Obesity is on the Rise Worldwide [Video]

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. “Approximately 40% of the US adult population is obese and then severely obese is 9%,” said Dr. Maja Delibasic. The World Health Organization said 1 in 8 people worldwide are living with obesity. Worldwide adult obesity has doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled.

Obesity can lead to an increased risk for health problems. “We know that there is an independent risk for increased mortality, and then there are a lot of diseases that are obesity related such as high blood pressure, atrial fabulation, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, and arthritis,” said Dr. Delibasic.

Depression and stigma are also associated with obesity, but Dr. Delibasic said little steps can go a long way. “We definitely know by losing like 5 to 10% of your body weight, your high blood pressure is going to improve, your diabetes. You may not be able to stop all the medications, but may be from taking four blood pressure medication, you might be able to cut it down till like two.”

While medications and surgery are options, don’t underestimate the role diet and exercise can play in achieving a healthy life. “Trying to cook your own food and being in control of the sodium and content,” said Dr. Delibasic. “Diet is not something that would be a quick fix. You can be on very calorie restricted diet for like two or three weeks, but then that is not something that you can maintain lifelong.”

The CDC estimates that obese adults pay nearly $2,000 more a year in medical costs than those with healthy weights. Lee health registered dietitians offer medical nutrition therapy to help you meet your weight loss goals. You can learn more by searching for nutrition therapy on leehealth.org.

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Lee Health in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of health care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For more than 100 years, we’ve been providing our community with personalized preventative health services and primary care to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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