Obesity is defined as a chronic condition that is measured as a numerical value of a person’s body mass index (BMI) in proportion to their height. BMI indicates how much fat a body has. The ideal BMI for an adult is between 20kg/m2 and 24.9kg/m2. A person whose BMI exceeds 30kg/m2 is considered to be obese , and when that number is greater than 40kg/m2 they are considered to be morbidly obese.
It is estimated that more than 40 percent of people in the United States can be considered obese.
Some of the health conditions they may develop as a result of obesity include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Elevated cholesterol
- Fatty liver disease
- Gout
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
- Kidney disease
- Infertility
- Sleep apnea
- Gestational diabetes
- Cancer
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Psychosocial issues
- Sexual function issues
- Stroke
- Breathing problems
A person who is moderately obese can lower their BMI by weight loss and through exercise. In some cases this may not be sufficient and may require medical or surgical intervention. Flushing Hospital offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician who can help with your weight loss goals, please call 718-670-8908 0r 718-408-6977.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.