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Obesity

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Obesity is a complex chronic condition defined by excess body fat that can negatively impact overall health. It's often measured using Body Mass Index (BMI), with a BMI of 30 or higher considered obese. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, joint problems, and sleep disorders. Managing obesity typically involves long-term lifestyle changes, medical interventions, or surgery.

  • Excess body fat, particularly around the waist
  • Shortness of breath with activity
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Joint or back pain
  • Sleep problems, including sleep apnea
  • High blood pressure or elevated cholesterol
  • Lifestyle modifications: Healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavioral therapy
  • Medications: Prescription weight-loss drugs may be recommended in certain cases
  • Bariatric surgery: Gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy can be effective for severe obesity
  • Ongoing medical support: Monitoring and guidance from a primary care provider or weight management specialist
  • Poor diet (high in calories, sugar, or unhealthy fats)
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Genetic or hormonal factors
  • Emotional eating or mental health conditions
  • Certain medications (like steroids or antidepressants)
  • Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or PCOS

Healthcare Providers

Symptoms

  • Excess body fat, particularly around the waist
  • Shortness of breath with activity
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Joint or back pain
  • Sleep problems, including sleep apnea
  • High blood pressure or elevated cholesterol

Causes

  • Poor diet (high in calories, sugar, or unhealthy fats)
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Genetic or hormonal factors
  • Emotional eating or mental health conditions
  • Certain medications (like steroids or antidepressants)
  • Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or PCOS

Treatments

  • Lifestyle modifications: Healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavioral therapy
  • Medications: Prescription weight-loss drugs may be recommended in certain cases
  • Bariatric surgery: Gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy can be effective for severe obesity
  • Ongoing medical support: Monitoring and guidance from a primary care provider or weight management specialist

Specialties That Treat This Condition

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