What Is Obesity Exactly?

Have you been told that you suffer from “obesity,” yet no one has explained exactly what this term means? At Advanced Surgicare Clinic in Sydney, we believe that in order to lose excess weight and lead a healthier lifestyle, you must first understand the health condition you are trying to overcome: obesity. Here’s a look at what obesity is, how it is measured and how it affects your health.

Obesity, Defined

Obesity is a health condition characterized by having an excess of body fat. Specifically, someone who suffers from obesity is classified as having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or more.

How Obesity Is Measured

Obesity is measured in various ways, but the two most common measurements of obesity are BMI and waist circumference.

BMI can be calculated by dividing your bodyweight (in kilograms) by your height (in meters squared). In general, an adult with a BMI of 30 or more suffers from obesity.

Waist circumference can be determined by wrapping a tape measure around your natural waist, the region below your rib cage and above your hip bone. An adult woman with a waist circumference of 89 centimeters or more has an unhealthy waist circumference. An adult man with a waist circumference of 102 or more has an unhealthy waist circumference.

How Obesity Affects Your Health

Suffering from obesity puts you at increased risk of developing certain related health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), type-2 diabetes, high levels of cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, certain cancers (i.e., colon, endometrial, breast) and others.

Fortunately, losing excess weight with the help of bariatric surgery often resolves obesity-related health conditions.

If You Need Help Combating Obesity

Do not be ashamed to ask for help if you suffer from obesity. At Advanced Surgicare Clinic, compassionate bariatric surgeon Dr. V. Kuzinkovas is ready and happy to help. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kuzinkovas to learn more about your weight loss surgery treatment options, please contact Advanced Surgicare Clinic by calling 1300 551 533.