Jan 17 2008
Obesity Weight Loss Facts
A person is considered obese when they have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30. BMI measures the body fat based on height and weight. A certain aspect of obesity is genetic but most likely is driven by cultural attitudes towards food since a growing number of people are eating poor quality calories like from fast foods.
- Bariatric surgery, which limits the amount of food that can be stuffed into the gullet, is the most effective way of reducing weight. It is remarkable since it is a 60-minute outpatient procedure which has been shown to reduce mortality rates by 30%. In a high percentage of people it can also cure hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes and lower bad cholesterol.
- Gastric bypass surgery can decrease mortality by 4%
- Only 3% of Weight Watchers’ clients have maintained their weight loss two years after stopping the program
- Low calorie and low carb diets have the highest rate of later weight gain
- Starving the body creates more stronger cravings, which can lead to binge eating
- Most successful weight losers count calories, eat smaller portions often and weigh themselves once a week
- Successful weight losers maintain their loss by consuming less than 50% of the recommended daily caloric intake
Long-term management and treatment of obesity needs to incorporate lifestyle changes which includes healthier food choices and regular exercise.
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