Obesity is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It increases your risk of diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Being extremely obese means you are especially likely to have health problems related to your weight. The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity. Dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavior changes can help you lose weight. Prescription medications and weight-loss surgery are additional options for treating obesity.
Obesity is diagnosed when your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. Your body mass index is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in meters (m) squared.
For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. However, BMI doesn't directly measure body fat, so some people, such as muscular athletes, may have a BMI in the obese category even though they don't have excess body fat. Ask your doctor if your BMI is a problem.
If you think you may be obese, and especially if you're concerned about weight-related health problems, see your doctor. You and your doctor can evaluate your health risks and discuss your weight-loss options.
You are a candidate for a weight loss procedure if your BMI is over 40, or over 30 and you suffer one or more of the following health conditions:
• Hypertension
• Type II Diabetes
• High Cholesterol Level
• No endocrine disorder
• Sleep Apnea
• Asthma
• Joint Pain (lower back and lower body)
• Multiple diet failure