About this topic
Obesity is a health problem where your total body fat is higher than normal. Obesity is different from being overweight. Being overweight means your body mass index, or BMI, is 25 or higher. Being obese means your BMI is 30 or higher. Being obese may lead to many health problems. It may make it hard for you to breathe and move easily. It may raise your risk for: ‚
- Asthma
- High blood sugar
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Arthritis
- Some cancers
- Sleep apnea
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower your appetite
- Help you lose weight
Will physical activity be limited?
- Talk to your doctor the right amount of exercise for you.
- Start slowly by doing more everyday activities like yard work or household chores.
- Choose activities that you like to do.
- Be sure to talk with your doctor about safe exercises you can do if you have heart problems or other illnesses.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Grains are a good source of carbs and fiber. Try to eat two servings of whole grain, high fiber foods each day. These are things like bread, cereals, brown rice, or pasta.
- Fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Try to pick many kinds and colors of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. Processed or canned items can have added salt or sugar.
- Milk is a good source of protein and some vitamins and minerals. Choose low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk. Eat nonfat or low-fat cheeses, ice creams, yogurt, and other dairy products.
- Meats and beans are good sources of protein, iron, and fiber. Eat more low-fat or lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish. Eggs and peanut butter are good sources of protein as well. Dried peas, beans, and lentils are also good. Fatty fish, like salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and trout, are good to eat and have healthy omega-3 fats.
- Good fats can give you long-term energy. These are found in fish, nuts, and avocados. Try using olive oil, safflower oil, and low-sodium and low-fat salad dressing and mayonnaise as toppings. Use canola, olive, or peanut oil for cooking. Other healthy oils include corn, sunflower, and soybean oils.
- Limit sweets such as candy and sugary drinks. Try to drink water instead.
- Cut back on solid fats, like butter, lard, and margarine.
- Limit fatty foods such as desserts, fried foods, and chips.
- Trans fats should be avoided. Most trans fats are found in processed foods, commercially baked goods, and fried foods and are very unhealthy. Saturated fat, which is different from trans fat, should be watched and limited if portions are too large. Saturated fat is found mainly in animal sources, such as meat and dairy products.
- Limit processed meats and most processed foods.
- Limit eating out. If you choose to visit a restaurant, ask for the nutritional facts. You may also be able to find nutritional facts online. Then, you can make a plan and choose healthy items. Watch the portion size. Have large portions split and take part home for some other meal.
What problems could happen?
- Low mood or self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Muscle pain, joint pain, or arthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Cancer
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Change your diet. Ask your dietitian to help you set an eating plan that is right for you.
- Eat foods that are low in fat. Try not to eat fast foods.
- Eat foods that are high in protein and fiber. This will help you feel full longer.
- Get enough exercise. Talk to your doctor the right amount of exercise for you.
- Do not smoke.
- Limit the amount of beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) you drink.
- Keep a record of your weight.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Signs of high or low blood sugar
- Thoughts of hurting yourself
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack or stroke.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/defining.html ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/index.html ‚
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe/ ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Obesity/Pages/obesityprevention.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