What is obesity?
Obesity is a complex health condition that involves having an excessive amount of body fat. It is usually caused by a combination of factors like diet, activity level, genetics, and environment. Obesity increases the risk for other serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
There are a few ways that doctors measure obesity:
- Body mass index (BMI) - This measures your weight in relation to your height. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
- Waist circumference - Carrying extra weight around your middle or having an apple shape increases your risk even more. A waist circumference of 35 inches or more for women and 40 inches or more for men is a sign of obesity.
- Body fat percentage - Women with more than 30% body fat and men with more than 25% body fat are considered obese.
Some common causes of obesity include:
- Consuming more calories than you burn through activity and normal body functions
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle and being physically inactive
- Genetic factors that affect metabolism and fat storage
- Medical conditions like hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome
- Certain medications that can cause weight gain
- Emotional factors like depression, stress, and boredom that lead to overeating
Here are some ways you can combat obesity:
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet - Focus on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains. Limit sweets, fried foods, and sugary drinks.
- Be more physically active - Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity like brisk walking per week. Also do muscle strengthening exercises 2 times per week.
- Track your calories - Use an app to log your food and stay in a calorie deficit to lose weight.
- Get enough sleep - Lack of sleep is linked to weight gain. Aim for 7-9 hours per night.
- Control stress - Manage stress effectively as it can lead to overeating and weight gain.
- See your doctor - Get any underlying conditions treated. Ask about weight loss medications or bariatric surgery if appropriate.
- Consider hormone optimization - Hormone imbalances like low testosterone or high cortisol can contribute to obesity. The experts at Vitality Hormone Clinic can assess your hormone levels and create a customized plan.
- Join a weight loss program for support and accountability like WW (formerly Weight Watchers).
- Don't try quick fixes - Focus on long-term lifestyle changes for lasting results.
In summary:
Obesity is common but serious health condition involving having too much body fat. It increases your risks for many other chronic diseases. Following a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, activity, and stress management can help manage obesity. For some people, medications, surgery, or hormone optimization from Vitality Hormone Clinic may also be beneficial parts of a comprehensive weight loss plan. With commitment and support, significant weight loss is possible, leading to huge benefits for your health and wellbeing!