Obesity / Overweight

What is obesity?

Obesity is a chronic disease that is associated with having an excess amount of body fat (via genetic and/or environmental factors) that is difficult to control, even when dieting. It is classified as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. BMI is commonly used as a screening tool and should not be used as a diagnostic of your health or body fatness. Being overweight is defined as having a BMI between 25 and 30.

How is BMI calculated?

BMI is measured by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by his/her height in meters squared. Once you find your measurement, you will want to find your weight classification that is accompanied on the BMI chart or calculator. Knowing your BMI can be a good starting point in addressing your weight, but you should not rely on it alone. Both women and men use the same chart to measure obesity, and the same classifications of obesity apply to both sexes. Remember to keep in mind that BMI is a calculation and it cannot distinguish between fat and lean tissue.

What are the health risks associated with obesity?

There are more than 40 medical conditions that are associated with obesity. Individuals are at risk of developing one or more of these serious medical conditions:

Obesity commonly involves a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol. Together, these four complications are known as metabolic syndrome. However, not everyone with a high BMI has these complications, and not everyone has all four of them.

What is metabolically healthy obesity?

Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) refers to people with a body mass index high enough to be classified as obese, but without having the health complications that are usually associated with the disease. Some research suggests that not all fat is hazardous and that having different kinds of fat could make a difference. Subcutaneous fat is the layer of fat under the skin that may not be a risk factor for metabolic disease. Fat in or around the heart and liver, on the other hand, can ultimately be more fatal. Additionally, just because a person is obese, it does not mean that he or she has an unhealthy lifestyle. A person with obesity who exercises and makes healthy food choices may continue to gain the same benefits as people who are not obese.

Schedule an appointment in Fairbanks, Alaska

Dr. Nick Sarrimanolis and staff provide weight management services to patients in and around Fairbanks, Alaska. You can also get prescriptions for effective weight loss medications.* If you are overweight or obese and you want to shed pounds and improve your overall health, request an appointment today. To request an appointment online, use the form on our website. You can also give us a call at (907) 451-1174.

*Individual results may vary; not a guarantee.

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