Understanding Obesity

"The biggest myth in America is that weight is about your appearance." - Robin Blackstone, MD, FACS

Obesity in the United States has increased dramatically since the 1950s, with more than two thirds of the U.S. population overweight or obese.

There are now an estimated 11 million people in the U.S. considered to be 'morbidly obese,' meaning they are 100 pounds or more over their healthy weight. Morbid obesity is a disease characterized by accumulation of fat, strong resistance to dietary management, greatly increased risk of health problems, and a shortened life span.

However, even people who are 50-100 pounds or more overweight are putting their health at risk. According to the National Institutes of Health, an increase of 20 percent or more above your 'healthy' or 'ideal' body weight is the point where excess weight becomes a health risk. If you are at least 75 pounds overweight and have tried other forms of weight loss unsuccessfully, you may be a potential candidate for surgery or weight loss management.

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