Endocrinology and nutrition

Unidad de Endocrine Neck Surgery

Consultants:

10 questions about obesity

1. What is obesity?

Obese people have an unhealthy and abnormally high percentage of body fat. To measure obesity, researchers use a formula that is based on an individual’s weight and height, known as the body mass index (BMI = weight in kg / m2). Obesity is defined as a BMI above 30.

2. Is obesity common?

It is increasing at an alarming rate. In the United States, 3 in 10 adults are obese. Europe is on the same path, but rates are not currently the same as in the United States.

3. What causes obesity?

Too much food and too little exercise are at the root of obesity. In other words, the chair is as guilty as the dish!

4. Can obesity affect our health?

Of course, obesity increases the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, vascular disease and heart attack.

5. Can obesity shorten life expectancy?

Most definitely. After smoking, obesity is the number two cause of preventable premature death. It shortens life expectancy by approximately 10 years.

6. Can obesity lead to cancer?

Obesity plays a role in up to 30% of major cancers, such as cancers of the colon, breast, endometrium, kidney, ovary and oesophagus.

7. Does obesity affect a person’s sex life?

In a recent European study, researchers found that obese women were 30% less likely to have had a sexual partner in the last year than were women of normal weight. Little difference was found between obese and non-obese men.

8. Can obesity be cured?

It is almost impossible to lose weight with diet and exercise. It is possible to lose a few pounds, but when once an individual stops dieting, all the weight comes back with a vengeance. The only permanent solution is bariatric surgery.

9. What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is an operation designed to achieve permanent weight loss. One of the newest, less-invasive techniques is the adjustable gastric band. The operation is performed with a laparoscope, so there is minimal scarring, a faster recovery time, and maximum safety and efficiency.

10. Where can I get a professional evaluation?

Our team at the Obesity Unit is made up of professionals who follow a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with various medical specialists in order to comprehensively address each patient’s condition and needs in order to provide you with the best possible outcome.