BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuObesityMorbid obesity; Fat - obeseObesity means weighing more than what is healthy for a given height. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease. It can lead to other health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.Weight Loss Myths & Facts QuizCrash diets are best for losing weight and keeping it off. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. Crash diets that severely limit calories aren’t safe or successful. They often don’t have enough vitamins and minerals. Most people who try crash diets overeat again and gain weight back. The safest way to lose weight and keep it off is with regular exercise, smaller portions, and a healthy diet.Healthy snacks between meals can help people manage their weight by: A. Keeping their hunger in check B. Preventing them from overeating at mealtime C. Both A and B Correct Answer The correct answer is both A and B. Some snacks can be bad for the waistline, but not all snacks are equal. Healthy snacks are good for you because they’re nutritious and can make you less hungry between meals. They can also boost your energy in the middle of the day or when you exercise. Foods labeled "lite" or "light" will help you lose the most weight. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. The word "lite" or "light" can mean lower calories or fat, but sometimes not enough. There is no set standard for that word. Some of these foods may be reduced in fat but have more added sugar. If a product says "lite" or "light," read the label very carefully.The most important thing about exercise is: A. Working out in a gym or health club B. Doing what you enjoy C. Making sure you always work out in the morning Correct Answer The correct answer is doing what you enjoy. You're more likely to stick with your exercise program if it’s fun and motivating. It helps to have a clear goal. This might be improving your health, reducing stress, exercising for longer, or being able to buy smaller clothes. Do what you enjoy, whether it's dancing, yoga, karate, or bowling.If I’m trying to lose weight, I can’t eat fast food anymore. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. Most fast food is loaded with calories, fat, sugar, and salt -- but you can still try to make healthier choices. Look for fast-food places that offer salads, soups, and vegetables. Choose items that are roasted, grilled, baked, or broiled instead breaded or fried. Split meals with a friend.This can help you stay on track with your weight loss while eating in a restaurant: A. Read the menu online ahead of time to find healthier dishes B. Eat fewer calories earlier in the day C. Get extra exercise on the same day D. Eat a small healthy snack, such as carrots or a small apple, shortly before going out E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. If you plan ahead, it is possible to eat out and enjoy yourself while staying healthy. And once you know how to pick the right foods and the right amount of foods, you can eat at almost any type of restaurant.People with obesity don't try hard enough to lose weight. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. There are many reasons why some people can’t keep weight off. Biology is a big factor. Our bodies have a complex system to help keep weight at a healthy level. Our eating habits are the products of how we were raised, where we live, and many other factors.Which of the following is NOT a good way to help kids get to a healthy weight? A. Losing weight yourself, if you need to B. Constantly telling them they are too heavy C. Praising them when they make good food choices and are active Correct Answer The correct answer is constantly telling them they are too heavy. Do not punish, tease, or put down children who are not motivated to lose weight. This won’t help them. Praising and rewarding them when they are active and make good food choices will encourage them to stay with it. The best thing you can do to motivate your kids is to lead the way and set a good example.Weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery) cures obesity. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. Bariatric surgery can jump start weight loss for people with obesity. But surgery alone is not a cure for obesity. Weight-loss surgery can train you to eat less, but you still need to watch your diet and exercise after the surgery. Talk to your doctor about whether weight-loss surgery is right for you.In addition to losing weight, being active and eating healthy can help you: A. Feel more energetic and less stressed B. Look better in your clothes C. Tone your body D. Increase your self-esteem E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. With so many good reasons to maintain a healthy weight, why not start eating better and moving more today? Friends and family can be a great source of support. Ask them to join you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle -- they’ll be glad you did. Causes Taking in more calories than your body uses can lead to obesity. This is because the body stores unused calories as fat. Obesity can be caused by:Eating more food than your body can use Drinking too much alcohol Not getting enough exerciseMany people with obesity who lose large amounts of weight and gain it back think it is their fault. They blame themselves for not having the willpower to keep the weight off. Many people regain more weight than they lost.Today, we know that biology is a big reason why some people cannot keep