Obesity Specialist

What is obesity?

Obesity is a classification defined by a body mass index (BMI), which is a metric calculated using your height and weight, of over 30. 

However, BMI alone isn’t always the best way to determine if you’re obese. You can have a high BMI due to having a lot of muscle mass or other factors, like your age. Morbid obesity is a BMI of over 40 or 35 with obesity-related health conditions. 

If your physician diagnoses you with obesity, it’s specifically because you have a high BMI due to a high body fat content. Obesity because of body fat is a chronic disease that can lead to various health complications and limitations in your day-to-day life. 

Most people recognize that eating more calories than they burn may lead to obesity over time. However, you can become obese because of various circumstances aside from eating a lot and leading a sedentary lifestyle. 

Certain health conditions, such as hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), increase your likelihood of obesity, and you may be genetically predisposed to weight gain or trouble losing weight. 

Many women find it difficult to lose pregnancy weight after giving birth, which can contribute to obesity. 

What are the possible complications of obesity?

Having a high amount of fat in your body can disrupt the function of your organs, place stress on your bones and joints, and increase inflammation throughout your body. While it’s possible to maintain decent health with obesity, the condition has links to serious health issues such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Fatty liver disease
• Sleep apnea
• Osteoarthritis
• Infertility
• Some cancers

Advanced Surgeons consider any health complications you already have with obesity while forming your weight management treatment plan, which may or may not include bariatric surgery. 

When does obesity need professional treatment?

Many people find success in losing weight on their own to manage obesity and prevent or manage some of the other conditions that come with it. You may be able to lose some body fat by changing your diet and lifestyle on your own.

If you don’t see any significant reduction in your weight after trying on your own, Advanced Surgeons can work with you to guide you in losing weight and manage health conditions associated with your obesity. 

How can I manage my obesity?

Advanced Surgeons offers personalized medical weight loss plans that include nutrition services, lifestyle modification, and medications. 

If you’re morbidly obese and cannot lose enough weight through a non-surgical medical weight loss plan, your physician might recommend one of the following bariatric surgeries:

• Gastric sleeve 
• Gastric bypass
• Gastric band
• Duodenal switch
• Gastric balloon

Weight loss surgeries work by either limiting the amount you can eat or limiting the nutrients you absorb. Weight loss surgery isn’t a stand-alone treatment option; you have to commit to working with your physician at Advanced Surgeons on making long-lasting changes in your life. 

You can attend support groups after bariatric surgery to manage the changes that come with it.

To make an appointment for obesity care, call Advanced Surgeons or book online today.