Obesity - Rejuvenate Clinic

What is obesity?

Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of other health problems. The most common tool for determining if someone is obese is body mass index (BMI), which measures a person's weight in relation to their height.

A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Obesity puts people at risk for:

• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Certain types of cancer
• Breathing problems
• Musculoskeletal discomfort

What causes obesity?

Obesity typically results from a combination of causes and factors that contribute to weight gain and difficulty with weight loss. Key factors include:

• Genetics: Your genes can affect the amount of body fat you store and where it's distributed.
• Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle burns fewer calories and can lead to weight gain over time.
• Unhealthy diet: Eating high-calorie foods that are high in fat and sugars contributes to weight gain.
• Environment: Our surroundings can determine lifestyle behaviors - for example, whether we have access to healthy foods and safe places to exercise.
• Family habits: Obesity tends to run in families, indicating genetics plays a role as well as learned eating and lifestyle habits.
• Certain health conditions: Some hormone problems like thyroid issues or Cushing's syndrome can lead to weight gain. Certain medicines can also be a factor.

How is obesity treated?

The main treatment for obesity consists of lifestyle changes to support weight loss and prevent additional weight gain:

• Eat a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid processed snack foods and sugary beverages.
• Increase physical activity: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Start slow and work your way up.
• Address mental health: Manage stress levels and treat conditions like depression that may contribute to overeating.
• Medications or surgery: In some cases, prescription medications or bariatric surgery may be options if lifestyle changes alone have not been effective.

The key is creating lasting lifestyle changes rather than short-term fixes. Losing even a small amount, like 5-10% of body weight, can produce health benefits. Friends and family can provide important support and encouragement along the weight loss journey.

For personalized guidance on achieving a healthy weight, consider consulting with the experts at Rejuvenate Clinic.