the weight off. Some people who live in the same place and eat the same foods develop obesity, while others do not. Our bodies have a complex system to keep our weight at a healthy level. In some people, this system does not work as well as it should.The way we eat when we are children can affect the way we eat as adults.The way we eat over many years becomes a habit. It affects what we eat, when we eat, and how much we eat.We may feel that we are surrounded by things that make it easy to overeat and hard to stay active.Many people feel they do not have time to plan and make healthy meals. Many people do not have ready access to healthy foods making it difficult to plan and make healthy meals. More people today work desk jobs compared to more active jobs in the past. People with little free time may have less time to exercise.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersThe term eating disorder means a group of medical conditions that have an unhealthy focus on eating, dieting, losing or gaining weight, and body image. A person may have obesity, follow an unhealthy diet, and have an eating disorder all at the same time.Sometimes, medical problems or treatments cause or contribute to weight gain, including:Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) HypothyroidismHypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines such as birth control pills, antidepressants, and antipsychoticsOther things that can cause weight gain are:Quitting smoking -- Many people who quit smoking gain 4 to 10 pounds (lb) or 2 to 5 kilograms (kg) in the first 6 months after quitting. Stress, anxiety, feeling sad, or not sleeping well. Menopause -- Women may gain 12 to 15 lb (5.5 to 7 kg) during menopause. MenopauseMenopause is the time in a woman's life when her periods (menstruation) stop. Most often, it is a natural, normal body change that occurs between ag...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pregnancy -- Women may not lose the weight they gained during pregnancy.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history, eating habits, and exercise routine.The two most common ways to assess your weight and measure health risks related to your weight are:Body mass index (BMI) Body mass indexA good way to decide if your weight is healthy for your height is to figure out your body mass index (BMI). You and your health care provider can us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Waist circumference (your waist measurement in inches or centimeters)BMI is calculated using height and weight. You and your provider can use your BMI to estimate how much body fat you have.Healthy weight is a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2 Overweight is a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 Class 1 obesity is 30.0 to 34.9 kg/m2 Class 2 obesity is 35.0 to 39.9 kg/m2 Class 3 obesity is greater than or equal to 40.0 kg/m2There are differences by race and ethnicity in the BMI value at which an increased risk for cardiometabolic abnormalities occurs. Your provider can help you apply this information to your own health risks.For example, the BMI at which the risk of heart and other illnesses goes up is 25 kg/m2 in non-Hispanic Whites. The equivalent BMIs in other groups is:Non-Hispanic Blacks at a BMI of 22.9 kg/m2 Hispanics at a BMI of 21.5 kg/m2 South Asians at a BMI of 19.6 kg/m2Your waist measurement is another way to estimate how much body fat you have. Extra weight around your middle or stomach area increases your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. People with "apple-shaped" bodies (meaning they tend to store fat around their waist and have a slim lower body) also have an increased risk for these diseases.Body composition measures, including those that measure body fat, may be a more accurate tool than BMI for assessing obesity.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Treatment CHANGING YOUR LIFESTYLEAn active lifestyle and plenty of exercise, along with healthy eating, is the safest way to lose weight. Even modest weight loss can improve your health. You may need a lot of support from family and friends.ExerciseAn active lifestyle and exercise routine, along with eating healthy foods, is the best way to lose weight.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your main goal should be to learn new, healthy ways of eating and make them part of your daily routine.Healthy ways of eatingHyperaldosteronism is a disorder in which the adrenal gland releases too much of the hormone aldosterone into the blood. Hyperaldosteronism can be pr...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Many people find it hard to change their eating habits and behaviors. You may have practiced some habits for so long that you may not even know they are unhealthy, or you do them without thinking. You need to be motivated to make lifestyle changes. Make the behavior change part of your life over the long term. Know that it takes time to make and keep a change in your lifestyle.Habits and behaviorsFood gives our bodies the energy we need to function. Food is also a part of traditions and culture. This can mean that eating has an emotional com...