Obesity - Vitality Hormone Clinic

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a complex health condition that involves having an excessive amount of body fat. It is usually defined by having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared.

Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories through food and drink than their body burns through normal metabolism and physical activity over an extended period of time. The excess calories are then stored as fat. There are many factors that can contribute to obesity, including:

• Genetics - Some people inherit a tendency to gain weight more easily. Genes can impact appetite hormones, fat storage, and metabolism.
• Lifestyle - Factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress levels play a major role. Eating high-calorie foods, not exercising enough, not sleeping well, and chronic stress can all promote weight gain over time.
• Environment - Easy access to processed high-calorie foods and sedentary lifestyles full of screen time and sitting promote obesity.
• Medications - Certain drugs like steroids, antidepressants, and seizure medications can increase appetite and calorie storage.
• Medical conditions - Diseases like hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and Cushing's disease can disrupt appetite and metabolism.
• Age - Metabolism naturally slows down with age, making it easier to gain fat.

Obesity is a serious health concern because it increases the risk for many other chronic diseases and conditions:

Condition	Risk
Heart disease and stroke	High
High blood pressure	High
Diabetes	High
Certain cancers	Moderate
Gallbladder disease	Moderate
Osteoarthritis	High
Fatty liver disease	High
Kidney disease	Moderate
Sleep apnea	High
Mental health issues like depression	Moderate

Luckily, obesity can often be improved through lifestyle changes like:

• Eating a balanced, reduced-calorie diet full of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Doing 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
• Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours per night).
• Managing stress through techniques like yoga, meditation, and therapy.
• Tracking calories and macronutrients using an app.
• Working with a dietitian or doctor for personalized advice.
• Considering prescription medications or weight loss surgery if needed.

Lifestyle Change	Benefit
Balanced diet	Promotes healthy weight loss
Regular exercise	Boosts metabolism and burns calories
Adequate sleep	Regulates appetite hormones
Stress management	Reduces emotional eating
Calorie tracking	Increases awareness of food intake
Professional guidance	Provides personalized strategies
Medical interventions	Addresses underlying health issues

The team at Vitality Hormone Clinic specializes in using bioidentical hormone therapy to help patients struggling with stubborn weight loss barriers achieve long-lasting results. Our integrative approach addresses underlying hormone imbalances that can make weight loss extremely difficult. By optimizing hormone levels, we aim to regulate appetite, boost metabolism, and promote healthy body composition.

In conclusion, obesity is a complex condition influenced by various genetic, lifestyle, environmental, and medical factors. It increases the risk for numerous chronic diseases but can often be improved through a combination of lifestyle modifications and professional guidance. The experienced providers at Vitality Hormone Clinic are dedicated to helping patients overcome hormonal obstacles to achieve sustainable weight loss and improved overall health.