Obesity and Weight Loss
Being overweight or clinically obese can cause multiple health complications and put you at risk for many more.
Talk with your doctor about the many ways you can incorporate changes into your lifestyle to lose excess weight that may be a health concern. Your Doctor may encourage you to make an appointment with our resident Dietitian, Emily Laurin of Eat Live Nutrition, add in some healthy physical activity within your fitness level, or advise you to reduce exposure to choices that are limiting your good health.
There are many ways to make positive changes in your life for the better, whether you decide to challenge yourself to make a whole life change or take it one small step at a time!
From the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), “Being overweight or obese are both terms for having more body fat than what is considered healthy. Both are used to identify people who are at risk for health problems from having too much body fat. However, the term obese generally means a much higher amount of body fat than overweight.”
From NIH, “the terms ‘overweight’ and ‘obesity’ refer to body weight that is greater than what is considered normal or healthy for a certain height. Overweight is generally due to extra body fat. However, overweight may also be due to extra muscle, bone, or water. People who have obesity usually have too much body fat.
Your body mass index (BMI) is one way to tell if you are at a healthy weight, overweight, or have obesity. The BMI is a measure based on your weight in relation to your height. The greater your BMI, the greater your risk of health problems from overweight and obesity.”
CDC Defining Obesity
NKF Overweight and Obesity: What You Should Know
NIH Resource for Defining Overweight Vs Obesity (from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
NIH Factors Affecting Weight and Health
Obesity
American College of Physicians (ACP)
ACP Obesity Patient Resource Page
ACP FACTS Page “What is Obesity” (pdf)
ACP “Excess Weight and Your Health” (Video)
ACP “Make It Happen” Helpful Ways to Lose Weight (pdf)
Complications from Obesity
According to NIH, excess weight may increase the risk for many health problems, including:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- heart disease and strokes
- certain types of cancer
- sleep apnea
- osteoarthritis
- fatty liver disease
- kidney disease
- pregnancy problems, such as high blood sugar during pregnancy, high blood pressure, and increased risk for cesarean delivery (C-section)
Sleep Apnea
ACP link to “What You Should Know About Obstructive Sleep Apnea” (pdf)
ACP link to “Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults” and Sleep Study Recommendations
ACP link to “Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults” and All Clinical Recommendations
What Can Help
In most cases, increasing your movement and paying attention to what you are eating can help you start on the journey to significant weight loss. Understanding that it will take some time and effort to make long-lasting changes in your lifestyle, you can set some specific goals to change your body day by day in a positive way! Below are some resources on losing weight from websites we trust:
UptoDate.com (UTD) Losing Weight Patient Resource Page
NIH Weight Management Resource Page
Please visit the many pages we have created on our own site with recommendations on living your best life – adding in activity, visiting with our Nutritionist, increasing your intake of water and fresh fruits and vegetables, reducing your consumption or limiting your exposure to many harmful substances, quitting smoking, reducing stress, guidelines on preventative care, getting restorative sleep and so much more.
General Good Health Recommendations
Patient Center
Patient Education (to help research specific issues)
Helpful Weight Loss and Nutrition Links
ACP “Make It Happen” Helpful Ways to Lose Weight (pdf)
ACP “The Healthy Plate” (pdf)
NIH Food Portions Resource Page
More Information Coming Soon!
