Weight Loss Center

What Is Obesity?

Obesity is now classified as a disease. It does not mean that an obese person is very sick and can’t handle activities; on the contrary, there are many body-positive groups who have shown that obese people can be in excellent athletic shape. But the condition of being obese does have some distinct downsides, and by losing the weight, you could eliminate those downsides and make your health much better.

A Note About BMI

Body mass index, better known as BMI, is one of the factors used to describe obesity — typically anyone with a BMI of 30 or more is obese. However, watch your use of this number carefully. BMI is derived from weight and height, but not fat vs. muscle, pregnancy status, or anything else that might affect weight. This is why you see news stories about trim athletes being called obese — their muscle mass sends their BMI soaring. So while you may truly be obese, and while BMI can be a handy marker as you lose weight, do not base your success solely on the BMI number you have.

This is an area where the support of a good weight loss center and counselor can really help you. There’s a lot of emphasis in media about BMI, and the center you sign up with can help you see where your success really lies, such as in your fitness levels, happiness, and health improvements.

Obesity Health Effects

That being said, assuming you are not pregnant or an elite athlete, clinical obesity is not a condition you want to live with if you can help it. Being overweight or obese increases your chances of developing detrimental health conditions such as high blood pressure, type II diabetes, heart disease, several types of cancer, joint problems, sleep apnea, and more. Losing extra weight, even a little, can reduce your chances of getting these conditions and diseases by a substantial amount.

Your Options

In general, you’ll undertake some form of dietary modification and exercise program, as these two are really the most effective strategies for many people. You may be able to access counseling to help with emotional eating and the psychological effects of losing weight, something that is now getting more attention as people experience the societal changes that occur with dropping pounds.

If you are having a particularly tough time, though, weight loss centers could also help you evaluate bariatric surgery options. While surgery is not for everyone, it’s also not something to take lightly, and weight loss centers can help you decide whether to undergo the surgery and which type of bariatric solution to aim for.

Guidance and Help Networks

Even if you’re just following a basic diet and exercise plan, don’t underestimate the effects of signing up with a weight loss center. The support you can get from the staff and fellow center attendees is invaluable. If you have a problem or feel like you’re not making progress, you now have a huge support network that can help you work through the problem. You can find out information about newer procedures, avoid scams, and in general track how you’re doing and stay on the wagon, so to speak, when you have an entire clinic and client network to back you up.

Plus, after you’ve lost the weight you want to lose, the center and your fellow weight loss friends will be able to help you keep that weight off. It’s no secret that staying thinner after losing weight can be difficult. But with the help of the center you’ve been going to, you can monitor and readjust your diet and exercise to avoid regaining all the weight back.

If you are ready to lose weight in a safe and effective manner that fits your life, contact our weight loss center. Speak with one of our professionals to see if the center’s approach is something you feel comfortable with. We look forward to helping you!