Weight Loss Specialist

What are the health risks of being overweight?

Being significantly overweight or obese can lead to numerous health conditions, some of which are life-threatening. Obesity in childhood often leads to lifelong health issues, and overweight adults are at an increased risk for:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Kidney disease
• Fatty liver disease
• Pregnancy complications
• Osteoarthritis

Being overweight means you may also suffer from the effects of high cholesterol, chronic pain and inflammation, and the negative psychological effects of being larger than the social norm.

How does obesity affect longevity?

In the same way that smoking takes years off your life, obesity can, too. You can determine whether you’re overweight or obese by calculating your body mass index (BMI), which considers your body fat in proportion to your weight and height. If your BMI is 25-29.9, you’re overweight, but not obese.

Scientific studies indicate that being moderately obese (with a BMI of 35-39.9) reduces your life expectancy by about three years. Severe obesity (a BMI greater than 40) can shorten your life by up to 10 years, which is equal to that of a lifelong smoker. Moderate to severe obesity also puts you at a higher risk for diseases and health conditions.

How can a medically supervised weight loss program help?

At BBC Health, the health care professionals offer a medically supervised weight loss program that’s tailored to your health and weight loss goals. Each week, you meet with your nurse practitioner who is with you every step of the way along your path to a healthier weight and overall well-being. As part of the medical weight loss program, you receive nutritional counseling so you can learn which foods and eating habits are best for your immediate and long-term weight loss goals.

You also receive an injection each week that includes a high level of vitamins. These vitamins stimulate your metabolism and give you the jump-start you need to gradually make positive changes in your life resulting in weight loss.

If you’ve struggled with losing weight and keeping it off or tried fad diets without success, a medically supervised weight loss program is an ideal solution. You’ll learn the skills necessary to make positive changes that deliver results and help you maintain a healthy weight and live a healthier lifestyle long term.

To learn more, or to take the first step on your weight loss journey, call the office or schedule a consultation using the online system.