Obesity

Obesity is a disease characterized by an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity is far more serious than being merely a cosmetic problem. It’s a medical problem that increases your risk for other diseases and can cause numerous health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, weakened immune function and even certain cancers.

Obesity typically results from inherited, physiological and environmental factors, combined with poor diet, physical activity and exercise choices. The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems that are associated with obesity. Patients can take matters into their own hands by adopting healthier diets with increased physical activity and behavior changes that foster weight loss. Sometimes, obesity is so severe that prescription medications and weight-loss procedures are the only treatment options left.

Obesity symptoms

Obesity is often diagnosed using BMI, or body mass index, calculations. We calculate BMI by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703, then dividing that by your height in inches. This will yield a measurement number that reveals your weight status:

BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat for most people. Since BMI doesn’t directly measure body fat, some people, such as muscular athletes, may have a BMI that puts them in the obesity category even though they don’t have excessive body fat.

Your waist circumference can also help determine obesity and guide treatment decisions. We know, for example, that weight-related health problems are more common in men with a waist circumference over 40 inches (102 centimeters) and in women with a waist circumference over 35 inches (89 centimeters).

Start living your healthiest life today. Call Argow Health at 925-240-3706 for more information or to Book a Consultation. We help adult patients of all ages from Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Dublin, San Ramon, Alamo, and the surrounding California communities.