Overweight and obesity

What are overweight and obesity?

To function properly, the body needs energy. This energy comes from food. When you eat more than your body needs, the extra energy is stored as fat. This creates a reserve for when food is scarce or when the body needs more energy.

It is normal and healthy to have some fat reserves. But when the body stores too much fat, overweight or obesity (severe overweight) can develop. This can lead to health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes or impaired glucose metabolism. You can check whether you have a healthy weight by calculating your BMI (Body Mass Index) with an online tool and by measuring your waist circumference. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent overweight and obesity.

Do I have an increased risk of overweight or obesity?

Anyone, including people who have never had cancer, can develop overweight or obesity. However, certain conditions and treatments may increase the risk.

The following condition may increase the risk:

• A brain tumor close to or within the hypothalamic–pituitary axis (HP axis).

The following treatments may increase the risk of overweight or obesity:

• Radiation therapy to the HP axis or to an area where the HP axis is located

• Surgery involving the HP axis

You can check your treatment summary to see whether you had this condition and/or one of these treatments. If you do not have a summary, contact the LATER clinic or the hospital where you were treated. Overweight and obesity are not always caused by treatment — other causes include low physical activity, unhealthy eating, hormonal problems, genetic conditions and certain medications (such as corticosteroids or antidepressants).

When do I have overweight or obesity?

Overweight and obesity occur when too much fat is stored in the body. This increases the risk of health problems. The more excess weight there is, the more frequent and severe these problems may become.

Possible symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue

• Joint pain (especially in knees and lower back)

• Skin irritation

• Sleep problems (such as sleep apnoea)

Hormonal changes may also occur. In addition, overweight and obesity increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease.

What tests do I need and when?

If you have an increased risk of overweight or obesity, the recommendation is to:

• Have your height, weight and BMI measured at every visit to the LATER clinic.

What happens if I have overweight or obesity?

If you have overweight or obesity, your GP or LATER doctor may refer you to a specialist. Depending on the cause, this may be a:

• Dietitian

• Endocrinologist (doctor specialising in hormones and metabolism)

The specialist will discuss treatment options with you, such as adjustments to diet and lifestyle. You may also be advised to have your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checked regularly. If you have overweight or obesity, it is important to understand which factors increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Read more about high blood pressure, impaired glucose metabolism, diabetes and dyslipidaemia.

What else can I do?

Living with (a higher risk of) overweight or obesity can be difficult. Talking with friends and family may help. Connecting with others in a similar situation can also be supportive, for example through a patient organisation such as VOX, part of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Association.

Take good care of yourself. You can reduce the risk of overweight or obesity with a healthy lifestyle. It is especially important to eat a healthy and varied diet and to be physically active. Regularly calculate your BMI and measure your waist circumference. Also take care of your mental wellbeing — small changes can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health.

It is important to know that you have an increased risk of overweight or obesity and to recognise the symptoms and signs. If you have questions or concerns after reading this information, contact your GP or LATER doctor.

Where can I find more information?

On this LATER website, you can also find information about:

• Stroke

• Dyslipidaemia

• Healthy lifestyle

• Heart problems

• High blood pressure

• Mental health

• Impaired glucose metabolism and diabetes

The PanCare Plain Language Summaries contain links to reliable information in English. You can look up information about overweight and obesity online, but keep in mind that it may not always be up-to-date or accurate.

Disclaimer

This information is based on the lay summary of the guideline created by the PanCare Plain Information Group and adapted where necessary to the Dutch LATER guideline. Do not rely solely on this information if you have symptoms or concerns; always contact your GP, LATER doctor or specialist.