An adult patient diagnosed as overweight or obese is someone age 20 or older with a bodyweight that is abnormally high for their height and age group. Being overweight or obese is considered unhealthy. For adults who are obese, simply exercising and eating healthy may not be enough to get down to and maintain a normal weight. It remains a long-term challenge for adult obese patients to achieve this, and it is recommended that they see a primary care doctor that can help them reach a healthy weight.
If you are concerned about your weight and suspect that you may be overweight or obese, try using a body mass index (BMI) calculator to determine if your weight is within the normal range.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
To calculate your BMI, measure your height and weight, divide the weight by the square of your height. For adults, a BMI that falls within the range of 18.5 to 25 is considered normal. A BMI of over 25 is overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
Why does it matter if a person is overweight or obese? It has to do with the health risks associated with both. Being overweight or obese puts you at risk of medical conditions, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Stroke
It’s important to note that the medical conditions mentioned above can also cause emotional and social problems. Patients who are overweight or obese tend to have a lower quality of life compared to people who have a normal weight.
Treatment for Obesity
While people who are overweight can shed pounds with lifestyle interventions, those who are obese may not respond well and may require a comprehensive physician-assisted program. Obesity is a medical condition that may be due to metabolic disorders. Metabolic disorders affect metabolism — how the body converts food into energy and how it eliminates waste. People who are obese may have an undiagnosed metabolic disorder that may lead to hypertension, diabetes, and more. Obesity treatments may include a combination of lifestyle intervention, medication, and surgery.
If your BMI calculation tells you that you’re either overweight or obese, it’s important to seek help from a primary care doctor. If you can, choose one with training in internal medicine, since that tells you that they’re an expert in treating diseases that affect adults.
Internal Medicine Doctor in Tucson, AZ
Dr. Robert Lending is an internal medicine doctor and clinical lipidologist who specializes in treating adult patients who are overweight or obese. Dr. Lending is an expert in diagnosing and treating patients with metabolic disorders to reduce the risk of metabolic complications. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lending, call our primary care clinic at (520) 795-4291 or fill out our online request form.
Dr. Lending also provides concierge medicine services for patients who have chronic diseases and want 24/7 access to a primary care provider. If you are interested in our concierge medicine services and have questions, let us know today.
