Over two-thirds of adults in the United States are obese. This figure seems to be growing, especially with the increased consumption of sugar and processed foods.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a chronic condition characterized by having excessive body fat. Determining your body mass index or BMI is the best way to find out if you’re obese or not. It is based on your height and weight. People who are considered obese have a body mass index of 30 and above.
The Health Concerns Associated with Obesity
Obesity is a known risk factor for many health conditions including:
- Type 2 Diabetes
Obesity increases your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk increases with the degree of your obesity. The more obese you are, the greater is your risk of having type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Once you develop type 2 diabetes, you are more prone to other conditions such as chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, and skin conditions. - High Blood Pressure
Studies have shown that weight gain tend to increase the blood pressure especially among women. - Heart Attack
The risk of having a coronary artery disease increases for women with a BMI of above 29. - Cancer
Obesity is a known risk factor for different forms of cancer including gallbladder, pancreatic, and breast.
Obesity and Bariatric Surgery
When someone is obese, weight loss can have significant health results. It can help to lower blood pressure, reduce blood cholesterol level, decrease the chance of stroke, and overall mortality. However, weight loss can be challenging for those who are obese.
If you feel like you’ve tried everything to lose weight but still haven’t seen long-term results, Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons of Knoxville specialize in bariatric surgery, which is metabolic weight loss surgery. It is recommended for those with a BMI of 30 or above.
Are you thinking about bariatric surgery but aren’t sure if you’re a candidate? Take our simple self-assessment, and sign up for a free seminar here.