Obesity - Hormone Health Center

Obesity

Obesity is a complex health condition involving having an excessive amount of body fat. The main causes of obesity are consuming too many calories from food and drink and not getting enough physical activity to burn those calories.

Some key facts about obesity:

• Obesity is typically diagnosed by calculating a person's body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measure of body fat based on your weight and height. A BMI over 30 is considered obese.
• Obesity increases your risk for many serious health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease and more.
• Losing even a small amount of weight can provide big health benefits and reduce your risk for obesity-related diseases. A 5-10% weight loss can significantly improve health.
• Obesity often develops gradually over many years due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. Making long-term changes to diet, activity levels and other behaviors can help manage weight and reduce health risks.

So what causes obesity exactly? There are many complex factors, including:

• Consuming too many calories, especially from processed foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats or refined carbs
• Lack of physical activity - being sedentary and inactive burns fewer calories
• Genetics and family history - some people inherit tendencies to gain weight
• Environment and access to healthy foods - food deserts limit fresh produce options
• Mental health conditions - depression/anxiety can influence eating behaviors
• Lack of sleep - links to imbalanced hunger hormones and overeating
• Medications - some drugs like steroids, antidepressants can cause weight gain

The good news? Obesity can often be prevented and treated through lifestyle interventions like:

• Eating more vegetables, fruits and whole grains
• Choosing lean protein, low-fat dairy, nuts and healthy fats
• Limiting processed junk foods, sugary drinks, trans fats, salt
• Exercising regularly - aiming for 150 minutes per week
• Getting enough sleep and managing stress levels
• Seeing a doctor/dietitian for customized weight loss plans or bariatric surgery if indicated

With commitment to long-term lifestyle changes, evidence-based weight management programs, and support from healthcare providers, losing weight and reducing obesity-related health risks is absolutely achievable. The journey begins with learning more about healthy behaviors and taking small, sustainable steps to improve diet quality, be more active, and cultivate positive habits over time.