Obesity - Vitality Medical Center

What is obesity?

Obesity is a complex health condition involving having an excessive amount of body fat. More specifically, obesity occurs when a person has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. BMI is calculated based on your weight and height.

Causes of Obesity

Obesity typically develops from a combination of causes and risk factors, including:

• Diet - Regularly eating more calories than you burn from physical activity and normal bodily functions. Common problematic foods include fast food, fried foods, sugary foods, etc.
• Lifestyle factors - Physical inactivity, excessive screen time, not getting enough sleep, etc.
• Genetics and family history - Having genes or a family background that makes you more vulnerable to weight gain.
• Medical problems - Issues like thyroid disorders or hormone imbalances.
• Medications - Some prescriptions and medicines may cause weight gain as a side effect.

Health Risks

Carrying excess pounds can negatively impact nearly every organ system and aspect of health, ranging from things like:

• Increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Higher risk of heart disease and stroke
• Increased joint pain and osteoarthritis
• More likely to develop type 2 diabetes
• Increased rates of certain types of cancer
• Mental health issues like depression or anxiety

Diagnosing Obesity

As mentioned above, obesity is defined as having a BMI over 30. A doctor will take weight and height measurements to calculate BMI. Sometimes other tests, like bloodwork or body fat percentage measurements, provide additional data.

Doctors may also screen for complications or conditions commonly associated with obesity, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea. Ongoing medical monitoring provides vital health insights.

Treating Obesity

Losing weight and maintaining long-term results involves lifestyle modifications like:

• Improving your diet - Focus on nutritious whole foods, proper portions, etc.
• Increasing physical activity - Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity.
• Making behavioral changes - Identify triggers, establish routines, adjust priorities toward health-focused choices.

Additional options that may help include FDA-approved weight loss medications or bariatric surgery. Success requires perseverance - it's about progress, not perfection. Small steps done consistently can yield big results over time.

The key is finding a personalized approach that works for you long-term through ongoing collaboration with your healthcare providers at Vitality Medical Center. Shedding excess weight and keeping it off is challenging, but worthwhile for both physical health and emotional well-being.