Obesity - Rejuvenate Clinic

What is obesity?

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 measures a person's weight in relation to their height.

A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Obesity puts individuals at risk for:

• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Certain types of cancer
• Breathing problems
• Joint problems

What causes obesity?

Obesity typically results from a combination of causes and factors that increase calorie intake and reduce physical activity levels, including:

• Poor diet - Especially diets high in processed foods, fast foods, sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats
• Lack of exercise - Not getting enough physical activity to burn the calories consumed
• Genetics - Some people inherit a predisposition to gain weight more easily
• Lifestyle habits - Long work hours, lack of sleep, high stress levels
• Medical problems - Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome

How is obesity treated?

The main treatments for obesity focus on lifestyle changes to reduce calorie intake and increase physical activity. Common obesity treatments include:

• Dietary changes - Adopting a well-balanced, reduced-calorie diet with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Exercise - Getting at least 30-45 minutes per day of moderate exercise to burn calories
• Behavioral therapy - Working with a counselor or support group to learn healthier lifestyle habits
• Medications - Using prescription medicines that can help with appetite suppression and weight loss
• Surgery - Such as gastric bypass or gastric band surgery to surgically reduce the stomach capacity

The key to success typically involves making gradual, lifelong changes to diet, activity levels, and other daily habits. Even losing 5–10 percent of total body weight can lead to major health improvements. The good news is that obesity can often be prevented and treated through simple lifestyle measures.