What is the difference between obesity and fluid retention, and their symptoms, both lead to weight gain. Obesity differs from fluid retention in nature, as obesity results from the accumulation of body fat, while fluid retention results from the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues. We will learn the difference between them in terms of symptoms and treatment methods.
What is obesity
Obesity is a chronic disease in which excessive and abnormal body fat accumulates. This negatively impacts health and increases the risk of other diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
What is fluid retention
Fluid retention, also known as edema, is a condition in which fluid accumulates in tissues, leading to swelling and puffiness in parts of the body. It occurs as a result of a problem with the kidney or heart functions, which regulate fluid levels in the body.
Symptoms of obesity and fluid retention
Symptoms of obesity in adults include:
- Excess body fat, especially in the waist area.
- Skin problems resulting from excessive sweating.
- Experiencing skin problems due to moisture accumulation in skin folds.
- Psychological problems such as depression, social isolation, and lack of self-confidence.
- Extreme fatigue with minimal effort.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sleeping problems.
- Back pain.
- Excessive sweating.
- Snoring.
Symptoms of fluid retention include:
- Swelling, which is a common symptom and appears in various areas such as the face, legs, feet, hands, fingers, and abdomen.
- Significant and rapid weight gain resulting from fluid accumulation in the tissues.
- Joint stiffness and pain.
- Sensation of swelling and stretching of the skin.
What is the difference between obesity and being overweight
Obesity is the increased accumulation of fat in the body, manifesting as a persistent accumulation of fat in various areas, while fluid retention is a temporary increase in body weight resulting from the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues.
The distinction between them is that obesity appears as a persistent accumulation of fat, while fluid retention appears as swelling in the feet or face.
Causes of Obesity
Obesity occurs gradually and over the long term as a result of consuming more calories than the body burns. Other potential causes of obesity include:
- Genetic factors.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Taking cortisone medications.
- Smoking.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Pregnancy.
- Menopause.
- Use of certain hormonal contraceptives containing progesterone.
- Chronic stress leading to overeating.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Depression.
- Cushing's syndrome.
- Taking antidepressants and psychiatric medications.
What are the causes of fluid retention
Some causes of fluid retention include serious medical conditions such as liver, kidney, and heart disease, as well as problems with the lymphatic system, such as a malfunction in the lymphatic system that prevents the drainage of excess fluid, which occurs after cancer surgery.
There are also non-pathological causes, such as pregnancy, menstruation, excessive salt intake, and the use of certain antidepressants, psychiatric medications, and birth control pills. Hormonal changes and imbalances lead to fluid retention.
Methods for Preventing Obesity
Obesity can be prevented by avoiding its causes and changing your lifestyle to a healthy one:
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a healthy diet containing fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid high-calorie or excess fat foods.
- Regularly monitor your weight.
How to Treat Obesity
There are some measures that should be followed to treat obesity, including:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Reducing your intake of fats, sugars, and salty foods.
- Treating the medical conditions and health problems that cause obesity.
- Increasing physical activity.
- Taking medications prescribed by your doctor to avoid serious side effects.
- Taking obesity medications such as orlistat, liraglutide, and semaglutide.
- The doctor may resort to bariatric surgery if the BMI is 40 or greater.
Treatment for Fluid Retention
Treatment for fluid retention depends on the cause, but in general, diuretics are among the most important medications prescribed by the treating physician to eliminate fluid retention. They are prescribed for short periods because they can cause dehydration.
Reduce salt intake, eat foods rich in potassium, such as leafy greens, exercise to improve circulation, and drink adequate amounts of water to maintain fluid balance.
Dietary Tips to Reduce Fluid Retention
- Reduce salty foods, which increase water retention.
- Increase potassium, which reduces fluid retention, such as leafy greens and avocados.
- Elevate the feet to help fluid flow.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.
- Drink adequate amounts of water.
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine.
- Wear non-constrictive clothing.
Complications of Obesity
Obesity increases the risk of the following serious diseases:
- High cholesterol.
- Diabetes.
- Stroke.
- Heart and arterial disease.
- Respiratory problems.
- Joint diseases.
- High blood pressure.
- Depression.
- Cancers such as breast cancer.
Summary of the difference between obesity and fluid retention
Obesity is a health problem resulting from the excessive accumulation of fat in the body. It is both an aesthetic and a health problem that leads to complications and serious diseases. It is concentrated in the abdominal area and results in continuous weight gain.
Fluid retention, on the other hand, is characterized by swelling and edema in areas such as the feet and legs, leading to temporary weight gain that may appear and disappear quickly. Finger pressure may leave a short-term effect.