Weight management is about more than numbers on a scale. Your body’s with you for a lifetime, so you need to know how to reach a healthy weight and maintain it. Understanding the difference between obesity and pre-obesity can be an important early step in helping you take control of your health before serious complications arise.
At Empower Clinical Weight Loss, board-certified nurse practitioner Lynda Masco, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, provides personalized weight management support for men and women struggling with their weight, whether they’re carrying a few extra pounds or need to lose half their body weight.
Serving the entire state of Alabama through telemedicine, Lynda has over 25 years of experience. Holding a Certificate of Advanced Education from the Obesity Medicine Association, Lynda has the highest level of expertise for NPs in this field.
Today’s blog delves into how we assess weight and the ways that pre-obesity and obesity differ.
Factors That We Measure For Weight Loss
BMI assesses weight by calculating a ratio of weight-to-height ratio. While it provides a general guideline, it doesn’t account for muscle mass, body composition, or fat distribution.
Another important factor is waist measurement, which helps determine abdominal fat levels. Excess belly fat is connected to a higher risk of metabolic diseases, even in people with a normal BMI. A waist circumference of more than 35 inches (for females) or 40 inches (for males) may indicate an elevated chance of developing heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and other health issues.
At Empower Clinical Weight Loss, we consider these and other factors, like medical history and body fat percentage, to evaluate your weight management needs from a whole-person perspective.
What Is Pre-Obesity?
Pre-obesity is an early stage of excess weight that can develop into obesity if left unaddressed. It’s the “overweight” category in BMI charts, spanning a BMI of 25-29.9.
Although pre-obesity may not yet lead to severe health conditions, it can significantly raise the risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Joint pain and mobility issues
- Sleep problems, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Addressing pre-obesity early can prevent these risks and get your weight into a healthy range.
How Is Obesity Different?
A BMI of 30 or greater qualifies as obesity. At this stage, excess weight begins to impact overall health significantly. Common complications of obesity include:
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders
- Hormonal imbalances
- Joint deterioration and chronic pain
- Higher likelihood of developing certain cancers, such as breast cancer in post-menopausal women
Although obesity presents serious health risks, it’s manageable with the right approach.
Obesity and Pre-Obesity in Huntsville, AL
If you’re concerned about your weight, a weight management program led by elite experts can help. Call us at Empower Clinical Weight Loss in Huntsville at 256-693-0880 to schedule your consultation. We welcome telemedicine patients from anywhere in AL!
