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Obesity
Local Practitioners
Obesity - disease or habit
The truth is out: Obesity is a chronic disease. Dr. C. Everett Coop, and other national experts just issued guidelines for obesity treatment urging physicians to take obesity seriously as a chronic illness.
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in this country. It affects over a third of the adult population, and 20 percent of teenagers. In addition to being a health risk itself, obesity caused or aggravates many other chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, adult onset diabetes and heart disease.
Obesity is defined as being 20 percent or more over ideal weight -- about 30 or 40 pounds. Unfortunately, many physicians and the general public aren't convinced that obesity is a disease. They still feel that overweight people just have to eat less and exercise, and they will be fine.
The cause or causes of obesity is still unknown. Much research is now being done and there are many studies that indicate that our genetic make-up plays a major role. However, our lifestyle is also important. Fast paced society leads to a decrease in exercise and increase in the eating of high fat foods. Treatment of this illness is still difficult and because it is chronic, lifetime treatment is needed.
Physicians interested in the treatment of this disease offer a multi-dimensional program that helps the patient not only with safe weight loss, but also with long term maintenance of that weight loss.
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Usage terms: All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen. Medical information is constantly changing and some information here may be out of date. Site users are also bound by our usage policy.
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