Obesity/Weight Loss

An overview from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. 

Overweight and obesity, affecting 3 in 4 U.S. adults and 1 in 5 children, result from lifestyle, genetic, and medical factors. These conditions increase risks for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Screening via BMI, lifestyle changes, FDA-approved treatments, and surgery can help manage and reduce associated health risks effectively.

 Obesity is a complex, chronic condition influenced by behaviors, stress, health conditions, medications, genetics, and environment. Risk factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, sleep issues, stress-related hormone changes, medical conditions, and limited access to healthy foods or activity-friendly spaces. Awareness and preventive actions can help reduce obesity rates. Find out more from the CDC here. 

 Obesity, a complex chronic disease affecting 650 million people globally, is driven by multiple factors, including biology, genetics, mental health, environment, and societal stigma. Key contributors include processed food, sleep deprivation, stress, life events, healthcare access, and marketing. Addressing these root causes requires education, supportive environments, and comprehensive healthcare strategies from the World Obesity Federation.

Learn more about diagnosing and treating Obesity from the Mayo clinic here.  Obesity diagnosis involves evaluating medical history, BMI, waist circumference, and related health issues. Treatment focuses on sustainable weight loss through dietary changes, increased physical activity, behavioral counseling, and, if necessary, medications or surgery. Long-term success requires personalized care, lifestyle adjustments, and ongoing support to manage this complex chronic condition effectively. 

Prescription medications for overweight and obesity work by reducing appetite or fat absorption, complementing lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Approved options include orlistat, liraglutide, and semaglutide. Medications are typically for those with BMI over 30 or 27 with health issues. Long-term success requires behavioral changes and ongoing health monitoring.

Learn more from the NIH here

 GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are transforming obesity and diabetes treatment. They regulate appetite, improve metabolic health, and provide cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective benefits. While effective, they can cause side effects like gastrointestinal issues. Combining these drugs with lifestyle changes enhances long-term success, emphasizing personalized care and affordability. Learn more from NovaGenix here