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 are the causes?
- You take in more food than your body needs
- You drink too much beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
- You are not very active
- You have health problems like an underactive thyroid. This is hypothyroidism.
- You are taking drugs like birth control pills or ones used for mental problems. These may make you gain weight.
- You have stopped smoking
- You feel stress, anxiety, sadness, or do not get enough sleep
- Menopause or pregnancy
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Your doctor will do an exam and will get your BMI. This is based on your weight and height.
- Your doctor may check your blood pressure and waist circumference.
- Your doctor may order tests to check your blood sugar and fat levels.
- Tell your doctor about:
- Any health problems you have
- Your diet and exercise routine
- If you smoke or drink alcohol
- Your feelings about being overweight
- Things that may help you lose weight
- If there is obesity or high blood sugar in your family
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Treating a health problem that might be causing the obesity
- Diet changes
- Exercise
- Drugs to lower fat in your body
Your doctor may consider surgery if: ‚
- You are very obese
- Your BMI is between 35 and 40
- You have a risk factor for an obesity-related disease
There are different types of surgery: ‚
- Gastric banding ¢ ˆ ’ This limits the ability of your belly to hold food. Small amounts of food can make you feel full. It is also called a lap banding. This procedure is short term.
- Gastric bypass ¢ ˆ ’ This surgery lessens the length of your digestive tract. This procedure is long lasting.
- Gastric balloon insertion ¢ ˆ ’ This procedure is done by pumping air or liquid into the balloon that is put into your belly. This will make you feel full. This procedure is short term.
Are there other health problems to treat?
Health problems that put you at risk for obesity, such as an underactive thyroid or high blood sugar, need to be treated. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- 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 or drink alcohol.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower your appetite
- Help you lose weight
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
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. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