Why Obesity is Common

If you’re living with obesity, you’re not alone. About a third of adults are obese, meaning their body mass index (BMI) is at least 30. Learn why so many people have this medical condition and find out how you can help yourself and your family achieve a healthy weight.

Reasons for Obesity

Many factors contribute to the obesity epidemic, like:

• Your environment and community
• Overeating
• Prevalence of high-fat, high-sugar foods with many calories
• Lack of physical activity
• Stress levels
• Smoking
• Not getting enough sleep

Childhood Obesity

Obesity tends to run in families. It can occur at any age, even in children. Childhood obesity is a serious health problem in the United States. One in five children ages 2-19 are obese. Kids who are obese are more likely to become adults with obesity and an increase in risks of severe health conditions.

Complications of Obesity

Obesity can seriously affect your health. This complex health issue is associated with the leading causes of death worldwide, like:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Certain cancers

Other health consequences of obesity include:

• Gallbladder disease
• High blood pressure
• Low quality of life
• Mental illness, such as depression and anxiety
• Pain and difficulty being physically active
• Sleep apnea

How to Manage Your Weight

Weight management is an ongoing effort. Try these tips to help manage your weight and stay active:

• Avoid unhealthy food choices, like fast food
• Create healthy habits like eating at a table instead of around a TV or device
• Get nutrition counseling
• Increase your activity level; schedule time for daily exercise
• Plan for high-nutrient snacks like fresh fruit, hummus and vegetables
• Set goals like aim to lose one to two pounds per week or walk 15 minutes each day
• Use a food diary or phone app to track and monitor your meals
• Accept setbacks; they are normal but don’t have to hold you back

To make it easier to achieve a healthy lifestyle, try starting just one of the steps above at a time. When you’ve made one positive change, begin another. Over time, the impact will add up.

When to See a Doctor

When you reach and stay at a healthy weight, it improves your overall well-being and lowers the risk of obesity-related medical complications. When cutting calories and increasing your physical activity isn’t enough, talk to your doctor about treatments that may help.