Welcome to Obesity Diary

Obesity is rising at epidemic proportions in the United States. According to recent statistics, 50 to 60 percent of the adult population is overweight or obese with 5 percent of these individuals being defined as morbidly obese. The incidence of obesity in children has also increased substantially over the years with approximately 20 to 25 percent of children either overweight or obese

As useful way to estimate your healthy body weight is by calculating your body mass index (BMI). This is a statistical measurement derived from your height and weight. If your BMI is between 20-25 you are considered to be of “ideal weight.” A BMI of over 25 is considered to be obese. A BMI of 30 to 34.99 is defined as “obese class I”. A BMI of 35 to 39.99 is “obese class II” and one greater than 40 is “obese class III also considered morbid obesity. A BMI greater than 60 increases the risk of severe to fatal health problems dramatically. However this calculation can sometimes be misleading. For example, a professional athlete may have a high BMI but have much less fat than an unfit person whose BMI is lower. Despite this, the BMI measurement is generally a useful indicator for the ‘average person.’

Some other methods of estimating body fat and body fat distribution include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), measurements of skinfold thickness and waist circumference (skin calipers), calculation of waist-to-hip circumference ratios, underwater weighing (hydrostatic weighing) and techniques such as ultrasound and computed tomography.

There are a variety of factors that may cause obesity which makes it a complex health issue to address. This website will cover how behavior, environment, and genetic factors may have an effect in causing obesity. This site will also provide information about the various pharmaceutical agents, diets, exercises, and other methods for losing weight.

If you have serious obesity related health problems because of your weight, your doctor may suggest weight loss surgery. In this case, you and your doctor will need to thoroughly discuss the potential benefits and the possible risks. This site will go into detail about obesity health risks and methods to lose weight such as weight loss surgery, preparing for bariatric surgery, and provide information regarding the advantages and disadvantages. We will also cover the different bariatric surgery procedures offered such as the gastric bypass, gastric banding and duodenal switch as well as answer questions regarding the post-operative modifications in diet and lifestyle changes after surgery. Bariatric surgery is effective for more than 90% of candidates, but comes at the cost of an operation that forces you to change your eating behavior. It is not for everyone and is certainly not an easy way out.

Most people seek out this type of information because of the increasing burden their weight is placing on their health and quality of life. But don’t forget that the key to successful weight loss is a commitment to making permanent changes in your diet and everyday lifestyle.