About Obesity

About Obesity

Obesity: An American Health Epidemic
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Obesity is a serious medical condition involving the gradual accumulation of excess body fat. This accumulation of fat can cause major health problems and shorten your life span. It can also interfere with everyday activities and cause a significantly lower quality of life. Statistics from the Center for Disease Control show that one out of three people in America suffers from obesity, defined as a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher. Some basic obesity information can help you understand the nature of this condition and how it can be successfully cured.
What Causes Obesity?
Obesity can be traced to many causes. Genetic factors or a low metabolic rate can contribute to obesity, but the main factors are almost always behavioral. Unhealthy food habits cause an accumulation of excess fat over the years. A lack of exercise makes it even more difficult to burn off extra calories and maintain a healthy body weight. Exercise is one of the most important appetite regulators available to the human body. This fact makes it harder for sedentary people to eat well. Once a person has become obese, it can be a challenge to begin an exercise program and stick with it, causing many obese people to become trapped in a pattern of inactivity and overeating. Depression, anxiety, and stress can also contribute to obesity in many people.
How Can Obesity Be Cured?
There is no easy cure for obesity. A medically supervised diet is often a good first step for people who want to get their weight under control and live a healthier life. There are many diet options available for you to try. Exercise programs can be started gradually, according to the needs of the individual. There are even exercises which can be done in the home, with no need for outdoor activity or gym membership. Even small changes in your daily lifestyle can make real changes in your body weight over a period of months or years. Bariatric surgery is a smart option for people who have found exercise and diet not to be enough. Have you become frustrated with your weight loss efforts? You can meet with one of our surgeons for a free evaluation or seminar to discuss the possibility of weight loss surgery.