Understanding Obesity

• More than 1 in 3 adults are considered overweight. Obesity is widely considered an epidemic, and one of the greatest public health challenges of our time.
• People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for numerous chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, liver disease, sleep disorders, joint disease, asthma, as well as numerous cancers. Obesity is a significant cause of preventable death.
• It is estimated that losing just 5% body weight can save an individual with a BMI over 40 $2,137 per year.
• Obesity is the most common chronic disease in the United States. According to the CDC, about 93.3 million U.S. adults were affected by obesity from 2015-2016. Within 15 years, it is estimated that 50% of the U.S. adult population will suffer from obesity.
• Lifespan is estimated to be shorted by up to 8 years for those with a BMI greater than 40, which is comparable to the effects of smoking.

What is an Obesity Medicine Clinician?