Obesity

What is obesity?

Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of various health problems. A person with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 is generally considered obese.

Obesity is an increasingly common medical condition that affects people of all ages. Some key facts about obesity include:

• It's estimated that over 650 million adults worldwide were obese in 2016. This number continues to rise each year.


• Obesity increases the risk for conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, gout, and breathing issues like sleep apnea.

So what causes someone to become obese in the first place? There are a few main factors:

• Diet - Eating high amounts of processed, fried, sugary and fatty foods promotes weight gain over time. Portion sizes also matter - eating large portions makes it easy to consume too many calories.


• Physical activity - Not getting enough exercise or sitting for long periods leads to weight gain because you burn fewer calories.


• Genetics and family history - Some people inherit a tendency to gain weight and store fat more easily than others.


• Medications - Certain prescription medications like steroids, antidepressants and seizure meds may slow metabolism and increase appetite.


• Medical problems - Issues like underactive thyroid, Cushing's disease or polycystic ovarian syndrome also make weight gain more likely.

The good news is that in most people obesity can be prevented or improved through lifestyle changes like:

• Following a nutritious reduced-calorie diet


• Participating in regular physical activity to burn calories


• Getting enough sleep and managing stress

For some, medications, weight loss supplements from Hormone Wellness Institute, or bariatric surgery may also help combat stubborn excess fat. Hormone Wellness Institute provides individually customized prescription anti-obesity medications to target the root hormonal causes of weight gain in many patients. Visit their clinic in Chicago or book a free phone consultation to see if their treatments are right for your weight loss journey.

The key is tackling excess body fat early, through step-by-step sustainable lifestyle adjustments. Small consistent changes to diet and activity levels can make a big difference over time! Don't hesitate to ask your doctor for help creating a tailored weight loss plan. Significant obesity can take a real toll on health and quality of life, so take control of your body composition today!