Definition
Obesity is a term used to describe body weight that is much greater than what is considered healthy. If you are obese, you have a much higher amount of body fat than lean muscle mass.
Adults with a BMI greater than 30 are considered obese.
Anyone more than 100 pounds overweight or with a BMI greater than 40 is considered morbidly obese.
Causes
Rates of obesity are climbing. The percentage of children who are overweight has doubled in the last 20 years. The percentage of adolescents who are obese has tripled in the last 20 years.
Consuming more calories than you burn leads to being overweight and, eventually, obesity. The body stores unused calories as fat. Obesity can be ...
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Definition
Obesity is a term used to describe body weight that is much greater than what is considered healthy. If you are obese, you have a much higher amount of body fat than lean muscle mass.
Adults with a BMI greater than 30 are considered obese.
Anyone more than 100 pounds overweight or with a BMI greater than 40 is considered morbidly obese.
Causes
Rates of obesity are climbing. The percentage of children who are overweight has doubled in the last 20 years. The percentage of adolescents who are obese has tripled in the last 20 years.
Consuming more calories than you burn leads to being overweight and, eventually, obesity. The body stores unused calories as fat. Obesity can be the result of:
- Eating more food than the body can use
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Not getting enough exercise
Certain thyroid problems may also lead to signficant weight gain. Genetic factors play some part in the development of obesity -- children of obese parents are 10 times more likely to be obese than children with parents of normal weight.
Obesity is a significant health threat. The extra weight puts unusual stress on all parts of the body. ...
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Treatment
A combination of calorie restriction and exercise (when adhered to) appears to be more effective rather than either one alone. Sticking to a weight reduction program is difficult and requires a lot of support from family and friends.
Even modest weight loss can improve your health. It is important to work with your health care provider or dietician to develop a plan that is best for you. For most people, weight can be lost by eating a healthier diet, exercising more, and adopting new behaviors such as keeping a food diary, avoiding food triggers, and thinking positively.
There are many over-the-counter diet products. Most do not work and some can be dangerous. Before using one, talk to your health care provider.
Prescription weight loss drugs are available. Such medicines include subutramine (Meridia) and orlistat (Xenical). Ask your health care provider if ...
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Other Names
Morbid obesity; Fat - obese
Prevention
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent weight gain. Increase your daily activity. Take the stairs rather than the elevator, or walk instead of driving (when possible).
See also:
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Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, eating habits, and exercise routine.
Skin fold measurements may be taken to check your body composition.
Blood tests may be done to look for thyroid or endocrine problems, which could lead to weight gain.
Support Groups
Many people find it easier to follow a diet and exercise program if they join a group of people with similar problems.
See: Eating disorders - support group
References
Näslund E, Kral JG. Patient selection and the physiology of gastrointestinal antiobesity operations. Surg Clin North Am . 2005;85(4):725-40.
Lichtenstein AH, Appel LJ, Brands M, et al. Diet and lifestyle recommendations revision 2006: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee. Circulation . 2006;114:82-96.
Kaplan LM, Klein S, Boden G, Brenner DA, Gostout CJ, Lavine JE, Popkin BM, Schirmer BD, Seeley RJ, Yanovski SZ, Cominelli F. Report of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Obesity Task Force. Gastroenterology . 2007;132(6):2272-5.
Tsai WS, Inge TH, Burd RS. Bariatric surgery in adolescents: recent national trends in use and in-hospital outcome. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med . 2007;161(3):217-21.