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Work with your provider and dietitian to set realistic, safe daily calorie counts that help you lose weight while staying healthy. Remember that if you drop weight slowly and steadily, you are more likely to keep it off. Your dietitian can teach you about:Healthy food choices at home and in restaurants RestaurantsEating out is a part of our busy modern lives. Even though you need to be careful to not overeat, it is possible to go out and enjoy yourself while ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Healthy snacks Healthy snacksFor almost anyone trying to watch their weight, choosing healthy snacks can be a challenge. Even though snacking has developed a "bad image," snacks ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Reading nutrition labels and healthy grocery shopping Nutrition labelsFood labels contain a great deal of information on most packaged foods. Food labels are called "Nutrition Facts. " The United States Food and Drug A...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Healthy grocery shoppingA key step for losing weight, keeping the weight off, and staying healthy is learning how to buy the right foods at the store. This will ensure you ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article New ways to prepare food Portion sizes Portion sizesIt can be hard to measure out every portion of food you eat. Yet there are some simple ways to know that you are eating the right serving sizes. Fo...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Sweetened drinksSweetened drinksIt is easy to have a few servings of soda or energy drinks a day without thinking about it. Like other sweetened drinks, the calories from these dri...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Extreme diets (fewer than 1,100 calories per day) are not thought to be safe or to work very well. These types of diets often do not contain enough vitamins and minerals. Most people who lose weight this way return to overeating and develop obesity again.Learn ways to manage stress other than snacking. Examples may be meditation, yoga, or exercise. If you are depressed or stressed a lot, talk to your provider.MEDICINES AND HERBAL REMEDIESYou may see ads for supplements and herbal remedies that claim they will help you lose weight. Some of these claims may not be true. And some of these supplements can have serious side effects. Talk to your provider before using them.Supplements and herbal remediesYou may see ads for supplements that claim to help you lose weight. But many of these claims are not true. Some of these supplements can even have ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article You can discuss weight loss medicines with your provider. Many people lose at least 5 lb (2 kg) by taking these drugs, but they may regain the weight when they stop taking the medicine unless they have made lifestyle changes.SURGERYWeight-loss surgery (also called metabolic and bariatric surgery or MBS) can reduce the risk of certain diseases in people with severe obesity. These risks include:Arthritis ArthritisArthritis is inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Asthma Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Heart disease Heart diseaseCoronary heart disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is also called co...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article High blood pressure High blood pressureBlood pressure is a measurement of the force exerted against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood to your body. Hypertension is the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease Obstructive sleep apnea Obstructive sleep apneaObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a problem in which your breathing pauses during sleep. This occurs because of narrowed or blocked airways.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some cancers CancersA stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article StrokeStrokeCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Surgery may help people who have had obesity for 5 years or more and have not lost weight from other treatments, such as diet, exercise, or medicine.Providers often use body mass index (BMI) and health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure to determine which people are most likely to benefit from MBS.Surgery alone is not the answer for weight loss. It can train you to eat less, but you still have to do much of the work. You must be committed to diet, control portion sizes of what you eat, and exercise after surgery. Talk to your provider to learn if surgery is a good option for you.Weight-loss surgeries include:Laparoscopic gastric banding Laparoscopic gastric bandingLaparoscopic gastric banding is surgery to help with weight loss. The surgeon places a band around the upper part of your stomach to create a small ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gastric bypass surgery Gastric bypass surgeryGastric bypass is surgery that helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine handle the food you eat. After the surgery, you...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sleeve gastrectomy Sleeve gastrectomyVertical sleeve gastrectomy is surgery to help with weight loss. The surgeon removes a large portion of your stomach. The new, smaller stomach is ab...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Duodenal switch Support Groups Many people find it easier to follow a diet and exercise program if they join a group of people with similar problems.More information and support for people with obesity and their families can be found at: Obesity Action Coalition -- www.obesityaction.org/education-support/tools/ Possible Complications Obesity is a major health threat. The extra weight creates many risks to your health.Risks to your healthObesity means weighing more than what is healthy for a given height. