

Remember, obesity is a disease, and its treatment requires a professional approach. As Forever Clinica, we stand by you on this challenging journey by offering a personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plan.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About the Obesity Test

At Forever Clinica, we’re here to answer all your questions. Here are the most common questions we receive about the obesity test:

1. Who is the obesity test suitable for?

It’s actually suitable for everyone! Especially those who feel overweight, have a family history of obesity or diabetes, have metabolic complaints (constant fatigue, uncontrolled appetite, insulin resistance), or simply those curious about their health can have this test done. Remember, early diagnosis saves lives and is the first step to taking the right actions. At Forever Clinica, we listen to you and evaluate your situation to decide if the test is suitable for you.

2. Is the obesity test painful?

Absolutely not! The obesity test is performed using completely painless and non-invasive methods. None of the steps, such as height and weight measurement, waist circumference measurement, or body fat analysis, cause any discomfort. During blood tests, you might feel a brief needle prick, but that only lasts a few seconds. All procedures are carried out in a comfortable environment, with your comfort in mind.

3. What should I do if the test result indicates obesity?

No need to panic! If your obesity test result comes back “obese,” this is a starting point, not an end. Forever Clinica experts will provide you with full support throughout this process. After your test results are thoroughly evaluated, a personalized treatment and lifestyle change plan will be created. This plan may include different components such as nutritional adjustments with a dietitian, exercise programs suitable for you, hormone therapies or medications if necessary, and psychological support. Our goal is not just to help you lose weight, but also to help you gain healthy habits and maintain your weight in the long term.

4. How often should the obesity test be performed?

Generally, it is recommended that everyone have an obesity test once a year for regular check-ups. However, if you have risk factors (family history of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, sedentary lifestyle, etc.) or already have weight problems, it can be repeated every 6 months, upon your doctor’s recommendation. Regular check-ups allow us to track changes in your health and detect potential risks at an early stage.

5. Is the obesity test performed on children?

Yes, absolutely! Unfortunately, the risk of obesity in children is also increasing steadily today. Fast food habits, sedentary lifestyles, and long hours spent in front of screens contribute to weight problems in children. At Forever Clinica, we perform special pediatric assessments for the diagnosis and management of obesity in children. We offer personalized, gentle, and understanding approaches to nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, considering their growth and development. Remember, childhood obesity can predispose to more serious health problems in adulthood, so early intervention is very important.

Step Towards a Healthy Future with Forever Clinica in Istanbul!

Dear visitor, one of the most important steps you can take to live a healthy life is to get to know your own body and identify potential risks in advance. The Obesity Test is a powerful tool that will illuminate your path and help you find the right direction on this journey.

At Forever Clinica, we know that you are not alone in the fight against obesity. With our expert team, modern equipment, and personalized treatment plans, we are here to help you achieve a healthy life. Taking control of your health, improving your quality of life, and looking forward to the future with more hope is in your hands.

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information, to ask your questions, or to make an appointment for an Obesity Test at our clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. We are just a phone call away and eagerly await you to take the first step on the road to a healthy future! Remember, your health is your most valuable asset, and investing in it is the greatest favor you can do for yourself.

We wish you healthy days! The Forever Clinica Family