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Obesity Resource Center

Welcome to our Obesity Resource Center, a dedicated hub committed to fostering understanding, support, and effective solutions for those navigating the challenges associated with obesity.

We extend a warm embrace to everyone seeking information, guidance, and a sense of community in their journey towards improved health.

Explore a wealth of resources, from expert insights to practical tips, tailored to empower you on the path to managing and overcoming obesity. Together, let’s embark on a journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a chronic, but treatable, disease associated with excess fat. It is healthy to have some body fat. In fact, a healthy level of body fat is needed to survive. But too much fat can be harmful to your body. 

Obesity is most often measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), a calculation of body weight compared with height. Those who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 are usually considered to have obesity. However, for black women, the number is 32. 

To figure out your BMI, use this online calculator.

Alternative health metrics for Black women include Waist circumference, Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and Body impedance analysis (BIA).

How does Obesity Impact our Health

Being overweight can affect your health in many ways due to how fat cells work in your body. For example, having too many fat cells can lead to some swelling in your body called low-level inflammation.

This can cause problems for your blood vessels, muscles (even your heart), and important organs like your liver and pancreas. Inflammation might make you more likely to get certain kinds of cancer. It can also make your joints and muscles ache and can even cause sleep apnea, a condition that makes it hard to breathe at night.

Studies have shown a link between obesity and a higher risk of many health issues, including but not limited to:

Heart Disease

Excess weight or obesity is associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. All of these conditions can raise the risk of developing heart disease.

Type 2 Diabetes and Pre-diabetes

Living with excess weight can increase the risk of prediabetes and ultimately type 2 diabetes, a long-lasting condition where the body has trouble controlling how much sugar is in the blood.

Asthma

People with excess weight or obesity are 50% more likely to develop asthma. Losing 7%-8% of body weight may improve your asthma symptoms.

High Blood Pressure

People with excess weight or obesity are more likely to develop high blood pressure, another risk factor for heart disease. Losing 5%-15% or more of body weight may help lower blood pressure.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Living with excess weight can increase the risk of prediabetes and ultimately type 2 diabetes, a long-lasting condition where the body has trouble controlling how much sugar is in the blood.

High Cholesterol

People living with excess weight or obesity are more likely to have levels of cholesterol and triglycerides that are not in a normal range. Losing 5% to more than 15% of body weight can help.

What Causes Obesity?

Numerous factors can contribute to obesity

It’s easy to find ourselves cooking less and eating out more, which can sometimes mean putting on extra pounds. Many of us are used to the Western Diet, which includes lots of high-calorie processed foods, big servings, and not enough of the good stuff like fiber. By keeping an eye on our portions and making sure to include more fiber and nutritious foods like fruits and veggies, we can make strides toward a healthier weight and keep it in check.

When we don’t move around much and have a lifestyle that’s short on physical activity, we don’t burn off the calories we take in from food and drinks. Over time, this imbalance can lead to weight gain and, if left unchecked, obesity.

"Many people turn to food for comfort or as a way to cope with stress, sadness, or other emotions. This emotional eating can lead to overeating and weight gain."

"Health conditions can contribute to obesity in various ways. Some conditions, like hypothyroidism, can directly affect metabolism, leading to weight gain. Additionally, certain medications used to manage health issues, such as antidepressants or corticosteroids, can also have weight gain as a side effect."

Family history plays an important role for Black Americans. Our genes can make a difference in how likely we are to gain weight and become obese, and these genetic traits can be passed down in families. Because of this, some Black Americans might have a higher chance of being prone to obesity because of how our genes interact with our environment.

  • In the past, people had to hunt or gather their own food, so our bodies stored calories to survive when food was scarce. Even though food is more accessible now, our bodies haven’t fully adjusted to this change.
  • Special hormones and other substances in the body can affect how hungry or full we feel. Some people with obesity may not feel full, which can contribute to overeating.
  • Not getting enough sleep can also play a role in weight gain.

Although further research is needed, some evidence suggests that alterations in the gut microbiome (the microorganisms in the gut) might be linked to obesity.

Treatment options

Managing weight can be difficult, but there are several safe and effective approaches available to help. It's essential to consult your healthcare provider to determine which options may be best for you.

Making lifestyle changes to manage weight and improve overall wellness involves adopting healthy eating habits and engaging in regular physical activity. Regardless of any other recommendations your healthcare provider may offer, healthy eating and physical activity are typically essential components.

If making lifestyle changes hasn't been sufficient in managing your weight, your healthcare provider might recommend a prescription medication. These medications typically work by reducing your appetite, leading to decreased food intake. It's important to have a discussion with your provider about which medication is suitable for you, as many of them have potential side effects or might interact with other medications you're taking. Additionally, it's advisable to inquire about over-the-counter medications before using any of them.

Endoscopic procedures temporarily alter the shape or capacity of the stomach, helping you feel full more quickly and kick-starting weight loss efforts.

Obesity surgeries, such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or modified duodenal switch, are significant procedures that reduce the size of the stomach. Following these surgeries, it is important to commit to ongoing lifestyle changes and regular monitoring by your healthcare team.

Decision Tools

How to talk with your healthcare provider about weight loss and treatment options:

If you believe your weight may be affecting your health, it’s important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider about your concerns and the available options. Although it might be challenging to broach this topic, open communication with your provider is crucial for your well-being.

Don’t wait for your healthcare provider to initiate the conversation. By sharing your health status, personal history, and goals with your provider, you can collaborate to identify the best options for you.

Consider asking these questions to start the conversation.

  • Does my current weight put me at risk for health issues?
  • What health issues am I at risk for?
  • How would you recommend I try to manage my weight?
  • What should my weight loss goal be?
  • What are the next steps for me?

Describe your health concerns, including any conditions you may have.

  • Explain your health concerns, including any existing medical conditions.
  • Inform your provider about any conditions you have, as they could impact your weight or influence the best weight loss strategies for you.
  • Make sure to mention any medications you are currently using to your provider.

Explain where you are on your weight loss journey.

  • Share your weight history with your provider, including how long you’ve maintained your current weight and any fluctuations in the past.
  • Detail your past attempts to lose weight and the methods you’ve used. You may find it helpful to fill out a chart or write in your journal before your appointment and bring it with you.
  • Discuss your feelings about your weight with your provider. Although it can be challenging, it’s important for them to understand your experiences.
  • Talk about your health aspirations and future goals with your provider.

Ask what option(s) might be right for you.

Your healthcare provider will likely want to discuss and consider the following before making any recommendations:

  • Your overall health and any conditions you have.
  • Your past efforts to lose weight.
  • Your health goals.
  • Your Body Mass Index (BMI). This is calculated using your height and weight. It is a key tool that healthcare providers use to assess weight and determine suitable options for individuals.

Once your healthcare provider has a clear understanding of your health history, profile, and goals, you can collaborate to explore weight loss options that may be suitable for you.

Learn More About Obesity

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