Obesity is now ranked as the second-highest cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The rate at which obesity has worsened over the past 20 years is alarming, and there is now a growing amount of national attention focused on the problem. In 2012, the American Medical Association finally declared obesity to be a disease.
While obesity often involves carrying extra weight, it’s actually a complex medical condition with serious health consequences. The good news is that you’re not alone, and the Summa Health Weight Management Institute can help. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Effective management requires personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
What Factors Play a Role?
Many factors contribute to obesity, from genetics and cultural influences to societal factors like access to healthy food and opportunities to be active. Other contributors include:
- Physical inactivity: Not getting enough exercise can tip the energy balance, leading to weight gain.
- Sleep: Poor sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism.
- Environment: Lack of access to healthy food options and safe spaces for physical activity can make weight management harder.
- Hormones: Hormonal imbalances can influence appetite and metabolism.
- Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety and depression can all impact eating habits.
- Medications: Certain medications can have weight gain as a side effect.
- Decreased energy metabolism: Your body’s natural burning of calories can slow down over time.
Obesity Risk Assessment
While no single method is perfect, Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common tool to measure obesity risk. It considers your height and weight, with higher BMIs indicating a greater chance of developing health problems linked to excess weight.
Obesity and Your Health
Carrying extra weight can increase your risk of various health issues, including:
- Type 2 diabetes – a serious disease affecting blood sugar levels in the body that can damage the blood vessels throughout the body. This can result in poor circulation, amputations, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, heart attack and peripheral artery disease.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – a condition where the airway collapses while a patient is sleeping, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the body.
- Hypertension – a condition where the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the overweight body. This is a risk factor for other serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack and kidney failure.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – a condition where increased pressure on the stomach causes its contents to rise up into the esophagus, often causing significant irritation and pain.
- Elevated Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels – a high level of triglycerides, a type of fat (lipid) in your blood, can increase your risk of heart disease.
- Joint Pain – caused by increased wear and tear on any part of your body from the excess weight.
- Cancer – studies have shown that obesity increases the risks of certain cancers.
Patients who lose a significant amount of weight often see a dramatic improvement in, or even a cure of, these conditions. Many medications can be reduced or eliminated – and patients can sleep once again without the need for a machine to help them breathe.
Meet Tracy Nicholson
With the help of Summa Health, lifestyle changes and healthy food alternatives, Tracy is down 80 pounds.
Taking Control of Your Health
Managing obesity requires a comprehensive approach, often involving a team of healthcare professionals like bariatric nurses, surgeons, internists and dietitians. While there's no magic bullet, several treatment options are available, including:
- Lifestyle changes: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress are crucial for long-term success.
- Behavior therapy: Learning tools and strategies to manage your weight effectively.
- Medications: Some medications can help regulate appetite or metabolism.
- Surgery: In some cases, weight loss surgery may be an option.
While obesity is a complex challenge, there’s hope. By working with your healthcare team and making gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes, you can improve your health and well-being.
Ready to take the next step? Call the Summa Health Weight Management Institute at 330.375.6554 to get started.