Best Obesity Doctor Near Me in

About Obesity

Obesity is a disorder that involves excessive body fat. The body mass index (BMI) is frequently used to calculate whether or not you are of normal weight, overweight, or obese. If you have a BMI of 25-29, you are overweight. A BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity.

Obesity doesn’t just affect the way you look. Holding excess fat in the internal organs can cause serious medical problems and adversely impact your quality of life.

Complications that may be caused by obesity include:
  • Heart disease
  • Strokes
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Cancer (especially cancers of the internal organs)
  • Sleep apnea (potentially life-threatening breathing problems when sleeping)
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Liver problems
  • Osteoarthritis (damage to the joints)
  • Gout

In addition to these medical problems, obesity can make it difficult to go about your daily tasks. Many people who struggle with obesity also experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as feelings of social isolation due to an inability to perform physical activities that others are able to do.

Obesity has many causes, the most essential being an intake of more calories than the body burns. If you take in more calories than you burn during the day, your body begins to store these excess calories as fat. Exercise and eating habits play crucial roles in the development of obesity.

Other risk factors for obesity include:

- Genetics: Your genetics may determine the speed at which your metabolism converts food to energy, how much body fat you store, and where that fat is stored. Additionally, many people develop their relationship to nutrition and exercise through their families. If your family has a history of low activity levels or eating unhealthy foods, you may develop similar practices.

- Environment: Lifestyle behaviors, your social circle, and your community can all affect your weight. If you go out to eat often, or if you do not have access to healthy foods, you may be at a greater risk of obesity. Alcohol use can also contribute to obesity, as many alcoholic drinks are high-calorie.

- Stress: Emotional stress can lead someone to overeat or eat “comfort” foods that are high in calories. Depression, anxiety, and boredom can lead to binge eating or an increase in unhealthy eating habits.

- Medical conditions: Certain medications and medical conditions can increase your risk of obesity. Antidepressants, steroids, and anti-seizure medication can all lead to weight gain. Common medical conditions that may cause weight gain include arthritis, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, and depression. Similarly, pregnancy can cause weight gain which some women struggle to lose after giving birth.

Obesity can be difficult to address. However, if you are struggling with weight gain, talk to your health care provider about methods to safely lose excess body fat.

Treatment Options

Below are common treatment methods for obesity and weight control. During your appointment, talk to your health care provider about what treatment plan is right for you.

The primary goal of obesity treatment is sustainable weight management. This means that you are able to lose excess body fat while cultivating habits and behaviors that will keep the weight off. Below are common forms of self-care that are usually recommended for weight loss:

- Dietary changes: Reducing your caloric intake, and selecting healthy foods that provide proper nutrition are key components to weight management. Avoid fried food or food that is overly salty, fatty, or sugary. You can work with a nutritionist or dietician to create a meal plan that restricts certain foods (such as high-fat or high-carbohydrate foods) while increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

- Exercise: Increasing your physical activity is key to weight loss. It is generally recommended that you aim for at least 150 minutes (or 30 minutes a day) of moderate exercise. To prevent injury, gradually increase your activity levels. Start with low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling, or swimming to build your fitness. Additionally, work in daily measures such as walking 10,000 steps a day and using the stairs instead of an elevator to increase your aerobic capacity without overloading yourself.

- Therapy: There are support groups and mental health therapies that can help you address your behavioral habits, and the stress surrounding weight loss. These programs can help you learn to cope with stress without binge eating, understand your triggers, and practice healthy habits. Support groups can help you talk through your weight loss journey with other individuals who are dealing with the same things.

Weight loss medication is used as a supplement along with a healthy diet and exercise. These medications will not effectively treat obesity if you do not adjust your lifestyle accordingly. These drugs can help with appetite suppression or hormone levels that affect weight (such as serotonin). Before starting treatment with weight-loss medication, talk to your health care provider about your health history and any adverse reactions you have experienced with medication. These drugs are meant to be taken over the short term and may cause side effects.

If lifestyle changes and medication are not effective, your doctor may recommend weight loss surgery to limit the amount of food you are able to eat. The two primary types of weight loss surgery are:

- Gastric bypass surgery: In this surgery, a small pouch is created at the top of the stomach and linked to the small intestine. This essentially limits the size of the stomach, which can reduce the amount of food you are able to eat before feeling full.

- Gastric sleeve/ gastric banding: A gastric sleeve involves removing part of the stomach, leaving only a slender sleeve for food. This can limit your caloric intake, as it reduces the amount of food you are able to eat before feeling full. Gastric banding involves pulling a band around the stomach to separate the stomach into two pouches. This effectively limits the size of the stomach, which can reduce the amount of food you need to eat before feeling full.

Weight-loss surgery can be undone if you do not accompany the procedure with healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes. Talk to your health care provider about creating a healthy meal plan, and exercise routines that are safe for you.

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