If you struggle with weight gain, you’re not alone. The current statistics from the Centers for Disease Control indicate that 42% of Americans are overweight, and 9.2% of US residents are obese. In light of these alarming statistics, it’s no wonder Santa Monican’s are trying different tips for losing weight in the battle of the bulge. That said, there’s a difference between struggling with extra pounds and being obese. Read on for information about what obesity is, how it impacts your health, and suggestions for treating this serious condition.
What is Obesity?
A recent poll taken by the Los Angeles County Public Health Department revealed that 13% of Santa Monican’s are clinically obese. But what does that mean? You may already know that obesity is a condition in which a person has an excessive amount of body fat. What you may not know is that just because one is overweight, that doesn’t mean they are clinically obese.
Obesity is determined by measuring one’s body mass index (BMI) and also factoring in height, age, weight, and gender. A BMI of 30 or higher and a waist measurement of 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men are the criteria to determine clinical obesity. While this seems rather oversimplified, it is the starting point to assess and diagnose obesity according to the American Medical Association.
Is Obesity a Disease?
Yes, it is. In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) set forth policies that recognize obesity as a chronic disease. The decision was determined and approved by the legislature as a way to “classify obesity and reduce weight bias” according to weight loss physician and expert, Dr. Ethan Lazarus who consults with the Obesity Medicine Association.
How Does Obesity Impact Health?
We all know that being overweight can lead to health problems, but obesity can significantly increase health risks. Obesity can manifest into severe health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers. Furthermore, obesity causes fatigue, back pain, joint pain, and a whole slew of unwanted issues that impact health and impair the quality of life for those who suffer from this disease.
Causes of Obesity
There are many reasons that can culminate into a clinically obese state, and each person is different in their plight against it. While some people have a predisposition to obesity because of genetics, heritage, and family medical history – still others fall into obesity due to depression or emotional issues. Still, other influences include environment, physical conditions, and addictive behaviors.
While every diagnosis is different, there are some common triggers identified by the AMA that may increase the chances of obesity. These causes include social or economic problems that lead to poor health habits. Other causes may be underlying medical conditions such as Cushing’s disease which contributes to weight gain. Whether obesity originates from lifestyle choices or genetics, it is a very real condition and a major concern to anyone’s health.
Treatments for Obesity
Because obesity is increasing to epidemic levels in the American population, modern science and medical technology industries are driven to find solutions to this life-threatening disease. For example, biotech companies in San Diego are on the leading edge of designing treatments specialized for those suffering from obesity.
In a perfect world, we might think eating less and getting more exercise is the best cure for obesity. In reality, obesity is a disease with many complications – including behavioral and psychological influences. People with obesity often feel as if they’ve “passed the point of no return,” or they may have compulsive or addictive issues with food.
With this in mind, sometimes more intense measures may be required when it comes to combating obesity. For instance, prescription weight loss medications have proven to be effective in reducing weight and helping with obesity. Phentermine is one of these medications and it has produced positive potentials in coping with the disease.
If you’re asking yourself, “How does phentermine work?”, then you’ll soon discover that it is a weight loss drug that has shown effective results in obesity cases. Drugs such as phentermine can yield remarkable outcomes in managing obesity, especially when combined with a healthy, sensible diet, exercise, and behavioral modification.
The Final Word on Understanding Obesity
In the final analysis, therapy for obesity requires a holistic approach involving a multi-faceted regime that is supportive and reasonable. Eating less and exercising more may tackle the main issue, but it isn’t always a long-term solution. Coping with obesity is about committing to a lifestyle of different choices that revolutionizes the mind, body, and soul for ultimate healing.
