Overweight and Obesity

Overweight and Obesity
7 Feb 2022

Overweight and Obesity
We notice that a lot of people don’t differentiate between being overweight and obese. In fact, you might see people use them interchangeably.
In reality, overweight means a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9. On the other hand, obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.
However, both conditions have some things in common. For instance, they both could precipitate some debilitating conditions, including:

Cardiovascular disease
Excess fats in the bloodstream may cause something known as coronary artery disease. This condition can turn into myocardial infarction (i.e., heart attack). Other cardiovascular illnesses that are associated with obesity include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke.

Type 2 diabetes
Obesity is a fundamental cause of insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. As fat cells increase, they produce hormones and chemicals that disrupt the body’s ability to process insulin.
Joint problems
Obesity places additional strain on joints, especially in the big joints (e.g., knees, hips). The result is the infamous osteoarthritis, which causes pain and limited mobility.

Respiratory diseases
A high BMI is associated with certain respiratory conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary embolism, and respiratory tract infections.

Poor mental health
People commonly dismiss the detrimental effects of obesity on mental health. According to a 2016 study, overweight or obese individuals are at a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. These psychological challenges will transform into a vicious cycle because emotional distress triggers comfort eating and further weight gain.
At Total Body Clinic, we believe that weight management strategies should encompass physical, emotional, and psychological factors and, if indicated, pharmacological options. Our approach considers the holistic needs of our clients, which guarantees long-term success instead of temporary results.

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