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease. It can lead to other health problems, i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesBarb D, Donahoo WT, Considine RV. Obesity: risk, risk factors, and medical management. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 20.Eisenberg D, Shikora SA, Aarts E, et al. 2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO): Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2022;18(12):1345-1356. PMID: 36280539 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36280539/.Jastreboff AM, Kotz CM, Kahan S, Kelly AS, Heymsfield SB. Obesity as a disease: The Obesity Society 2018 position statement. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2019;;27(1):7-9. PMID: 30569641 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30569641/.Jensen MD. Obesity. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 207.Oh TJ. The role of anti-obesity medication in prevention of diabetes and its complications. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2019;28(3):158-166. PMID: 31583380 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31583380/.Pilitsi E, Farr OM, Polyzos SA, et al. Pharmacotherapy of obesity: available medications and drugs under investigation. Metabolism. 2019;92:170-192. PMID: 30391259 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30391259/.Raynor HA, Champagne CM. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: interventions for the treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016;116(1):129-147. PMID: 26718656 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26718656/.Richards WO, Khatian L, Torquati A. Morbid obesity. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 48.Ryan DH, Kahan S. Guideline Recommendations for obesity management. Med Clin North Am. 2018;102(1):49-63. PMID: 29156187 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29156187/.Semlitsch T, Stigler FL, Jeitler K, Horvath K, Siebenhofer A. Management of overweight and obesity in primary care-A systematic overview of international evidence-based guidelines. Obes Rev. 2019;20(9):1218-1230. PMID: 31286668 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31286668/.AllVideoImagesTogChildhood obesityAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersChildhood obesity - Animation You may have heard of the childhood obesity epidemic. But is it real? And if it is real, how important is it? And the answer is yes, it's very real. Up until about 1988, kids' weights in the United States were pretty constant over the years. But since 1988, they've been skyrocketing. And that's important for a few reasons. One of them is that what ever our weight is today, people tend to gain weight gradually over time. So if you're already overweight as a child that sets you up to be really overweight as an adult. And all the more so as a child because when kids, before puberty especially, are putting on extra weight, they tend to make new fat cells. Where as adults, when they're getting overweight, tend to have the fat cells they already have get larger. People who make more fat cells during childhood find it easier to gain even more weight as an adult and harder to lose weight. So kids are setting habits in their metabolism and even the structure of their bodies as a child. Childhood obesity is a big problem. But it's not just because of the way fat looks. It's a health problem as well. In fact a ticking time bomb. When I started in pediatrics not that long ago, it was rare to see some of the common conditions of middle age in children. Things like high blood pressure, or abnormal blood sugar, waist size over 40 inches, abnormal cholesterol. Those things were really rare in kids. But in a recent study, about two-thirds of American high schools students already had at least one of those. Two-thirds. They use to call something juvenile diabetes and there was adult onset diabetes, the kind that you get often from being overweight. Well now, what use to be adult onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes, is more common by age 9 because of the obesity epidemic. It is a ticking time bomb. The good news is that it's never easier than today to start to make a difference in a child's life.Obesity and health - illustration Obesity increases a person's risk of illness and death due to diabetes, stroke, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, and kidney and gallbladder disease. Obesity may increase the risk for some types of cancer. It is also a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis and sleep apnea.Obesity and healthillustrationChildhood obesity - illustration Studies indicate children with obesity usually stay overweight into adulthood.Childhood obesityillustrationDifferent types of weight gain - illustration Weight gain in the area of and above the waist (apple type) is more dangerous than weight gained around the hips and flank area (pear type). Fat cells in the upper body have different qualities than those found in hips and thighs.Different types of weight gainillustrationChildhood obesityAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersChildhood obesity - Animation You may have heard of the childhood obesity epidemic. But is it real? And if it is real, how important is it? And the answer is yes, it's very real. Up until about 1988, kids' weights in the United States were pretty constant over the years. But since 1988, they've been skyrocketing. And that's important for