Contents
Obesity: The Silent Epidemic - What You Need to Know
Published: Apr 11, 2024
Obesity is a serious, chronic disease affecting millions worldwide. Understanding its impacts and treatment options is crucial for better health outcomes.
What Exactly is Obesity?
Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Think of BMI as a way to measure body fat based on height and weight. It's like a health thermometer - the higher the number, the higher the risk. However, BMI isn't perfect and doesn't account for factors like muscle mass.
Health Risks of Obesity
Carrying excess weight isn't just about appearance - it can seriously impact your health. Obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. It's like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go - it puts extra strain on your body systems.
The Good News: Weight Loss Benefits
Losing even a small amount of weight can have big health benefits. A 5-10% weight loss can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce diabetes risk. It's like taking a load off - your body functions better with less strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²
18.5-24.9 is considered normal
Being active helps, but excess weight still poses risks
The Bottom Line
Obesity is a complex condition, but even small steps towards a healthier weight can make a big difference in your overall health.
References
- Jensen MD, et al. 2013 AHA/ACC/TOS guideline for the management of overweight and obesity in adults. Circulation. 2014;129:S102.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overweight & obesity. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?