Common Health Risks of Obesity

According to the CDC, obesity is present in over 42% of Americans. Those who are obese will likely experience a preventable, premature death due to the posed health risks of obesity. If you think you might be at risk, we recommend you read on.

When are you considered obese?

A person is considered obese when they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. To clarify, doctors consider a normal BMI to be measured between 18.5-24.9. To determine your BMI, all you need to do is divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and multiply by 703. It is important to know your BMI as a reasonable estimate of your body fat. When you know this information, you can make the necessary lifestyle changes to reduce the health risks associated with obesity.

What causes obesity?

Contributing factors like your inherited genes and familial influences can play a big role in causing obesity. In fact, obesity can run in families, not just because of the way you store fat or how quickly your metabolism works, but because of your shared lifestyle choices. For example, if you grow up in a house where drinking a soda with each meal is considered normal, you are more likely to make the same unhealthy choices. Other lifestyle choices like fitness can cause obesity, as sedentary people are taking in more calories each day than they are burning. By taking your nutrition and fitness into account, you can help avoid the posed health risks of obesity.

What are the posed health risks of obesity?

If you are obese, you are at higher risk for a variety of serious diseases and health conditions. Some of these conditions include, but are not limited to:

  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
  • Heart Disease and Strokes
  • Many Types of Cancer
  • Fatty Liver Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Mental Illness

Additionally, for those who are obese and planning to become pregnant, you have even more risks during your pregnancy and in delivery, including:

  • Preeclampsia
  • Blood Clots
  • Premature Birth
  • Miscarriage
  • Stillbirth
  • Defects of the Brain and Spinal Cord

What can I do to combat my obesity?

In conclusion, at Cernero Surgery, we want to help improve your quality of life and eliminate the posed health risks of obesity. Dr. Cernero has helped countless patients take control of their life with safe and healthy weight loss options. Overall, as one of the top bariatric surgeons, his skill and expertise is paired with innovative techniques to provide you with the ultimate level of care. If you are interested in learning about your weight loss options, contact us today. We can help you decide if bariatric surgery is the right choice for you.

Posted in: general health, Weight Loss