Obesity, Its Health Risks, and Common Weight-Loss Methods

Millions of people turn to diet, fitness and medication first to treat their obesity. However, the National Institutes of Health report that 90% of the people who participate in diets and weight-loss programs do not lose significant and sustained weight. If non-surgical methods have not helped you lose weight and keep it off, you still have another option. Studies demonstrate that weight loss surgery, as compared to non-surgical treatments, yields the longest period of sustained weight loss in patients who have failed other therapies.1

A variety of operations have been developed to aid in long-term weight loss, including Gastric Bypass, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Sleeve, and Gastric Banding (Lap Band). Individuals with a BMI* of 33 or more with obesity-related health problems may be considered candidates for weight-loss surgery.

Morbid obesity may considerably reduce life expectancy and is associated with an increased risk of developing conditions or diseases such as diabetes, stroke, respiratory problems, sleep apnea, hypertension and cancer. Sufficient weight loss is important for improving your health, reducing your risk of developing associated conditions and enhancing your overall quality of life.

The most common measurement for obesity is Body Mass Index (BMI). While BMI does not actually measure body fat, it tends to correlate well with the degree of obesity. Thus it should not be used alone for diagnosis, but can be useful as a general guideline.

The ideal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2. The obesity categories adopted in 1998 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are:

BMI 25 to 29.9 kg/m2 - Overweight
BMI 30 to 34.9 kg/m2 - Obese
BMI 35 to 39.9 kg/m2 - Severely Obese
BMI 40 kg/m2 and up - Morbidly Obese

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