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Obesity

What is obesity?

Obesity


Obesity is a medical condition where the body stores an excessive amount of body fat. If you have a BMI over 30, you are considered obese.
People who are overweight or obese are at a much higher risk of developing cancer, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
More than 35 percent of adults are obese (78 million adults).


The most common sign of obesity is the presence of excess fat on the body.

Symptoms of obesity


The most common sign of obesity is the presence of excess fat on the body. Other health problems that obesity can cause include:
• Snoring
• Increased breathlessness
• Fatigue
• Orthopedic back and joint pain
• Inability to perform daily activities



Common related conditions


Causes of obesity

Obesity is most commonly caused by overeating and inactivity. If you regularly eat more calories than you burn through activity, you will likely gain weight. Continuing this habit over months or years can lead to obesity.


Diet

Diets high in simple carbohydrates, such as sugars, fructose, soft drinks and beer, can increase blood glucose levels, stimulate insulin production and therefore cause weight gain.


Medications

A variety of medications can cause weight gain including antidepressants, anticonvulsants and corticosteroids.


Diseases

Conditions such as hypothyroidism, insulin resistance and Cushing’s syndrome can contribute to obesity.

Risk factors for obesity

Genetics — children of two obese parents are more likely to become obese as well.


Inactive lifestyle

Inactive lifestyle in combination with poor eating habits — people who lead an inactive lifestyle and regularly eat high calorie meals are more likely to become obese.


Social factors

Social factors, such as poverty, can put people at higher risk for becoming obese. People who have less income are more likely to eat high-calorie processed foods more often.


Quitting smoking

If you have recently quit smoking, you are more likely to gain weight. Nicotine increases metabolism to burn more calories.


Obesity can be diagnosed in a physical exam with your primary care doctor.

Diagnosis of obesity

In the exam, your physician will take your medical history, calculate your BMI (body mass index), measure the size of your waist and potentially order tests to rule out other medical conditions. Obesity is typically defined as a person who has a BMI over 30.

  • BMI weight categories include:
BMI weight categories include:
Weight category Adults
Underweight Below 18.5
Healthy weight 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight 25 to 29.9
Obese Over 30

Treatment for obesity

Treatment for obesity depends on the cause of the obesity and severity of your condition. Your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes as a first-line therapy, and if unsuccessful, he or she may also recommend medications, behavioral weight loss treatments and/or surgery.


Healthy lifestyle changes

Your doctor may recommend specific lifestyle modifications to help you lose weight and develop healthy habits. Recommendations may include:


Healthy eating

Your doctor may recommend a healthy eating regime that is full of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and healthy fats. To lose weight, you should consume fewer calories than your body burns daily.


Exercise

Exercise is an integral part of a healthy weight loss plan. Your doctor will likely recommend increasing your physical activity level to lose weight.

Healthy sleep

Research shows a strong correlation between sleep deprivation and obesity. Your doctor may recommend maintaining a healthy sleep schedule in order to lose weight.


Behavioral weight-loss programs

Some patients may benefit from a structured weight loss program led by a trained healthcare professional. Behavioral weight-loss programs combine healthy diet plans, an exercise program and behavioral treatments.


Medications

If lifestyle modifications are not effective, your doctor may prescribe weight loss medications. Medications are not recommended as a stand-alone treatment for weight loss but should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes.


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At Agape Family Medical Center, your primary care physician is your main doctor over the course of many years, and primary care physicians treat the whole person, not just a disease or an organ system. We are your personal physician, health advocate and wellness advisor throughout all the stages of your life.

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Address: 1078 W. Main St. Suite 3 (2nd Floor) Waterbury, CT 06708

Phone: 203-527-3576

Phone 2nd: 475 233 2960

Email: info@agapefmc.com

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Address: 2550 Main Street. Ste 205 Hartford, CT 06120

Phone: 860-519 0650

Fax: 860 461 7972

Email: info@agapefmc.com

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