What is obesity and pre-obesity?
Obesity is defined by Obesity Medicine Association as a “chronic, relapsing, multi-factorial, neurobehavioral disease, wherein an increase in body fat promotes adipose tissue dysfunction and abnormal fat mass physical forces, resulting in adverse metabolic, biomechanical, and psychosocial health consequences.”
What causes obesity and pre-obesity?
- Genetics: Studies suggest genetics contribute to 40-70% of obesity. There are thousands of different genes associated with obesity, and some genetic mutations are known to directly cause obesity. However, possessing genes that predispose you to obesity does not mean developing the disease is inevitable.
- Nutrition: Growing evidence shows that not all calories are created equal. Certain foods, such as refined carbohydrates and unhealthy saturated fats, contribute in greater proportion to obesity.
- Hormones: Abnormalities in several biological pathways are involved in obesity. Insulin resistance, which causes the body not to process sugar properly, has been heavily implicated in obesity.
- Medication: Many prescription medications are associated with weight gain, including most antidepressants, steroids, contraceptives, and medications for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, migraines, seizures, bipolar disorder, allergies, insomnia and more.
- Environment: Family, culture, and even where you live can have a significant impact on developing obesity.
- Sleep: Disrupted sleep and sleeping for less than 7 hours or more than 9 hours can cause obesity. Obesity is also associated with sleep apnea, which is a breathing condition that can hinder an individual from getting quality sleep.
How do I know if I have Pre-obesity or obesity?
Determining whether you have pre-obesity or obesity typically involves assessing your body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and other risk factors. Here's how you can evaluate your weight status:
1. Body Mass Index (BMI):
- BMI is a commonly used screening tool to assess whether a person has a healthy weight, pre-obesity, or obesity. It's calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared:BMI categories:
For metric units (BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m))2):
BMI = weight (kg)⁄(height (m))2
For imperial units (BMI = (weight (lb) / (height (in))2) x 703):
BMI = weight (lb)⁄(height (in))2 × 703
-
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight (pre-obesity): BMI 25 to 29.9
- Obesity:
- Class 1: BMI 30 to 34.9
- Class 2: BMI 35 to 39.9
- Class 3 (severe obesity): BMI 40 or higher
- BMI categories:
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight (pre-obesity): BMI 25 to 29.9
- Obesity:
- Class 1: BMI 30 to 34.9
- Class 2: BMI 35 to 39.9
- Class 3 (severe obesity): BMI 40 or higher
2. Waist Circumference:
- Waist circumference is another measure used to assess abdominal obesity, which is associated with an increased risk of health problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- To measure your waist circumference, use a tape measure to find the circumference of your waist at the level of your navel.
- Increased risk is generally associated with:
- Men: Waist circumference greater than 40 inches (102 cm)
- Women: Waist circumference greater than 35 inches (88 cm)
3. Other Risk Factors:
- In addition to BMI and waist circumference, consider other risk factors such as family history of obesity or related health conditions, lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity level), and any existing medical conditions that may increase your risk of obesity-related complications.
Schedule A Consultation
If you're concerned about your weight status or health risks associated with obesity, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide a comprehensive assessment, discuss your individual risk factors, and develop a personalized plan to help you achieve a healthy weight and reduce your risk of obesity-related health problems.
An easy way to classify obesity is on the basis of BMI. Pre-obesity has a BMI of 25 -29.9, Class 1 has a BMI of 30 -34.9, Class 2 has a BMI of 35-39.9, and Class 3 has a BMI of more than 40. Although this is a commonly accepted classification of obesity, it has its limitations as it does not counter in abdominal distribution of unhealthy weight, which may signify a more serious case of obesity or racial disparities.
Treatments for pre-obesity and obesity offered at Empower Clinical Weight Loss are multifaceted, patient-centered, and individualized in approach. We have three basic plans, Jumpstart Your Life, Change Your Life, and Live Your Life.
Benefits of treating pre-obesity and obesity
Reducing the risks of up to 13 cancers most strongly associated with having obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, High Blood Pressure, Joint Pain, Cardiovascular Disease, and Depression
Obesity Facts
- In 2014, obesity was estimated to cost the United States $1.42 trillion, using up 14.3% of healthcare spending dollars and resulting in 320,000 deaths.
- It is estimated that losing just 5% of body weight can save an individual with a BMI over 40 $2,137 per year.15
- Obesity is the most common chronic disease in the United States. According to the CDC, about 93.3 million U.S. adults were affected by obesity from 2015-2016. Within 15 years, it is estimated that 50% of the U.S. adult population with suffer from obesity.
- Higher education levels are associated with a lower risk of obesity.
- Lifespan is estimated to be shortened by up to 8 years for those with a BMI greater than 40, which is comparable to the effects of smoking.16
