Obesity means having too much body fat. It is different from being overweight, which
means weighing too much. The weight may come from muscle, bone, fat and/or body water.
Both terms mean that a person''s weight is greater than what''s considered healthy for his or
her height.
Obesity occurs over time when you eat more calories than you use. The balance between
calories-in and calories-out differs for each person. Factors that might tip the balance
include your genetic makeup, overeating, eating high-fat foods and not being physically
active.
Being obese increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and some
cancers. If you are obese, losing even 5 to 10 percent of your weight can delay or prevent
some of these diseases.Millions of Americans and people worldwide are
overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese puts you at risk for many
diseases and conditions. The more body fat that you carry around and the more
you weigh, the more likely you are to develop
heart
disease,
high
blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and
certain cancers.The
most useful measure of overweight and obesity is the body mass index (BMI). BMI
is based on height and weight and is used for adults, children, and teens. Overweight is defined differently for children and
teens than it is for adults. Because children are still growing and boys and
girls mature at different rates, BMIs for children and teens compare their
heights and weights against growth charts that take age and sex into account.
This is called BMI-for-age percentile. A child or teen’s BMI-for-age
percentile shows how his or her BMI compares with other boys and girls of the
same age.Certain things, like family history, can’t be
changed. However, other things—like a person’s lifestyle
habits—can be changed.
You can help prevent or treat overweight and
obesity if you:
Follow a healthful diet, while keeping your
calorie needs in mindAre physically activeLimit the time you spend being physically
inactive
Weight loss medicines and surgery also are options
for some people who need to lose weight if lifestyle changes don’t
work. Primary care doctor (or pediatrician for children
and teens) will assess your BMI, waist measurement, and overall health risk. If
you’re overweight or obese, or have a large waist size, your doctor should
explain the health risks and find out whether you’re interested and
willing to lose weight. If you are, you and your doctor should work together to
create a treatment plan. The plan should include weight loss goals and
treatment options that are realistic for you.
Your doctor may send you to other health care
specialists if you need expert care. These specialists may include:
An endocrinologist if you need to be treated for
type 2 diabetes or a hormone problem such as an underactive thyroid.A registered dietitian or nutritionist to work
with you on ways to change your eating habits.An exercise physiologist or trainer to figure out
your level of fitness and show you how to start physical activities suitable
for you.A bariatric surgeon if weight loss surgery is an
option for you.A psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social
worker to help treat depression or stress.