About Obesity

Obesity has become epidemic in the United States, particularly here in the Southeast, where 25% of people are obese. Because obesity is associated with diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and hypertriglyceridemia, obesity is one of the most important health problems in the United States. Because obesity is associated with serious health threats, including reduced life expectancy as well as psychosocial and economic complications – traditional diet and drug therapy have not shown to be effective options for permanent weight loss. The National Institute of Health has recommended bariatric surgery as acceptable therapy for patients with a Body Mass Index greater than 40 or patients who exhibit co-morbidities, greater than 35.

Causes of obesity may include:

• A genetic inheritance from your parents?
• Your body’s inability to turn food into energy efficiently?
• Unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise?
• Influences in your environment?
• Illness, such as hypothyroidism?
• Psychological factors?