How obesity hurts your health
One third of American adults are obese. Statistics show the combination of poor diet and lack of exercise is second only to smoking as the leading cause of preventable death in this country. It’s a high risk factor for type 2 diabetes, which can lead to multiple complications throughout your body. Obesity can also threaten your heart health by putting you at greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
“Excess weight is very hard on the heart, but the whole body suffers, too,” says Denise Murphy, MD, surgeon and medical director of Team:Bariatrics Center for Weight Reduction. “Bariatric surgery can reverse a number of health conditions and reduce the risk of death, but you have to make sure it’s the right option for you.” While bariatric surgery has been a solution for many people, it’s a serious procedure that requires a lifelong commitment to a new way of eating and monitoring your health.
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Sleep apnea: Excess neck fat constricts airways, making breathing difficult, loud or stop altogether. Weight-loss surgery corrects it 85 percent of the time.
Cancer: Gaining 45 pounds or more after age 18 doubles a woman’s odds of developing breast cancer. Obesity also increases the risk of cancers of the colon, esophagus, kidneys, uterus and prostate.
Liver disease: Fat buildup in the liver causes inflammation, damage, cirrhosis and, ultimately, liver failure.
Gallbladder disease:Gallstones are three times more common in obese people.
Osteoarthritis: Extra weight affects joints in two ways: It puts pressure on knees, hips and the back, causing cartilage to wear away, and increases inflammation.
Depression: Obese patients have a 20 to 44 percent increased risk of depression.
Heart disease: Obesity ups the risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Bariatric surgery reduces hypertension in 78.5 percent of patients and cholesterol in 70 percent of patients.
Incontinence: Obesity is associated with urinary stress incontinence and urge incontinence in women.
Fertility: Obese women are five times more likely to develop polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects fertility. They’re also three times more likely to have menstrual disturbances.
Foot problems: Obesity strains your feet, leading to painful tendons and even fallen arches.
If weight-loss surgery isn’t right for you
For those who may be looking for a nonsurgical approach to weight loss, PositiveLite—a medically managed weight-loss program at Team:Bariatrics—offers an entire team of professionals committed to helping you develop lifestyle and diet changes.
“PositiveLite helps patients ease into these changes through a holistic team approach that addresses weight loss inside and out,” says John Hawkins, MD, founder of the Team:Bariatrics medically managed weight-loss program.
• Physician: You meet directly with Dr. Hawkins, who designs a weight-loss program specifically for you and monitors your progress along the way.
• Nurse practitioner: With a strong background in adult health, mental health and acute care, our nurse practitioner monitors your weight loss and body composition.
• Personal trainer: The certified personal trainer develops a physical fitness program based on your health and weight-loss goals.
• Nutritionist: Our registered dietitian and nutritionist conducts a personal assessment, reviews your medical history and weight-loss goals and helps you develop meal and menu plans during and after weight loss.
• Counselor: Our counselor will help you embrace positive changes and overcome any emotional or spiritual obstacles.