By: Cynthia York-Camden MS, RD, LDN - Registered Dietitian in Murphysboro, IL - www.RDLink.com

If your doctor has recently labeled you as obese you may have questions about what this really means to you. Everywhere we turn these days we are hearing about the obesity epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has identified obesity as a top priority for our nation largely due to the fact that recent research shows that over 30 percent of adults over age 20 are considered obese. Getting more information about obesity can help you feel better about yourself. Learning about what obesity really means for you is an important first step towards long-term weight loss success. Understanding obesity can help you begin to work with your doctor, registered dietitian and healthcare team to find the best treatments for your situation.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a serious condition that refers to more than just a few extra pounds. It is a level of excess body fat that has been linked to a higher risk for developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and more. Your doctor may identify you as obese in an effort to help you stay healthy and live better.

How is obesity measured?

Obesity is measured using a number called Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is measured by calculating your height in meters squared over your weight. A diagnosis of Obesity may be given if the number is more than 35 but less than 40.  Using this measurement helps your doctor focus on more than just your weight because research shows that a lower BMI number has been linked with better health.

What are the limitations to using BMI to diagnosis obesity?

If you have a muscular build or are an athlete, the BMI may over estimate your level of body fat. If you are an older person who has lost lean muscle mass, BMI may underestimate your level of body fat. Talk to your doctor about whether you fall into one of these categories.  BMI may not be a valid measure for you but your doctor can use other indicators such as blood pressure, family history, waist circumference, blood cholesterol levels and gender to help you assess your risk factors and stay healthy.

What types of therapy are used to treat Obesity?

Treatment usually includes a combination of diet, exercise and behavioral therapy that needs to be adjusted to your individual needs. Drug therapy may also be useful for some patients when other therapies have failed. Patients who have a BMI greater than 35 but less than 40 (obesity) are usually not considered for weight loss surgery unless they have other health concerns (called co-morbidities). Surgery may be consider if BMI level is over 40 (Morbid Obesity). A team approach has been shown to be very effective in treatment for obesity. Evidence shows that diet and lifestyle strategies are the foundation of all types of treatment for obesity.

Evidence supports the Registered Dietitian in treatment for obesity.

Studies have shown that nutrition intervention services from registered dietitians resulted in better treatment outcomes. Dietitians are uniquely qualified to help you individualize your plan for diet and lifestyle changes. Working with a registered dietitian can help to ensure weight loss for a lifetime instead of just a quick fix. Support during the maintenance phase (after you have reached your goals) has been shown to improve long-term weight loss success. Talk to your doctor and healthcare team about working with a registered dietitian as part of your obesity treatment plan.

References:

• Overweight and obesity. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html Accessed July 3, 2009.
• Basic principles of obesity therapy slides. Obesity society. http://www.obesityonline.org/ Accessed July 3, 2009.
• Obesity. MedlinePlus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/obesity.html Accessed July 3, 2009.
• The Practical Guide: Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. October 2000, NIH Pub No 00-4084. http://nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/prctgd_c.pdf Accessed July 3, 2009.
• What is obesity? WebMD Healthy eating and diet. http://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-obesity Accessed July 3, 2009.
• Calculate your BMI. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ Accessed July 3, 2009.
• When being overweight is a health problem. Teen Health; Kidshealth from Nemours. http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/dieting/obesity.html Accessed July 3, 2009.
• Statistics related to overweight and obesity. WIN; Weight Information Network. http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/STATISTICS/ Accessed July 3, 2009.
• American Dietetic Association. Evidence supports dietitian effective in obesity treatment. http://www.webrd.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/advocacy_1551_ENU_HTML.htm Accessed July 3, 2009.

Cynthia York-Camden, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian and webmaster at http://www.RDLink.com/