Some people are quick to assume that obesity is simply a result of poor dietary choices and lack of physical activity. However, it’s often not the case at all. Continue reading to learn more about obesity from the team of experts at Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons in Knoxville, TN.
What is obesity?
Obesity is a chronic disease associated with having excess body fat. The body mass index (BMI), a tool that shows the relationship of one’s weight to one’s height, is just one of the diagnostic tools used by specialists to determine obesity.
A person is classified to be obese if his/her body mass index falls above 30.
Why is obesity a disease?
As a disease, obesity can result from several factors, many of which are beyond one’s control. This includes:
• Genetics and prenatal factors
Some studies show that kids born to mothers who gained a lot of weight during pregnancy are more likely to be heavier than those who are from moms with normal weight.
• Environmental factors
Research shows that kids may tend to become obese if they grow up with obese parents and grandparents. This may be connected to the influence of unhealthy habit formation growing up.
• Medical conditions
There are some medical conditions that can cause an excessive accumulation of body fat. This includes thyroid disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
• Hormones
What we do and how our body functions are strongly influenced by our hormones. Hunger, for one, is driven by powerful hormones. Anything that causes problems with any of those hormones can cause anyone to eat excessively and pack excessive body fat.
Obesity requires a more intensive action
Being overweight and obese puts one at higher risk of deadly diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and diabetes.
To lower these risks, obese individuals may need a more intensive intervention to reach and maintain a healthier weight. This is where bariatric surgery becomes very helpful.
Bariatric or weight loss surgery refers to any procedure that aims to make changes to one’s stomach and intestines. These changes can affect the amount of food one can take and how the body absorbs it.
As it’s just a tool, bariatric patients must also do their part (i.e. follow the eating and exercise plans) to get to where they want to be – weight and health-wise.
If you want to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you, take our 60-second assessment here: https://foothillsweightloss.boostpatients.com/assessment
Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons is part of Premier Surgical Bariatrics in Knoxville, Tennessee. Foothills is affiliated with the Fort Sanders Regional Center for Bariatric Surgery, part of Covenant Health Bariatric Services.