Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of other health problems. The most common tool for determining if someone is obese is body mass index (BMI), which takes into account a person's weight and height.
According to the CDC, obesity is typically diagnosed when someone's BMI is 30 or higher. This level of body fat has been linked to conditions like:
So what causes obesity? There are many complex factors, including:
Losing weight through lifestyle changes should be the first approach taken for those with obesity. Adding more nutritious foods, cutting calories, and getting 150-300 minutes of exercise per week (as tolerated) are evidence-based ways to shed excess fat.
However, some individuals do not lose enough weight with lifestyle modifications alone. That's where prescription weight-loss medications can be extremely helpful for supporting healthy, sustainable fat loss when combined with the right diet and fitness plan.
"The team at Hormone Care Center specializes in customized weight management programs utilizing the latest medical therapies to help patients achieve long-lasting results."
Getting to the root causes of obesity takes a multifaceted approach, including behavioral, dietary, fitness and potentially medical interventions based on each person's unique health profile. Working with a knowledgeable team of doctors, dietitians and coaches focused on sustainable solutions for obesity can make all the difference in successfully improving health, losing weight and keeping it off.