a few reasons. One of them is that what ever our weight is today, people tend to gain weight gradually over time. So if you're already overweight as a child that sets you up to be really overweight as an adult. And all the more so as a child because when kids, before puberty especially, are putting on extra weight, they tend to make new fat cells. Where as adults, when they're getting overweight, tend to have the fat cells they already have get larger. People who make more fat cells during childhood find it easier to gain even more weight as an adult and harder to lose weight. So kids are setting habits in their metabolism and even the structure of their bodies as a child. Childhood obesity is a big problem. But it's not just because of the way fat looks. It's a health problem as well. In fact a ticking time bomb. When I started in pediatrics not that long ago, it was rare to see some of the common conditions of middle age in children. Things like high blood pressure, or abnormal blood sugar, waist size over 40 inches, abnormal cholesterol. Those things were really rare in kids. But in a recent study, about two-thirds of American high schools students already had at least one of those. Two-thirds. They use to call something juvenile diabetes and there was adult onset diabetes, the kind that you get often from being overweight. Well now, what use to be adult onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes, is more common by age 9 because of the obesity epidemic. It is a ticking time bomb. The good news is that it's never easier than today to start to make a difference in a child's life.Obesity and health - illustration Obesity increases a person's risk of illness and death due to diabetes, stroke, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, and kidney and gallbladder disease. Obesity may increase the risk for some types of cancer. It is also a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis and sleep apnea.Obesity and healthillustrationChildhood obesity - illustration Studies indicate children with obesity usually stay overweight into adulthood.Childhood obesityillustrationDifferent types of weight gain - illustration Weight gain in the area of and above the waist (apple type) is more dangerous than weight gained around the hips and flank area (pear type). Fat cells in the upper body have different qualities than those found in hips and thighs.Different types of weight gainillustrationSelf Care Causes and risks for obesity in childrenDefining overweight and obesity in childrenHealth risks of obesityRelated Information Metabolic syndrome(Condition)Type 2 diabetes(Condition)Stroke(Condition)Cancer(Condition)Physical activity(Special Topic)High blood pressure in adults – hypertension(Condition)Coronary heart disease(Condition)Gastric bypass surgery(Surgery)Laparoscopic gastric banding(Surgery)Gastric bypass surgery - discharge (Discharge)Your diet after gastric bypass surgery(Self-Care)Laparoscopic gastric banding - discharge (Discharge)How to read food labels(Self-Care)Weight control and diet - InDepth(In-Depth)Diabetes - type 2 - InDepth(In-Depth)Stroke - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 1/17/2022 Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Internal review and update on 07/16/2023 by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
ObesityMorbid obesity; Fat - obeseObesity means weighing more than what is healthy for a given height. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease. It can lead to other health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.Weight Loss Myths & Facts QuizCrash diets are best for losing weight and keeping it off. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. Crash diets that severely limit calories aren’t safe or successful. They often don’t have enough vitamins and minerals. Most people who try crash diets overeat again and gain weight back. The safest way to lose weight and keep it off is with regular exercise, smaller portions, and a healthy diet.Healthy snacks between meals can help people manage their weight by: A. Keeping their hunger in check B. Preventing them from overeating at mealtime C. Both A and B Correct Answer The correct answer is both A and B. Some snacks can be bad for the waistline, but not all snacks are equal. Healthy snacks are good for you because they’re nutritious and can make you less hungry between meals. They can also boost your energy in the middle of the day or when you exercise. Foods labeled "lite" or "light" will help you lose the most weight. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. The word "lite" or "light" can mean lower calories or fat, but sometimes not enough. There is no set standard for that word. Some of these foods may be reduced in fat but have more added sugar. If a product says "lite" or "light," read the label very carefully.The most important thing about exercise is: A. Working out in a gym or health club B. Doing what you enjoy C. Making sure you always work out in the morning Correct Answer The correct answer is doing what you enjoy. You're more likely to stick with your exercise program if it’s fun and motivating. It helps to have a clear goal. This might be improving your health, reducing stress, exercising for longer, or being able to buy smaller clothes. Do what you enjoy, whether it's dancing, yoga, karate, or bowling.If I’m trying to lose weight, I can’t eat fast food anymore. