OBESITY

Obesity means having excess body fat. For adults 35 and older, having a BMI greater than 30 is considered obese.

Obesity is not just a cosmetic consideration. It is a chronic medical disease that can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, gallstones, and other chronic illnesses.

Obesity is difficult to treat and has a high relapse rate. Greater than 95% of those who lose weight regain the weight within five years.

Even though medications and diets can help, the treatment of obesity cannot be a short-term “fix” but has to be a life-long commitment to proper diet habits, increased physical activity, and regular exercise.

The goal of treatment should be to achieve and maintain a “healthier weight,” not necessarily an ideal weight.

Even a modest weight loss of 5%-10% of initial weight and the long-term maintenance of that weight loss can bring significant health benefits by lowering blood pressure and lowering the risks of diabetes and heart disease.