Obesity Surgery Overview

Obesity Information

Obesity is a growing and serious problem worldwide, and especially in the United States. Over 30 % of Americans, children, women and men are seriously overweight, and the numbers of obese people in America are increasing yearly.

Our diets have changed and since the introduction of sweeteners such as corn syrup fructose the rate of obesity has increased exponentially. Many factors have contributed to increase obesuty and to create a ?heavier society.?

• There is overall less physical activity at all ages. Children spend more and more time with videogames, or simply watching T.V. Adults do the same, and often there is no effort to exercise at least 40 minutes 4 times a week. The lack of physical activity is a determining factor that increases obesity.
• Our diet has changed: Pre-prepared foods and fast food have become more prevalent in our society for many reasons: one they require less time to prepare and they can be less expensive but can promote obesity.
• Supper time, so traditional 30 years ago, has become a rarity in many American homes. As the structure of the family has changed and an effort has not always been there to prepare and share a meal. Instead many are simply serving microwaveable meals or fast food on their tables.
• The number of hours that Americans are at work has increased, leading to less time for healthy lifestyles and more time to sedentary tasks that can increase obesity. And schools serve absolute fattening foods. Some have even stopped their physical education programs.
• Lack of education about what obesity is, the foods we eat and what isn?t in what we eat.
• Stressful lives seek comfort, and many find it is food. Using food as comfort is a common factor in obese people.

Obesity is not just an esthetic problem. It leads to many serious medical problems like heart disease, Diabetes, arthritis of major joints, low back pain, lung problems, and also it complicates other medical conditions, for example surgery in an obese person is always riskier than in a person that has normal weight.

Dealing with obesity must happen at all levels: personal, community and globally. Yet, we must remember that the ultimate responsibility lies in the choices that the obese person makes. Ownership is essential for success.

Obesity Definition

Although there are various debates regarding the actual definition of obesity ? the most common definition of the condition is: Obesity is a prevalent metabolic disorder that occurs when the body does not burn calories consumed or utilize energy, which results in a surplus - and storage or excess fat.

Weight gain occurs when the body converts extra calories into fat, which happens for a myriad of purposes ranging from: genetics, to high fat/calorie diet and intake, lack of activity and exercise, low metabolism, thyroid disorders, hormone imbalances and a multitude of other reasons. Pre-genetic disposition and hereditary factors explain a broad percentage (30% to 70%) of cases of obesity. Environmental and dietary variables also contribute greatly to the increasing prevalence of obesity.

High calorie diets in combination with a reduced expenditure of energy in the form of physical activity are the common explanations for obesity.

Obesity Tests & Diagnosis

If you are suffering from weight issues or you are obese, make an appointment with your doctor, who will determine if you are in fact overweight or obese through a physical and health history examination.

If your physician perceives you are overweight or obese, he or she will typically recommend a series of tests and blood-work to assess your condition. Such obesity tests will confirm a diagnosis and avail what may be contributing to weight gain factors and also check for any related diseases or complications.

Obesity diagnostic exams and tests generally include:

• A review of your health history.

  Upon your visit, a physician will review your health and weight history and discuss eating patterns and exercise habits, in addition to hereditary pre-dispositions, conditions, medications, stress levels and other health-related problems.

• Health assessment.

  When you make an appointment with your physician, he or she will also evaluate other health problems and check for other possible disorders.
• Obesity diagnostic:

  BMI calculation.

  Your physician will also check and evaluate your body mass index (BMI) to assess your level of obesity. The BMI test is based upon your height and weight. The BMI calculation will help determine best treatments for your obesity issues.

• Waist circumference measurement.

  Your doctor will take measurements of your waist to see how much fat is stored around your waist area. Fat stored in the waist area is called visceral fat or abdominal fat. An abundance of fat around the mid-section can lead to additional health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Men with a waist measurement of more than 40 and women with a waist measurement of more than 35 inches increase health risks.

• Physical examination.

  Your appointment will include a regular physical. The doctor will measure your height, check vital signs - such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, listen to your heart and lungs, and examining your abdomen area.

• Laboratory tests.

  The doctor may order a series of lab tests or blood panels, depending on your health. Laboratory tests may include: liver function tests, a complete blood count (CBC), a thyroid test, a check of cholesterol and other blood fats, fasting glucose and others based upon the assessment.

Your doctor may also recommend heart tests (additionally to the excessive weight tests), such as an electrocardiogram if you are severely obese or at risk.

An overall obesity diagnoses and additional lab tests and helps your doctor determine: your health status, a weight loss treatment plan, dietary provisions and medications to treat obesity. Having the proper assessment will help you and your doctor develop options and goals that are right for you based upon your overall health in order to cure obesity.