Obesity - Balance Hormone Center

Obesity

Obesity is a complex health condition involving having an excessive amount of body fat. It occurs when a person consumes more calories through food and drink than their body uses through normal bodily functions and physical activity over an extended time. This causes unhealthy weight gain and health issues.

Key terms related to obesity:

• Body mass index (BMI): A measurement using a person's height and weight to determine if they have a healthy or unhealthy amount of body fat
• Overweight: Having more body fat than normal; a BMI between 25 and 29.9
• Morbid obesity: Having a BMI over 40 along with obesity-related health conditions

What causes obesity?

Obesity typically results from a combination of factors:

• Consuming more calories than your body expends through metabolism and activity
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle with little physical activity
• Genetics and family history that make weight gain more likely
• Health conditions or medications that contribute to weight gain
• Emotional factors like chronic stress and poor coping habits

Major health risks of obesity:

• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Certain cancers
• Sleep apnea
• Osteoarthritis
• Infertility or sexual dysfunction

How is obesity treated?

Losing weight, even a small amount, can drastically improve health. Common obesity treatments include:

• Dietary changes: Reducing calories, limiting unhealthy fats and sugars, increasing fiber
• Exercise: Being active for 30-60 minutes most days to burn calories
• Behavior therapy: Identifying unhealthy eating patterns and developing healthier habits with support groups or professionals
• Weight loss medications: For some people, prescription meds aid weight loss efforts
• Bariatric surgery: For severe obesity, surgery reduces the stomach and promotes weight loss

The key to overcoming obesity long-term is making sustainable lifestyle changes involving healthy eating and regular activity. Getting support can make success more likely for many. While challenging, reducing obesity comes with significant rewards like lower disease risk, increased mobility, improved mood and self-image.