Obesity is defined as weight that is considered higher than what is healthy for a given height by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is further divided into overweight and obese based on a person’s Body Mass Index. Body Mass Index (BMI) takes into account weight and height and is the most commonly used method to define obesity, with overweight associated with a BMI of 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 and obesity with a BMI of 30.0 kg/m2 or higher. Obesity is further refined with severe obesity constituting a BMI over 40.0 kg/m2. BMI can be easily calculated:
BMI = Body weight (in kg) ÷ height (in meters) squared.
(In addition, numerous tables exist to quickly determine a person’s BMI.)
The incidence of obesity in the United States has increased dramatically over the past 30 years, with over 40% of American adults now considered to be obese. The prevalence in American children and teens has also seen marked increases. This mirrors a worldwide rise in obesity rates.
Causes of Obesity
The causes of obesity are complex. Genetic factors, ethnicity, and race, eating habits including those that extend back to childhood, sex (females have a higher percentage of fat than males), the presence or absence of certain other health conditions, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and age are all factors that can affect weight. Some of these contributors are modifiable and some are not.
The importance of obesity as a risk factor for overall health is substantial. The incidence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, cancer, depression, major orthopedic problems, PCOS, infertility, complications in pregnancy, complications with surgery, and all-cause mortality are just some of the health problems linked to being overweight or obese. Importantly, weight loss is associated with a reduction in the risk of developing these problems.
Women’s Obesity Services
There have been significant advances in the understanding and treatment of obesity in the past few years. This includes the addition of a powerful new group of medications, the GLP-1 Inhibitors, to complement the therapies previously available. These drugs have shown the ability to safely drive weight loss that previously was seen only with surgical remedies.
At Associates in Women’s Health, we are committed to taking a comprehensive approach to your health and well-being. This includes being your trusted resource for women’s medical weight loss in Gillette, Wyoming.