Obesity FAQs

1. What is obesity?
2. Is there a difference between being overweight and being obese?
3. Can anyone become obese?
4. What causes obesity?
5. Is obesity dangerous?
6. What treatment options are there for obesity?
7. How can I make sure I don't become obese?
8. Is prescription medication a good treatment option?
9. Will prescription medications cure my obesity?
10. Should I consider surgery to treat my obesity?

What is obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition that occurs when a person weighs considerably more than is considered healthy. This extra weight can put extra strain on the body and serious health complications can arise if treatment is not sought and the weight is not lost. Numerous factors can lead to obesity, but the most common cause is a sedentary lifestyle combined with bad diet and lack of exercise.

Is there a difference between being overweight and being obese?

Yes. Doctors use a scale called the body mass index (BMI) to aid in the diagnosis of obesity, which calculates the ratio of your body height to your weight. A BMI that is considered healthy will fall between 18.5 and 24.9. If your BMI is higher than 24.9 but lower than 30, then you are considered to be overweight, and will likely be advised to take steps in order to avoid becoming obese. If your BMI is over 30 then you will be classified as obese.

Can anyone become obese?

Potentially, any individual could become obese. However, certain groups of people will be more inclined to the condition than others, depending on certain genetic, medical and environmental factors. People who have a bad diet and do not exercise regularly are far more likely to become obese than those who eat healthily and exercise.

What causes obesity?

Obesity is usually the result of poor diet and a lack of exercise, as this causes the body to take on more calories than it is possible to burn, leading to a build-up of fat. Sedentary lifestyles can contribute to this problem. There are medical conditions which can also cause people to become overweight or obese, such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome and Cushing's syndrome.

Is obesity dangerous?

Obesity is considered to be a dangerous condition because of its capacity to lead to a number of very serious health problems, such as various cancers, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Other problems that can arise as a result of obesity include depression, acne, gallstones, social anxiety and trouble with walking or running.

What treatment options are there for obesity?

Almost everyone who receives a diagnosis of obesity will be advised to first make a serious of lifestyle changes before any form of medical treatment is attempted. This is because, for most people, consuming a healthy diet and beginning a regime of regular exercise will be all that is needed to lose weight healthily and permanently. As results can take some time to become visible, it is often difficult to stay motivated, and for this reason many people find some form of support group helpful. If these changes are implemented but do not produce results, you may be prescribed a prescription medication such as Xenical to help produce effective results.

How can I make sure I don't become obese?

Make sure your diet is healthy and nutritionally balanced. You should monitor your intake of foods that are particularly fatty or sugary to make sure you are not consuming too much of them. Experts recommend exercising for at least half an hour every day to stay active and healthy. You should make a particular effort to do this if you have a predominantly sedentary lifestyle.

Is prescription medication a good treatment option?

If you have made the appropriate lifestyle changes and still are not seeing the anticipated results, a prescription medication like Xenical may be appropriate for you. You should bear in mind it is only prescribed to those with a BMI over 30, or between 28 and 30 if the individual has underlying health conditions.

Will prescription medications cure my obesity?

Xenical is clinically proven to help people lose weight, but it is not a magic pill and should not be used as a quick fix for obesity. It should be taken alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise for effective and long-term results.

Should I consider surgery to treat my obesity?

Surgery is usually only a last resort in terms of weight loss, due to the expense and potential risks involved. You should discuss this option in detail with your doctor.