Obesity is a complex health condition involving having an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems. The most common tool for determining obesity is the body mass index (BMI), which measures a person's weight in relation to their height. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
Obesity develops from a combination of causes and factors, including:
- Behavior and environment - Lifestyle behaviors around diet and physical activity strongly influence obesity risk. Consuming high-calorie foods regularly and not engaging in enough exercise to burn calories can lead to energy imbalance and weight gain over time. Additionally, environmental factors beyond a person's control, such as limited access to healthy foods, can affect obesity risk.
- Genetics and health conditions - Genetics can directly influence how the body uses and stores energy from food. Additionally, some hormone issues like hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease promote weight gain and make weight loss difficult. Medications like steroids can also contribute.
Obesity itself is a risk factor for other health issues like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, kidney disease, and some types of cancers.
The main treatments for obesity focus on
lifestyle changes to promote healthy eating, increase physical activity, and make other positive health behavior adjustments to reduce excess weight. Anti-obesity medications and bariatric surgery are additional options for some patients under doctor’s care.
At Vitality Hormone Center, we specialize in customized
hormone therapy programs to help patients struggling with
obesity and
weight management. Our expert physicians and nutritionists work closely with each patient to develop tailored plans that address hormonal imbalances and other underlying causes of weight gain.
We find that targeted hormone balancing often allows patients to lose weight easier through improved metabolism, reduced appetite and cravings, normalized fat storage and more. Our programs give patients the jumpstart they need to successfully change lifelong eating patterns and commit to healthy lifestyles. We’d love to see if we can help you on your weight loss journey - contact us today for a free consultation!