What is Obesity?

Many people think that obesity is simply ‘overeating;’ however, it is much more complicated than that. Obesity is defined as a progressive, life-threatening, costly disease of excess fat storage. It has become a dangerous epidemic that can result in serious health complications, even in teens and young adults.

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index, or BMI stands, is a measure of body fat based upon height and weight. Enter your height and weight below to calculate your BMI.

Interpreting the Results

BMI <25: Healthy weight
BMI 25-35: Overweight
BMI 35+: Unhealthy weight/Increased health risk. You may qualify for bariatric surgery.

What Causes Obesity?

Obesity in teens and young adults is a complicated condition with many possible causes, including:

• Genetic: Each person is born with a certain genetic make-up that can lead to morbid obesity. This includes how your body accumulates fat, how many fat cells you have, and how big they are.
• Environmental: The lifestyle choices that individuals make plays an important role in the development of obesity, including how much physical activity you get, what and how much you eat, and the amount of sleep you get, etc.
• Biochemical: There are hormones in our bodies that impact our bodies ability to manage stress and hormones, therefore impacting how we burn fat.
• Cultural: Our families, friends, and employment all impact our consumption of foods and beverages.
• Neurological and physiologic: Depression, low self esteem, and poor stress management are all associated with morbid obesity.

Why Are Doctors Worried About Obesity in Teens and Young Adults?

Obesity in teens and young adults is associated with many health problems or diseases that we call comorbid conditions, or comorbidities. These health problems worsen as teens progress into adulthood. Some of the diseases associated with obesity include:

• Obstructive sleep apnea, which causes difficulties breathing during the night and can lead to sleepiness and behavior problems during the day
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure and abnormal deposits of fat in their liver, which can cause more serious health problems in the future.
• Bone and joint problems
• Gastroenterology disorders and conditions
• Skin infections, problems with personal hygiene, and early puberty

If you’re undecided about whether or not weight loss surgery might be right for you, attend a free information seminar to learn about the health impacts of morbid obesity in teens and young adults, how bariatric procedures can resolve comorbidities, and how Healthy First can help you. Our physicians will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery, and the improved health outcomes that can be achieved with weight loss surgery. Seminars are free, but registration is required. For more information, call 314-577-5335 or register online.