Disease of Obesity

Obesity is no longer treated as a mere cosmetic issue. National and international health organizations now recognize obesity as a chronic progressive disease that is caused due to genetic and environmental factors. Bariatric surgery has been established as a stellar, known, and impressive procedure to treat the condition of obesity.

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about obesity as a disease. Dedicated bariatric surgeon Dr. Wiljon Beltre provides treatments for obesity to patients in Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and surrounding communities.

Obesity Measurement

Obesity is clinically defined by measures that evaluate adiposity from body weight, body build, and height. One of the key estimates for body size is ideal body weight (IBW). The IBW table is based upon mortality data, and using this table, obesity is defined by percentage of weight in excess of IBW.

The body mass index (BMI) is another measure that defines obesity, and is considered to be more accurate than IBW. BMI usually reflects the amount of excessive body fat an adult has. Based on these measurements and other assessments, the surgeon will determine whether an individual is a candidate for bariatric surgery.

Obesity Prevalence

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), two-third of the world’s population lives in regions where obesity kills more people than underweight. Nearly half a billion adults worldwide are affected by obesity and another one billion by overweight. In the US, 34 percent of people above the age of 20 are affected by obesity and 68 percent are overweight. In the last two decades, the rate of obese people has grown at an alarming rate.

Progressive Nature of Obesity

Obesity is considered a multifactorial disease with a powerful genetic component. A variety of metabolic, hormonal, psychological, behavioral, and cultural factors promote weight gain and fat accumulation. Experienced bariatric surgeon Dr. Beltre receives patients from Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and nearby areas for obesity treatments.

Causes

A positive energy balance occurs when the calorie intake exceeds the amount of energy used by the body. This creates weight gain and eventually causes obesity.

Independent of calorific content, consumption of certain foods causes metabolic or hormonal changes that may increase body fat. Foods that are high in sugar or fructose, processed grains, fat, and processed foods are examples of such foods.

At the same time, low intake of fat fighting foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, seeds, and quality proteins add to the food intake imbalance, and contribute to obesity.

Sleep disorders, stress, and psychological distress, several types of medications, and pollutants are other causes of weight gain and obesity. Weight gain or obesity further increases obesity, which makes it a progressive disease.

Obesity-related Conditions

Obesity compromises mobility, resulting in lesser amount of calories getting burned. Emotional distress caused by weight gain can further induce hormonal changes that stimulate appetite and contribute to obesity. Sleep apnea, breathing problems, frequent urination, poorly regulated body temperature, lack of sleep, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and arthritis may be caused due to obesity.

Important Note: If the weight is regained, diabetes, and other conditions could return.

To find out more about the procedures & treatments performed by Orlando Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Wiljon Beltre, at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Call 321-499-6505 or Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.

Please note: If the weight is regained, conditions could return.