Ask the Experts Blog

Obesity is much more than a weight problem. Obesity is a chronic disease that can cause serious health problems. A person’s body mass index (BMI) is used to gauge body fat. BMI is based on your weight and height. People with a body mass index of 30 or more are considered obese.

For an easy to use online BMI calculator – click here.

There are many reasons why people gain weight, but it is usually caused by eating too many calories and not being active enough. Obesity is a complex health issue with a variety of factors playing a role.

Some causes of obesity may not be as apparent as others. They may include:

1. Behavior
2. Culture
3. Genes
4. Metabolism
5. Socioeconomic status

Setting small goals helps to create long-lasting behavior changes. This, along with a combination of healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, can help you reach your weight loss goals.

Things to keep in mind when finding your ideal body weight:

• Normal changes in metabolism and hormone levels that occur with aging can make weight loss more difficult.
• In general, men have more muscle and heavier bones than women, which means that healthy men usually weigh more than healthy women of the same height.
• If you are trying to lose weight, focus on losing small amounts (possibly 10% of your body weight). Losing just five to 10 pounds can drastically improve your health.

Talk with your primary care doctor to start creating your individual plan for getting to, and maintaining, a healthy weight. Your doctor will help you determine if bariatric surgery or medication therapy may be an option for you.