Having too much fat on your body might not seem as dangerous as a virus pandemic, but obesity can be just as damaging as any infectious disease to an individual. The U.S. obesity epidemic is readily apparent, with about 34% of adults and 15% of children and adolescents being obese – and these percentages continue to increase.
Today more than ever before, Americans are exposed to the threat of a health condition that used to afflict only the wealthy. But what can be done to reverse the trend?
Let’s talk about how obesity often develops and how an individualized medical weight loss program can help you achieve the healthy results you want.
Causes of Obesity
Various factors contribute to obesity. First, the typical American diet includes lots of high-calorie, high-fat foods, many of which are found in meals with oversized portions. Many people eat a lot of bread and not enough quality protein, so the balance is off. Processed food also tends to be high in salt and low in vitamins and minerals, leading to poorer health and a slower metabolism. All of this inevitably leads to fat buildup and weight gain.
Another major cause of obesity is having a sedentary lifestyle. Many Americans get little physical activity during the day, as they spend most of their days working behind a desk or sitting on a couch. Most people prefer to take an elevator rather than the stairs, even though simply using the stairs on a regular basis would greatly help boost their metabolism and keep their weight to an ideal level. Low physical activity means burning fewer calories, further contributing to weight gain.
Health Effects of Being Overweight
Obesity is an underlying (but usually controllable) condition that markedly increases your risk of developing other diseases. Excess fat strains the cardiovascular system by increasing the workload of the heart, thereby also increasing your chances of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Obesity can also make your body develop insulin resistance and therefore make you more prone to diabetes. It can even lead to gastrointestinal problems and promote reproductive disorders.
Another dangerous consequence of obesity is sleep apnea, a condition where you momentarily stop breathing during sleep. Excess fat makes it harder for your airways to maintain their integrity during rest. Sleep apnea further stresses your cardiovascular system and can make it difficult to get quality sleep.
Medical Weight Loss Doctor in Denton and Frisco, TX
Obesity is an epidemic that can be solved one patient at a time. There are many ways to treat obesity, and the best approach is to work with a physician who knows how to craft a customized health plan for you.
With convenient locations in Denton and Frisco, the DFW Anti-Aging & Wellness Centers are here to help you restore your health and vitality. Our experienced medical staff specializes in comprehensive medical weight loss treatments that will help you lose weight and keep it off for good.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anbarasu, contact us today by calling us at (469) 389-5251 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you achieve and sustain optimum health and wellness!
