Being overweight or obese means your weight is above an ideal weight range. Excess weight creates increased risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and other serious illnesses like diabetes. One tool used to estimate ideal and overweight ranges is called the body mass index (BMI). This scale determines weight ranges based on height. BMI levels include:
Calories are taken in through food. They are used through physical activity and basic body functions. Excess weight gain occurs when this relationship is not kept in balance. High caloric intake and low usage will cause weight gain. If this happens regularly it will lead to obesity.
Factors that can influence obesity are:
Risk factors include:
Symptoms include:
Being overweight or obese in late adolescence has been shown to increase the risk of death in adulthood. This risk is also found in obese people over age 65. Researchers have found that adults who have a high waist circumference or a high waist-to-hip ratio have an increased risk of death, as well. Whether you are a teen or an adult, losing weight now will lower your risk of serious complications later.
Obesity is diagnosed by visual exam and body measurements using:
To rule out other medical conditions that may cause excess body weight, your doctor may order:
Obesity is difficult to treat. Things that affect treatment are:
There are many different approaches to treating obesity. You are more likely to successfully lose weight and keep it off by using a combination of strategies, like diet, exercise, counseling, and/or medication. Talk to your doctor or ask for a referral to a dietician . They can help you develop a plan that is best for you. Plans for weight loss may include:
Your doctor may recommend that you:
According to a recent study, the key to weight loss is in reducing the amount of calories that you consume, rather than following a specific kind of diet (like a low-carb diet). It is much more important to choose a low calorie diet you can stick with for the long haul. A dietitian can help you with your total calorie intake goal. This is based on your:
Portion size also plays an important role. Using special portion control plates may help you succeed.
Keep track of everything you eat and drink.
Ask your doctor about an exercise program.
Add bits of activity through your day. Take stairs instead of elevators. Park a little further away. Limit the amount of time you spend watching television and using the computer. This is particularly important for children.
Behavior therapy may help you understand:
Weight loss programs do seem to work for some people. Some studies also suggest that a partner or group may help you improve your diet and fitness.
Weight loss medications include:
Medications alone are not a viable option for losing weight and keeping it off. Some have led to serious side effects. Do not use over-the-counter or herbal remedies without talking to your doctor.
The problem of obesity, of course, is not restricted to adults. There is evidence that the same changes in diet, exercise, and other behaviors can help children and teens lose weight. For example, kids may find success by participating in group therapy that focuses on diet and behavior changes.
When added to lifestyle changes, medicines (eg, sibutramine, orlistat) have also been shown to help obese children and teens lose weight, though careful monitoring for potential adverse effects is required. In some cases, bariatric surgery, such as gastric banding, may be an option for teens who are obese.
Bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach. In some cases, it will also rearrange the digestive tract. The smaller stomach can only hold a tiny portion of food at a time. Procedures include:
These procedures may be a good option for people who are severely obese who are having trouble losing weight by other means.
Preventing obesity can be difficult. There are many factors influence your weight. General recommendations include:
RESOURCES:
American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org/
The Obesity Society
http://www.obesity.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canada's Food Guide
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca/
References:
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Last reviewed November 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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