Obesity

What is obesity?

Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of other health issues. The main causes of obesity include:

• Consuming more calories from food and drinks than your body uses for energy


• Lack of physical activity


• Genetics and family history


• Environment and culture

How is obesity determined?
Obesity is commonly determined using the body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Other ways to measure obesity include:

• Waist circumference - men over 40 inches, women over 35 inches


• Body fat percentage - men over 25%, women over 30%

What health risks are associated with obesity?

Obesity significantly raises the risk of developing chronic diseases like:

• Heart disease


• Diabetes


• Certain cancers


• Sleep apnea


• Osteoarthritis


• Fatty liver disease

What lifestyle changes can help manage obesity?

• Following a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein


• Exercising regularly - aim for 150-300 minutes per week


• Getting enough sleep


• Managing stress levels


• Tracking food intake and activity


• Joining a weight loss program for guidance and accountability

What medical treatments are available?

If lifestyle changes are not sufficient, physicians may recommend:

• Prescription weight loss medications


• Bariatric surgery like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy

In summary, obesity is an excessive amount of body fat that raises disease risk. Losing just 5-10% of weight can significantly lower these risks. Lifestyle changes, medications, and bariatric surgery can all help manage obesity. Reach out today to discuss the many medical and lifestyle options available.