Diet, Medications, Surgery, and More
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Obesity is considered a chronic condition that happens when the number and size of fat cells increase in the body. Per the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), about 3 in 4 U.S. adults over age 20 have overweight or obesity, according to their body mass index (BMI), and they may be at a higher risk of developing other chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
A BMI of 30 or higher suggests obesity, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
All the same, the conversation around weight is changing. Weight bias exists, and discussing body size comes at an emotional toll for many people. Therefore, certain healthcare professionals may target lowering your risk of associated diseases, rather than focusing on BMI alone.
If your doctor believes that treating obesity may help lower your risk of or help manage chronic conditions, and you choose to work with them, there are multiple options to consider.
Here, we explore the different treatment approaches to obesity, including dietary changes, medications, and complementary and integrative approaches.
Various Factors Can Contribute to Obesity
To lose weight and maintain it, the age-old advice is to avoid taking in more calories than you burn in a given day.
But when considering obesity, the causes are more complex than simply calories in and out. According to the CDC, obesity may be caused by a combination of the following factors:
- Eating patterns
- A lack of physical activity
- Poor sleep hygiene
- Gene changes that may influence appetite
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants and steroids
- Illnesses that may cause weight gain, such as Cushing’s syndrome
Your social, home, work, and community environments may also increase the risk for obesity. According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, not having access to outdoor parks or stores with healthy foods can also contribute. Long-term stress is another risk factor to consider.
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