Overweight, fat, chubby; whatever the word, a high percentage of adults in the U.S.A. struggle with it. Clinically, being overweight is termed being Obese. Obesity is a complex disorder that involves an amount of body fat in excess of the reasonable estimate of the measure known as the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a calculation that factors in one’s weight and height, gender and age. It is more than just a cosmetic concern. It often correlates to more health problems such as risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
It is amazing, but even a very slight weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity.
If you are willing to try, we can help you get there. Just a few pounds can make a big difference!
Dietary changes, increasing physical activity and lifestyle/behavior changes can help you lose weight. Prescription medications and weight-loss surgery are additional options for treating obesity. Our doctors and medical team are knowledgeable about many options that may help you in your path towards a leaner healthier self.
If you feel that your overall quality of life is diminished due to obesity such as not being able to do things you used to do before a weight gain or if you have related problems such as:
- Depression
- Disability
- Lack of energy
- Sleep apnea or difficulty breathing
- Sexual problems
- Psychological issues
- Social discrimination
- Lower work achievement
Let one of our doctors know and we will help you come up with a plan towards better health.
Your concern about weight-related health problems is our concern. Our doctors can evaluate your health risks and discuss your weight-loss options with you.
Obesity will often result from a combination of causes and contributing factors that may include one or several of the following:
Genetics – the amount of body fat you store, where it is distributed, and how efficiently one’s body converts food into energy as well as how many calories one burns when exercising may be all in one’s genes. Obesity runs in families and one’s risk increases when even a single parent is obese.
Family lifestyle choices – family members develop a pattern of similar eating and activity habits which also plays a role in obesity.
Inactivity – a sedentary lifestyle has been shown to be a contributing factor to obesity. Having other medical problems that result in decreasing activity levels, such as arthritis, further contributes to weight gain.
Unhealthy diet – diets that are high in calories, lack fruits and vegetables, rely on fast food, and are made up of high-calorie drinks and over-sized portions contribute to weight gain.
Medical problems – obesity can be correlated with medical causes, for example, Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, arthritis and other conditions.
Certain medications – can lead to weight gain unless one compensates through diet or activity. These include: certain antidepressants, anti-psychotic medications, steroids and beta blockers, anti-seizure medications, and diabetes medications.
Social and economic factors – preventing obesity is difficult if one doesn’t have safe areas to exercise, is not exposed to healthy ways of cooking, or does not have money to buy healthier foods such as raw meats, fish, fruits and vegetables.
Age – Obesity can occur at any age. As we age, being less active and changes to hormones in our bodies can increase the risk of obesity. Muscle mass in the body naturally decreases with age and this leads to a decrease in the metabolism. Not controlling what one eats and not being more physically active as one ages will likely lead to weight gain.
Pregnancy – some women find it difficult to lose the weight of pregnancy after the baby is born. This weight gain may lead to obesity in some women.
Quitting smoking – is important for health but is associated with weight gain and with some it can lead to obesity. When considering a smoking cessation program our team will often discuss coordinating it with a nutrition program to minimize weight gain.
Lack of sleep or too much sleep – can cause changes in hormones that increase the appetite and make one crave foods high in calories and carbohydrates which can contribute to weight gain.
BMI Reference Chart and Calculation guide
Interested in finding your BMI?
When calculating your BMI in pounds/English measurement ounces (oz) and fractions must be changed to decimal values. Then, the BMI is found by dividing the weight in pounds (lb) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703.
| BMI | Weight status |
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5-24.9 | Healthy Weight |
| 25.0-29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0-34.9 | Obese (Class I) |
| 35.0-39.9 | Obese (Class II) |
| 40.0 and higher | Extreme obesity (Class III) |
