Obesity

What is obesity?

“Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It is a medical problem that increases your risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers” (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

What causes obesity?

“Although there are genetic, behavioral, metabolic and hormonal influences on body weight, obesity occurs when you take in more calories than you burn through exercise and normal daily activities. Your body stores these excess calories as fat. Most Americans’ diets are too high in calories — often from fast food and high-calorie beverages. People with obesity might eat more calories before feeling full, feel hungry sooner, or eat more due to stress or anxiety” (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Some people are more likely than others to become obese. Risk factors include: family inheritance and influences, lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diet, liquid calories (alcohol), and inactivity, certain diseases and medications, social and economic issues, age, pregnancy, quitting smoking, lack of sleep, stress, microbiome, and previous attempts to lose weight (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

What are the symptoms of obesity?

“People with obesity are more likely to develop a number of potentially serious health problems, including: heart disease and strokes, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers such as cancer of the uterus, cervix, endometrium, ovary, breast, colon, rectum, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney and prostate. [Obesity may also cause] digestive problems, gynecological and sexual problems, sleep apnea, [and] osteoarthritis” (Mayo Clinic, 2020). “Obesity is diagnosed when your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. To determine your body mass index, divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and multiply by 703. Or divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. However, BMI doesn’t directly measure body fat, so some people, such as muscular athletes, may have a BMI in the obesity category even though they don’t have excess body fat” (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

How does one treat obesity?

“Whether you’re at risk of obesity, currently overweight or at a healthy weight, you can take steps to prevent unhealthy weight gain and related health problems. Not surprisingly, the steps to prevent weight gain are the same as the steps to lose weight: daily exercise, a healthy diet, and a long-term commitment to watch what you eat and drink. Reducing calories and practicing healthier eating habits are vital to overcoming obesity. Although you may lose weight quickly at first, steady weight loss over the long term is considered the safest way to lose weight and the best way to keep it off permanently. Avoid drastic and unrealistic diet changes, such as crash diets, because they’re unlikely to help you keep excess weight off for the long term. Plan to participate in a comprehensive weight-loss program for at least six months and in the maintenance phase of a program for at least a year to boost your odds of weight-loss success” (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Some patients may be prescribed weight loss medication by a licensed medical doctor if they qualify. If a patient meets all of the requirements, they may also qualify for weight loss surgeries including gastric bypass surgery, adjustable gastric banding, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, or receiving a gastric sleeve. In our office we focus on reducing trunkal obesity which is fat around your organs & intestines through proper diet & exercise. Give us a call to learn more!