Q: How obesity is defined?

A: According to the official medical definition, obesity represents an excessive amount of body fat in relation to the general body mass of a person. A broader perception of obesity defines it as an excess of overall weight by 30% or more of that that is considered normal for a specific age, sex and height. Another definition of obesity and overweight is linked to the Body Mass Index (BMI), which represents the relation of a person’s height and weight. If the BMI is higher than 27.5 then the person is considered overweight. If the number is much greater then the person is considered obese.

Q: Why should I be concerned with obesity?

A: People suffering from overweight and obesity have higher mortality rates and risk of developing serious health conditions that can lead to early death. It is estimated that obese persons have 50% higher risk of early death than people with normal weight. Obesity is often associated with such health conditions as heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension, joint and back pain as well as many others. Obesity can also aggravate existing conditions, or lead to such serious health problems as cancer and infertility.

Q: How obesity and overweight are different?

A: Although overweight and obesity are used as synonyms quite often, these are two different conditions with different numerical expressions. Both overweight and obesity characterize the condition of excessive weight however it’s the difference in the extent of the problem that defines these categories. Overweight and obesity are linked to the BMI and are defined through exact figures. For a person to be classified as overweight, his or her BMI should be between 27.5 and 29.5. If the person has a BMI of 30 and higher, he or she is automatically considered as being obese.

Q: Can obesity and overweight be treated?

A: Yes, obesity and overweight are treatable conditions in most cases. There are various methods for losing weight and keeping it within healthy limits. One of the most commonly used is a combination of low calorie diet and intense exercise program. Quite often these efforts are accompanied by drugs like Phentermine, Acomplia and Meridia, which help in controlling the feeling of hunger that strongly affects any weight loss activities. There are more radical solutions like surgery, which has a serious impact on the body but is very effective in treating morbid obesity, which is hard to overcome with simple measures. Surgery is applied for either removing the excess of fat tissue in the body or cutting out a part of the stomach for reducing food cravings and digestion abilities.

Q: How do I know which treatment is best for me?

A: First of all, do not trust your choice to advertisements. The weight loss industry is huge and this competitive market is crowded with overnight solutions that promise great results in a short time but fail to deliver any benefits whatsoever. In order to get the right treatment you should address a doctor. Whether it’s your family doctor or a professional dietologist, you should consult with a specialist who knows how to select the right treatment option. If you are prescribed with drugs like Phentermine or Meridia, you should take them under your doctor’s supervision. Other weight loss efforts like diet and exercising should also be approved and logged by your physician.