Obesity is a major risk factor for serious medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus), high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. In fact, it is estimated that obesity accounts for 85% of the total cost of treating type 2 diabetes and 45% of the cost of treating high blood pressure. The effects of obesity are similar to 20 years of aging.
In addition, obese women are at greater risk of infertility, endometrial cancer and post-menopausal breast cancer. Childhood obesity is also increasing – 17% of the children age 6-19 are overweight and at risk for becoming obese adults, three times the rate reported in the 1970s. Children of two obese parents have an 80% to 90% chance of being obese.
Use the Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator on the right to find out your Body Mass Index ratio. You can also calculate your BMI using the following calculation:
BMI = [Weight in pounds ÷ height in inches2] x 703
Below are the obesity categories adopted in 1998 by the National Institute of Health, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute:
BMI | Classification | Level of Health Risk |
18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight | Minimal/low |
25 – 29.9 | Overweight | Increased |
30 – 34.9 | Obese | High |
35 – 39.9 | Severely Obese | Very High |
40 and up | Morbidly Obese | Extremely High |
The good news is that there are many options available to help you lose weight and keep it off. The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana can help you, whether you need to lose 15, 50, or 150 pounds*.
*no weight loss is guaranteed
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