Obesity - Balance Clinic

What is obesity?

Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of other health issues. The most common method of determining if someone is obese is by calculating their body mass index (BMI), which takes into account both weight and height.

A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Obesity can be caused by many factors, including genetics, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, medical issues, and more. It is associated with conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.

Managing obesity requires a combination of healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle changes:

• Focus on a balanced, nutritious diet high in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Limit added sugars, refined grains, and unhealthy fats.
• Aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise per week, like brisk walking, swimming, or biking. Strength training also helps build muscle and burn calories.
• Get enough sleep, reduce stress, and make gradual changes to build healthy habits over time. Losing just 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve obesity-related illnesses.

For those struggling with obesity, speaking to a doctor about additional support like nutrition counseling, weight loss medications, or bariatric surgery may help. With persistence and the right resources, it is possible to achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle. Making even small daily improvements to diet and activity levels pays off over time.