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 is associated with conditions like:
So why does having too much body fat cause health issues? Extra fat, especially around the abdomen, can cause inflammation that leads to insulin resistance and other metabolic dysfunctions. Carrying excess weight also puts more strain on joints and organs.
Losing even a small amount of weight can have benefits. Many studies show that dropping 5-10% of body weight can lead to improvements in factors like:
How does one go about slimming down if obese? There's no one-size-fits-all approach. But in general, strategies may include:
Making sustainable, long-term changes is key. At Hormone Health Center, our physicians create custom weight loss plans involving nutrition planning, fitness advice, and when appropriate, hormone therapy to help patients achieve and maintain healthy weights. Reach out for a consultation today to learn about science-based options personalized for your unique needs!