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. Most fast food is loaded with calories, fat, sugar, and salt -- but you can still try to make healthier choices. Look for fast-food places that offer salads, soups, and vegetables. Choose items that are roasted, grilled, baked, or broiled instead breaded or fried. Split meals with a friend.This can help you stay on track with your weight loss while eating in a restaurant: A. Read the menu online ahead of time to find healthier dishes B. Eat fewer calories earlier in the day C. Get extra exercise on the same day D. Eat a small healthy snack, such as carrots or a small apple, shortly before going out E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. If you plan ahead, it is possible to eat out and enjoy yourself while staying healthy. And once you know how to pick the right foods and the right amount of foods, you can eat at almost any type of restaurant.People with obesity don't try hard enough to lose weight. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. There are many reasons why some people can’t keep weight off. Biology is a big factor. Our bodies have a complex system to help keep weight at a healthy level. Our eating habits are the products of how we were raised, where we live, and many other factors.Which of the following is NOT a good way to help kids get to a healthy weight? A. Losing weight yourself, if you need to B. Constantly telling them they are too heavy C. Praising them when they make good food choices and are active Correct Answer The correct answer is constantly telling them they are too heavy. Do not punish, tease, or put down children who are not motivated to lose weight. This won’t help them. Praising and rewarding them when they are active and make good food choices will encourage them to stay with it. The best thing you can do to motivate your kids is to lead the way and set a good example.Weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery) cures obesity. A. Myth B. Fact Correct Answer The correct answer is myth. Bariatric surgery can jump start weight loss for people with obesity. But surgery alone is not a cure for obesity. Weight-loss surgery can train you to eat less, but you still need to watch your diet and exercise after the surgery. Talk to your doctor about whether weight-loss surgery is right for you.In addition to losing weight, being active and eating healthy can help you: A. Feel more energetic and less stressed B. Look better in your clothes C. Tone your body D. Increase your self-esteem E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. With so many good reasons to maintain a healthy weight, why not start eating better and moving more today? Friends and family can be a great source of support. Ask them to join you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle -- they’ll be glad you did. Causes Taking in more calories than your body uses can lead to obesity. This is because the body stores unused calories as fat. Obesity can be caused by:Eating more food than your body can use Drinking too much alcohol Not getting enough exerciseMany people with obesity who lose large amounts of weight and gain it back think it is their fault. They blame themselves for not having the willpower to keep the weight off. Many people regain more weight than they lost.Today, we know that biology is a big reason why some people cannot keep the weight off. Some people who live in the same place and eat the same foods develop obesity, while others do not. Our bodies have a complex system to keep our weight at a healthy level. In some people, this system does not work as well as it should.The way we eat when we are children can affect the way we eat as adults.The way we eat over many years becomes a habit. It affects what we eat, when we eat, and how much we eat.We may feel that we are surrounded by things that make it easy to overeat and hard to stay active.Many people feel they do not have time to plan and make healthy meals. Many people do not have ready access to healthy foods making it difficult to plan and make healthy meals. More people today work desk jobs compared to more active jobs in the past. People with little free time may have less time to exercise.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersThe term eating disorder means a group of medical conditions that have an unhealthy focus on eating, dieting, losing or gaining weight, and body image. A person may have obesity, follow an unhealthy diet, and have an eating disorder all at the same time.Sometimes, medical problems or treatments cause or contribute to weight gain, including:Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) HypothyroidismHypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines such as birth control pills, antidepressants, and antipsychoticsOther things that can cause weight gain are:Quitting smoking -- Many people who quit smoking gain 4 to 10 pounds (lb) or 2 to 5 kilograms (kg) in the first 6 months after quitting. Stress, anxiety, feeling sad, or not sleeping well. Menopause -- Women may gain 12 to 15 lb (5.5 to 7 kg) during menopause. MenopauseMenopause is the time in a woman's life when her periods (menstruation) stop. Most often, it is a natural, normal body change that occurs between ag...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pregnancy -- Women may not lose the weight they gained during pregnancy.