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Understanding Obesity

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What is Obesity?

Currently, over half of Americans are considered overweight, with 1/3 of them considered obese. But what does that mean, and how can it affect our health?

Obesity is a condition that occurs when an individual carries persistent, excess body fat that typically contributes to secondary health complications. It is often broken into categories, or levels of severity, based on a person’s BMI (body mass index). Generally speaking, the higher a person’s BMI, the more advanced their level of obesity.

Click here to calculate your BMI, or use the chart below.

 

Obesity as a Health Threat

According to the BMI scale, a score of 30 is considered obese, and a BMI of 40 or greater is classified as extreme, or “morbid”, obesity.

The term morbid obesity is applied when excess fat becomes a contributing factor in multiple secondary disease processes. Morbid obesity has the ability to impact quality of life, shorten life expectancy and is even considered a disease within itself. Unfortunately, diet, exercise and medication are not enough to manage this stage of the condition, but more aggressive treatment – like weight loss surgery – can be a very successful option.

Diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, sleep apnea and life-limiting osteoarthritis or joint disease may all be classified as obesity-related comorbidities.

You may qualify for bariatric surgery if you have a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with at least one obesity-related health condition. Image of BMI chart

We're Here To Help!

If you think bariatric surgery may be right for you, join us for a free information session. Information sessions are held monthly, please call 740-689-6718 for event details and registration.

Let us know how we can help you take the next steps toward better health and wellness for yourself or a family member.