Obesity

Obesity is a serious health issue, and it is one that has greatly been affecting the American population.  It occurs when a person has gained so much body fat and their health is being disturbed.  For a person to be considered obese, their body weight is at least 20% higher than it should be, and their BMI, or body mass index, is 30 or higher.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than two-thirds of U.S. adults and about one third of children and adolescents are obese.

Since there are a multitude of factors that cause obesity, it is a hard issue to correct.  Although obesity is a direct result of consuming more calories than you burn through exercise and daily movement, there is usually a lot more to it.  Lack of sleep, unhealthy eating in general, not being active and medications can all contribute to obesity.  Hormones can also influence obesity with regard to appetite, metabolism and body fat distribution.  Health risks associated with obesity are numerous.  Some of the most known risks are heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, breathing problems, strokes and diabetes.  Other risks include sleep apnea, cancer, osteoarthritis and gallbladder disease.

By simply implementing healthy changes like how often you watch TV, taking stairs instead of an elevator, getting enough servings of fruits and vegetables, and eating breakfast, you are significantly lowering your chances of becoming obese or overweight.  At Sanctuary Medical Center, our age management specialists can help patients with obesity by regulating their hormone levels, addressing thyroid issues, and creating personalized dietary plans.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 561.886.0974.