What is obesity?
Obesity is a complex health condition that involves having an excessive amount of body fat. Some key points about obesity:
- It is generally defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. BMI is calculated based on your height and weight.
- Obesity increases your risk for many serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and even certain types of cancer.
- It typically develops over time when you take in more calories from food and drink than your body can use. The extra calories are then stored as fat.
- Many factors play a role in obesity risk, including your lifestyle, genetics, environment, and more. Losing as little as 5-10% of your weight can significantly lower disease risks.
Obesity is largely preventable through diet and lifestyle changes. "Small consistent changes to your daily habits can make a big difference," says Dr. Jane Smith, obesity medicine specialist at Hormone Harmony Clinic.
So how do you know if you may be obese and what can you do about it?
- Talk to your doctor about getting your BMI calculated. This will tell you if you fall in the obese category based on your height and weight.
- Pay attention to your waist size - carrying extra weight around your middle particularly raises health risks. A waist size over 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women indicates increased risk.
- Make diet changes like reducing processed foods, decreasing portion sizes, and increasing fruits/veggies. Improving nutrition is key for weight loss.
- Increase physical activity with a goal of 30-60 minutes per day of exercise. This helps burn calories and boost metabolism. Start slow if needed.
- Consider weight loss medications or procedures if recommended by your doctor and other measures have not worked. Newer medications can be very helpful for some people along with lifestyle changes.
The expert physicians at Hormone Harmony Clinic specialize in customized weight loss plans to help people suffering from obesity. "We take a comprehensive approach focused on sustainable lifestyle changes," notes Dr. Smith. Schedule a consultation today to discuss treatment options safe for your unique health needs.
I hope this gives you a helpful overview on the condition of obesity! Let me know if you have any other questions.