Obesity is a problem for one in every three Americans, according to the Mayo Clinic. Since obesity is a health condition defined by the presence of excess body fat, losing weight is recommended for obese people as a way to improve their overall health.
Identification
Generally, determining obesity depends on your body mass index (BMI), a measure of body fat that's determined using your height and weight. If your BMI is 30 or higher, you're considered obese, and your doctor will recommend a weight-loss regimen. If your BMI is 40 or higher, you're considered morbidly obese. Obese people may exhibit physical symptoms, including snoring or difficulty sleeping, joint and back pain, excessive sweating, hot flashes, depression and breathlessness.
Significance
Obesity puts you at increased risk for a variety of serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Obese people may also be at increased risk for metabolic syndrome, as well as for certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and colon cancer. Obese people are also more likely to suffer from falls and depression than people who maintain a normal weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, losing even a little bit of weight can improve your protection against these conditions.
Factors
There are several reasons that people become obese. Genetics, environment and culture all play a role, but behaviors like eating too much and not getting enough exercise contribute to obesity, too, according to the Mayo Clinic. It's a good idea to talk with your doctor about what's causing your obesity as you work together to create a plan for you to lose weight.
Considerations
Weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, and medications that decrease hunger or slow your body's absorption of fat can also be used as treatments for obesity. In most cases, doctors recommend medications only if you've tried lifestyle changes without success or if you're exhibited health problems such as heart disease or diabetes because of your obesity. Weight-loss surgery is usually only recommended for people with very high BMIs.
Expert Insight
According to the Mayo Clinic, the best way for obese people to lose weight is to change their diet and exercise habits. Reduce the number of calories you eat every day, and choose healthy foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins. Avoid foods with trans fats or saturated fats. Get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, ultimately increasing your weekly exercise time to 250 minutes as you build strength and endurance.
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