Obesity is a serious medical condition characterized by excess body fat. You’re considered obese if you have a body mass index (BMI) or 30 or higher. BMI is a calculation that takes several factors into account, including your height and body weight. Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes obesity, but several factors may contribute, including environment, genetics, diet, and exercise choices. When left untreated, it can affect your mental and physical health and keep you from living an active life. Fortunately, with a commitment to healthy lifestyle changes, it’s possible to shed weight and keep it off. Even losing just 5-10 pounds can ease pressure on your joints and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Obesity affects people of all ages, races, and genders, but several factors increase your risk, including:

• Having a family history of obesity
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or other sugary beverages
• Eating an unhealthy diet
• Living a primarily sedentary lifestyle
• Being pregnant

Certain medical conditions also contribute to obesity, including arthritis. If your joints are swollen and painful, it’s difficult to get up and move around.

If you’re significantly overweight, you’re also more susceptible to chronic health problems like diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and digestive problems. Additionally, many people who are obese avoid going out in public due to feelings of shame or guilt. When combined with physical ailments, these issues can leave you socially isolated and depressed.

There’s no way to prevent obesity entirely, but there are things you can do to limit additional weight gain and improve your quality of life.

• Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding triggers that cause you to eat unhealthy foods
• Monitoring your weight regularly

You might also want to develop a weight management plan. By sticking to a set of established rules, it’s easier to avoid temptation and maintain a healthy weight.

To diagnose obesity, the team at Music City Primary Care conducts a physical exam, reviews your health history, and calculates your BMI. They ask about the symptoms you’re experiencing and order a series of blood tests to assess your blood sugar levels, thyroid function, and cholesterol.

Music City Primary Care uses medical weight loss management to treat obesity. This type of treatment combines prescription appetite suppressants, B-12 injections, nutritional guidance, and exercise recommendations to help you lose weight and keep it off. To learn more about diabetes treatment, make an appointment at Music City Primary Care by calling the office to speak with a friendly member of the administrative staff or by clicking the online booking tool.