Overweight & Obesity

 

 

 

 

 

According to the Centers For Disease Control, overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems.

 

 

 

Social and Psychological Effects of Being Overweight or Obese

 

Obesity has significant social, psychological and even economic effects. Almost everything in life is more difficult for the obese – shopping for clothes, driving a car, traveling on a plane, going to the theater, employment, job advancement, obtaining medical insurance, family relationships, and just difficulty with relationships in general. However unfair and in some cases illegal, social and economic difficulties are very real and can be very devastating.

 

 

 

Health Consequences of Being Overweight or Obese

 

 

Research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as "overweight" and "obesity,"* the risks for the following conditions also increases:

 

•  Coronary heart disease

•  Type 2 diabetes

•  Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

•  Hypertension (high blood pressure)

•  Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)

•  Stroke

•  Liver and Gallbladder disease

•  Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

•  Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)

•  Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)

 

 

Causes For Overweight and Obesity

 

 

There are a variety of factors that play a role in obesity. This makes it a complex health issue to address. Behavior, environment, and genetics are among the main contributors to obesity. The Centers for Disease Control has identified these three as the main causes to the complexity of the obesity epidemic. There are also functional medical reasons why someone gains weight, or is unable to lose their weight.

 

Functional

 

Functional Medicine deals with what is functioning correctly in your body, and what is not. When your body is not functioning correctly it can cause various problems to occur, one of them weight gain or inability to lose weight. A lot of people become very frustrated as no matter what they do, they are unable to lose any weight. This is a prime example of an underlying functional issue.

 

Examples of functional issues include food intolerances, stress which causes an increase in cortisol levels, thyroid problems, having a leaky gut, and don't forget the medications you are taking.

 

Food intolerances can cause numerous problems. Headaches, joint and muscle aches, chronic fatigue, skin disorders, obesity and more. The underlying issue is the food causing an inflammatory reaction in your body.

 

Stress is a major problem. Any stressful event can trigger the onset of obesity. The stress event may have been something that happened years ago, but it caused your body to change. Stress of any sort will cause an increase in cortisol. The increased cortisol will then cause the thyroid not to function properly as well as cause insulin resistance all leading to weight gain. Unless the stress and cortisol issue is properly dealt with the weight will be very difficult to lose.

 

A leaky gut can be a major problem. This is when the digestive tract is initiating an inflammatory reaction to foods as well as initiating your body to develop antibody reactions leading to things such as attacking your own thyroid, and other auto-immune issues.

 

Behavior

 

In today’s fast-paced environment, it is easy to adopt unhealthy behaviors. Behavior, in the case of obesity, relates to food choices, amount of physical activity you get and the effort to maintain your health.

 

Americans are consuming more calories on average than in past decades. The increase in calories has also decreased the nutrients consumed that are needed for a healthy diet. This behavioral problem also relates to the increase in portion sizes at home and when dining out.

 

While Americans are consuming more calories, they are not expending them with enough physical activity. Physical activity is an important element in modifying and shaping behaviors. The influence of television, computers and other technologies discourage physical activity and add to the problem of obesity in our society.

 

Environment

 

Environment plays a key role in shaping an individual’s habits and lifestyle. There are many environmental influences that can impact your health decisions. Today’s society has developed a more sedentary lifestyle. Walking has been replaced by driving cars, physical activity has been replaced by technology and nutrition has been overcome by convenience foods.

 

 

Genetics

 

Science shows that genetics play a role in obesity. Genes can cause certain disorders which result in obesity. However, not all individuals who are predisposed to obesity become obese. Research is currently underway to determine which genes contribute most to obesity.

 

 

Initial Forms - Please print, fill out and bring with you for your first appointment with the physician. These are extensive forms utilized for Weight Management and all Functional/Metabolic appointments.