What is obesity?
Obesity is characterized by having an excessive amount of body fat. More specifically, it refers to having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. BMI is calculated based on your weight and height.
Some key facts about obesity:
- Obesity increases your risk for many health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea, and even some types of cancer. It can significantly reduce life expectancy.
- Genetics, lifestyle factors, certain medical conditions, and the environment/socioeconomic status all play a role in causing obesity. It's a complex disease with multiple contributing factors.
- Losing even 5-10% of your body weight can lead to major health improvements by reducing fat stored around internal organs and in the liver. Modest weight loss is extremely beneficial.
So how do you know if you are obese based on BMI?
If your BMI is:
- Below 18.5 - you are considered underweight
- Between 18.5 - 24.9 - you are at a healthy weight
- Between 25 - 29.9 - you are overweight
- 30 or above - you are considered obese
What are some ways to prevent and treat obesity?
- Eat a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
- Exercise regularly - aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity.
- Address risk factors like lack of sleep, stress, and certain medications that can contribute to weight gain.
- Consider weight loss medications - talk to your doctor about prescription medications that may enhance weight loss results from lifestyle changes.
- For severe obesity, bariatric surgery like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy may be an option.
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I hope this gives you a good overview on the key facts about obesity - what it is, what causes it, and how it can be prevented or treated. Let me know if you have any other questions!