Obesity

More than 41% of American adults struggle with obesity each year. If obesity stops you from enjoying the quality of life you deserve, Robin F. MacDougall, DO, provides comprehensive weight-loss management at My True Image in Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona. Doctor-supervised weight loss can help lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of diabetes, and improve your self-esteem. Call My True Image today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is obesity?

Obesity is a chronic disease that occurs when you carry excess fat and have a high body mass index (BMI). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies obesity as having a BMI over 30. 

While obesity may seem like a cosmetic concern, it affects every aspect of your health. Carrying too much weight puts pressure on your joints and organs. Obesity can slow many of your bodily functions, including digestion, respiration, and metabolism. 

Identifying the underlying cause of obesity is the most effective way to achieve healthy, sustainable weight loss.

What causes obesity?

While overeating and exercising too little are the basic causes of obesity, many other factors can also contribute to weight gain, such as:

• Following a high-calorie diet
• Eating foods low in protein and high in carbohydrates
• Consuming too much alcohol
• Taking certain medications

Genetics

Obesity can run in families. Genetics influences the way your body stores and distributes fat. They also affect your food cravings, appetite, lifestyle habits, and metabolism.

Hormonal conditions

One of the most common medical conditions that causes obesity is hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck. It regulates metabolism, temperature, digestion, and other bodily functions. When you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid produces too little of the hormone that controls your metabolism, leading to weight gain.

Cushing’s syndrome, a rare condition, causes an overproduction of steroid hormones. Without treatment, these hormones can make weight loss difficult.

Obesity rarely develops from a single cause. The team at My True Image works with you to identify your risk factors and create a comprehensive treatment plan.

Are there complications of obesity?

Carrying excess weight increases your risk of multiple chronic diseases and conditions, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• High cholesterol and triglycerides
• Osteoarthritis
• Respiratory infections
• Joint pain
• Certain types of cancer
• Chronic fatigue

Losing weight can help boost your energy levels, reduce your risk of chronic disease, and improve your quality of life.

What are the treatments for obesity?

The My True Image team takes a multifaceted approach to obesity treatment that may include:

• Nutritional counseling
• Lifestyle changes
• Exercise
• Vitamin injections
• Prescription medications
• Supplements
• Smoking cessation
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Call My True Image today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about obesity.