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history, eating habits, and exercise routine.The two most common ways to assess your weight and measure health risks related to your weight are:Body mass index (BMI) Body mass indexA good way to decide if your weight is healthy for your height is to figure out your body mass index (BMI). You and your health care provider can us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Waist circumference (your waist measurement in inches or centimeters)BMI is calculated using height and weight. You and your provider can use your BMI to estimate how much body fat you have.Healthy weight is a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2 Overweight is a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 Class 1 obesity is 30.0 to 34.9 kg/m2 Class 2 obesity is 35.0 to 39.9 kg/m2 Class 3 obesity is greater than or equal to 40.0 kg/m2There are differences by race and ethnicity in the BMI value at which an increased risk for cardiometabolic abnormalities occurs. Your provider can help you apply this information to your own health risks.For example, the BMI at which the risk of heart and other illnesses goes up is 25 kg/m2 in non-Hispanic Whites. The equivalent BMIs in other groups is:Non-Hispanic Blacks at a BMI of 22.9 kg/m2 Hispanics at a BMI of 21.5 kg/m2 South Asians at a BMI of 19.6 kg/m2Your waist measurement is another way to estimate how much body fat you have. Extra weight around your middle or stomach area increases your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. People with "apple-shaped" bodies (meaning they tend to store fat around their waist and have a slim lower body) also have an increased risk for these diseases.Body composition measures, including those that measure body fat, may be a more accurate tool than BMI for assessing obesity.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Treatment CHANGING YOUR LIFESTYLEAn active lifestyle and plenty of exercise, along with healthy eating, is the safest way to lose weight. Even modest weight loss can improve your health. You may need a lot of support from family and friends.ExerciseAn active lifestyle and exercise routine, along with eating healthy foods, is the best way to lose weight.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your main goal should be to learn new, healthy ways of eating and make them part of your daily routine.Healthy ways of eatingHyperaldosteronism is a disorder in which the adrenal gland releases too much of the hormone aldosterone into the blood. Hyperaldosteronism can be pr...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Many people find it hard to change their eating habits and behaviors. You may have practiced some habits for so long that you may not even know they are unhealthy, or you do them without thinking. You need to be motivated to make lifestyle changes. Make the behavior change part of your life over the long term. Know that it takes time to make and keep a change in your lifestyle.Habits and behaviorsFood gives our bodies the energy we need to function. Food is also a part of traditions and culture. This can mean that eating has an emotional com...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Work with your provider and dietitian to set realistic, safe daily calorie counts that help you lose weight while staying healthy. Remember that if you drop weight slowly and steadily, you are more likely to keep it off. Your dietitian can teach you about:Healthy food choices at home and in restaurants RestaurantsEating out is a part of our busy modern lives. Even though you need to be careful to not overeat, it is possible to go out and enjoy yourself while ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Healthy snacks Healthy snacksFor almost anyone trying to watch their weight, choosing healthy snacks can be a challenge. Even though snacking has developed a "bad image," snacks ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Reading nutrition labels and healthy grocery shopping Nutrition labelsFood labels contain a great deal of information on most packaged foods. Food labels are called "Nutrition Facts. " The United States Food and Drug A...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Healthy grocery shoppingA key step for losing weight, keeping the weight off, and staying healthy is learning how to buy the right foods at the store. This will ensure you ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article New ways to prepare food Portion sizes Portion sizesIt can be hard to measure out every portion of food you eat. Yet there are some simple ways to know that you are eating the right serving sizes. Fo...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Sweetened drinksSweetened drinksIt is easy to have a few servings of soda or energy drinks a day without thinking about it. Like other sweetened drinks, the calories from these dri...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Extreme diets (fewer than 1,100 calories per day) are not thought to be safe or to work very well. These types of diets often do not contain enough vitamins and minerals. Most people who lose weight this way return to overeating and develop obesity again.Learn ways to manage stress other than snacking. Examples may be meditation, yoga, or exercise. If you are depressed or stressed a lot, talk to your provider.MEDICINES AND HERBAL REMEDIESYou may see ads for supplements and herbal remedies that claim they will help you lose weight. Some of these claims may not be true. And some of these supplements can have serious side effects. Talk to your provider before using them.Supplements and herbal remediesYou may see ads for supplements that claim to help you lose weight. But many of these claims are not true. Some of these supplements can even have ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article You can discuss weight loss medicines with your provider. Many people lose at least 5 lb (2 kg) by taking these drugs, but they may regain the weight when they stop taking the medicine unless they have made lifestyle changes.SURGERYWeight-loss surgery (also called metabolic and bariatric surgery or MBS) can reduce the risk of certain diseases in people with severe obesity. These risks include:Arthritis ArthritisArthritis is inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Asthma Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Heart disease Heart diseaseCoronary heart disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is also called co...