What is overweight and obesity in dogs and cats?

The World Health Organization recognizes obesity as a 21st-century epidemic—the problem is not limited to humans. In developed countries, the prevalence of excess body weight in pets, including dogs and cats, is also increasing.

In the work Obesity in Dogs and Cats Roberto Elices Mínguez points out that currently, statistically One in three pets may be at risk of becoming overweight or obese . This problem has been developing for decades and is now becoming a major challenge in veterinary medicine.

What is overweight and obesity in dogs and cats?

Definition and meaning

Overweight in companion animals (dogs and cats) is a condition in which the body weight exceeds 10-20% of the value considered optimal for a given individual, with simultaneous excessive deposition of fat tissue .

Obesity is an excessive and pathological increase in adipose tissue, which leads to an increase in body weight above the norm , but above all it affects metabolic disorders, burdens the musculoskeletal system and increases the risk of concomitant diseases.

Where Does Excess Fat Come From? – Mechanisms and Risk Factors

Factors that influence the development of obesity:

• Genetics and breed predisposition – some breeds are predisposed to being overweight, e.g. Labrador Retrievers

• Hormonal factors – endocrine disorders (e.g. hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome) may contribute to weight gain

• Lifestyle and physical activity – little exercise, lack of stimulation, and living at home contribute to the accumulation of calories.

• Incorrect eating habits – overfeeding, giving too high-calorie food, rewarding with a lot of treats

• Environmental and behavioral influences – e.g. stress, boredom, monotony can lead to “emotional eating.”

• Aging process – as an animal ages, it may lose muscle mass and have a slower metabolism, which promotes fat accumulation.

Adipose tissue is not only an energy store, but also an active endocrine organ – it produces signaling compounds (adipokines) that can cause inflammation and affect the metabolism of the entire body.

Diagnosis and assessment of the degree of obesity

To effectively counteract excess weight, you must first recognize it and assess its degree.

Assessment methods:

1. The BCS (Body Condition Score) scale is a veterinary tool used to assess the physical condition of dogs and cats based on their body composition, body fat percentage, and muscularity. The score is on a scale of 1 to 9, where 1 indicates extreme emaciation and 9 indicates extreme obesity.

2. Assessment of body weight in relation to the "ideal weight" calculating the percentage of excess body weight in relation to the optimal weight.

3. Measurement of abdominal/waist circumference , e.g. in cats, measurement of the ratio of chest circumference to abdominal circumference as an indicator
fat tissue distribution

The assessment of the body shape should be holistic: it is not only about numbers, but also about the clinical condition, laboratory parameters and the general condition of the animal.

Treatment and weight loss strategy

Components of a weight loss program

1. Nutrition plan (reducing diet) under the supervision of an animal dietitian

• Selecting the right amount of calories – an energy deficit compared to the initial state, but without the “starvation” effect.

• Change in the proportion of macronutrients: more protein, moderate carbohydrates and fats to maintain muscle mass (Dr Malou freeze-dried foods contain the appropriate proportions of these ingredients)

• A diet rich in fiber that gives you a feeling of satiety.

• Treating treats as part of your daily calorie allowance.

2. Physical activity

• Increasing the time and intensity of movement (walks, games, exercises adapted to your fitness level).

• Regularity is key – daily moderate activity produces better results than occasional intense sessions.

3. Pharmacotherapy

• In cases of coexisting endocrine disorders (e.g. hyperthyroidism), pharmacological treatment is necessary.

4. Monitoring and adjusting the program

• Regular measurements of body weight, assessment of clinical condition and laboratory parameters.

• Adjust your diet and activity based on your progress.

Prevention – the key element

Elements of overweight and obesity prevention:

• Monitoring the animal's body weight from a young age.

• Proper nutrition (not overfeeding, using food adapted to age, activity and health).

• Providing daily activity and behavioral stimulation (walks, games).

Why is obesity a serious threat?

Obesity in dogs and cats is not just a matter of appearance – it has serious health consequences:

• Strain on the musculoskeletal system – arthritis, joint pain, difficulty moving.

• Higher risk of metabolic diseases – type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance.

• Systemic diseases – heart disease, hypertension, respiratory problems.

• Reduced quality of life and shortened life expectancy.

Applications for the pet owner

1. Don't ignore even moderate overweight.

2. Work with your veterinarian and animal nutritionist – the diagnosis and weight loss plan must be individualized.

3. Monitor your diet and exercise – this is the foundation of treatment and prevention.

4. Be realistic and patient – ​​weight loss should be gradual, without sudden restrictions.

5. Maintain preventive measures on a regular basis – even after reaching your “ideal weight”, vigilance is still necessary.