You may not know it, but obesity is a disease. People who are obese aren’t just “overeating.” Obesity is a complex disease that goes deeper than cosmetic issues and can be life-threatening.
Someone who is obese is at a higher risk of getting diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, heart disease, and many types of cancer. They may also have poor mental health. Treating obesity requires a comprehensive and customized approach, as the disease and its challenges can be different for every person.
How Is Obesity Diagnosed?
Obesity is diagnosed by calculating a person’s body mass index (BMI). For adults, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 to 24.9; anything 30 or over is considered obese. However, the BMI calculator is not the most accurate way to measure a person’s body fat and is often used as an indicator of a person’s weight status. Along with calculating a person’s BMI, a doctor may also measure your waist circumference and the thickness of the skinfold when pinching the skin in the abdominal area. An ultrasound may also be used to check body fat percentage.
What Happens After An Obesity Diagnosis?
Obesity may be caused by underlying medical conditions. For instance, you may have a genetic condition or an endocrine disorder, which needs to be addressed as part of treatment. Some types of medication, such as antidepressants and antihyperglycemics, can lead to excessive weight gain in people who are predisposed to obesity. Switching medication may be recommended by the doctor.
Healthy behaviors are a critical part of treating obesity. Even minimal weight loss can help reduce the risk of developing other medical conditions. Included in any treatment program should be adopting a healthy diet, rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. There should be an emphasis on portion control and avoiding overeating, and eating balanced meals that leave you feeling full longer. Engaging in more frequent physical activity is another critical component. The calories you take in should not be greater than the calories you burn. If not, the body will store the excess calories and convert it into fat. Other important points are getting enough sleep, reducing stress levels, and being consistent in making healthier choices and decisions for long-term success.
Lack of support in making changes to your diet, lifestyle, and behavior can cause you to slide back into poor habits that contribute to obesity. Patients who are obese have found that getting on a physician-supervised medical weight loss program has provided them with the support they need and made them more motivated in achieving their weight loss goals.
Medical Weight Loss For Obesity in Denton and Frisco, Texas
If you are serious about getting down to a healthy weight, you need a professional medical weight loss doctor to help you. Dr. Rani Anbarasu is a medical weight loss doctor at DFW Anti-Aging and Wellness Centers who can help you lose weight in as little as six weeks. We start with a body composition analysis to tailor our recommendations based on your nutrition needs. Your health and well-being are a priority in your journey towards a healthier weight.
If you are interested in medical weight loss for obesity treatment or prevention, call (469) 389-5251 to make an appointment or fill out our convenient appointment request form now.