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article High blood pressure High blood pressureBlood pressure is a measurement of the force exerted against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood to your body. Hypertension is the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease Obstructive sleep apnea Obstructive sleep apneaObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a problem in which your breathing pauses during sleep. This occurs because of narrowed or blocked airways.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some cancers CancersA stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article StrokeStrokeCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Surgery may help people who have had obesity for 5 years or more and have not lost weight from other treatments, such as diet, exercise, or medicine.Providers often use body mass index (BMI) and health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure to determine which people are most likely to benefit from MBS.Surgery alone is not the answer for weight loss. It can train you to eat less, but you still have to do much of the work. You must be committed to diet, control portion sizes of what you eat, and exercise after surgery. Talk to your provider to learn if surgery is a good option for you.Weight-loss surgeries include:Laparoscopic gastric banding Laparoscopic gastric bandingLaparoscopic gastric banding is surgery to help with weight loss. The surgeon places a band around the upper part of your stomach to create a small ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gastric bypass surgery Gastric bypass surgeryGastric bypass is surgery that helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine handle the food you eat. After the surgery, you...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sleeve gastrectomy Sleeve gastrectomyVertical sleeve gastrectomy is surgery to help with weight loss. The surgeon removes a large portion of your stomach. The new, smaller stomach is ab...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Duodenal switch Support Groups Many people find it easier to follow a diet and exercise program if they join a group of people with similar problems.More information and support for people with obesity and their families can be found at: Obesity Action Coalition -- www.obesityaction.org/education-support/tools/ Possible Complications Obesity is a major health threat. The extra weight creates many risks to your health.Risks to your healthObesity means weighing more than what is healthy for a given height. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease. It can lead to other health problems, i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesBarb D, Donahoo WT, Considine RV. Obesity: risk, risk factors, and medical management. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 20.Eisenberg D, Shikora SA, Aarts E, et al. 2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO): Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2022;18(12):1345-1356. PMID: 36280539 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36280539/.Jastreboff AM, Kotz CM, Kahan S, Kelly AS, Heymsfield SB. Obesity as a disease: The Obesity Society 2018 position statement. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2019;;27(1):7-9. PMID: 30569641 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30569641/.Jensen MD. Obesity. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 207.Oh TJ. The role of anti-obesity medication in prevention of diabetes and its complications. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2019;28(3):158-166. PMID: 31583380 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31583380/.Pilitsi E, Farr OM, Polyzos SA, et al. Pharmacotherapy of obesity: available medications and drugs under investigation. Metabolism. 2019;92:170-192. PMID: 30391259 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30391259/.Raynor HA, Champagne CM. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: interventions for the treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016;116(1):129-147. PMID: 26718656 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26718656/.Richards WO, Khatian L, Torquati A. Morbid obesity. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 48.Ryan DH, Kahan S. Guideline Recommendations for obesity management. Med Clin North Am. 2018;102(1):49-63. PMID: 29156187 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29156187/.Semlitsch T, Stigler FL, Jeitler K, Horvath K, Siebenhofer A. Management of overweight and obesity in primary care-A systematic overview of international evidence-based guidelines. Obes Rev. 2019;20(9):1218-1230. PMID: 31286668 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31286668/.